Dermatologists also recommend treating hyperpigmentation acne early. Early treatment can speed up the process of fading. People using treatments for hyperpigmentation acne should be aware that fading can take time. Some spots may fade without treatment, but this can take 6–12 months.
Start with topical OTC whitening creams. “Treatments containing ingredients like vitamin C, licorice root, and kojic acid help reduce hyperpigmentation by inhibiting tyrosinase, an enzyme responsible for the formation of skin-darkening melanin," says Ni'Kita Wilson, a cosmetic chemist.
Some cases of hyperpigmentation may never go away completely. If hyperpigmentation is caused by injury, then as the skin heals the discoloration will lessen as melanin is absorbed into the tissue surrounding the injury.
The good news is PIH will eventually go away, even if left untreated. Since these spots are caused by melanin production, the affected skin will shed like all skin cells. On its own, PIH will generally resolve within two years.
It helps fade hyperpigmentation
Vitamin C inhibits melanin synthesis by downregulating the activity of an enzyme known as tyrosinase. It's widely used in dermatology for depigmentation of hyperpigmented spots on the skin.
Azelaic acid is another medication used to treat acne and PIH. 1 It works by decreasing inflammation and speeding up cell turnover rates. People sometimes use azelaic acid along with glycolic acid or tretinoin. Some studies have shown azelaic acid to be as effective as hydroquinone at treating hyperpigmentation.
Aloe vera contains aloin, a natural depigmenting compound that has been shown to lighten skin and work effectively as a nontoxic hyperpigmentation treatment, according to a 2012 study. To use: Apply pure aloe vera gel to pigmented areas before bedtime. Rinse using warm water the next morning.
Mix apple cider vinegar and water in equal parts in a container. Then, apply it to your dark patches and leave on two to three minutes. Rinse using lukewarm water. Repeat the application twice a day to achieve the desired results.
L-cysteamine is a topical antioxidant that effectively evens hyperpigmentation. You can get it from some doctors' offices or online by prescription. Tranexamic acid can be taken as a pill or applied as a topical to improve melasma. It's an option for people who don't see improvement with other forms of therapy.
Hyperpigmentation is a harmless skin condition that people can get rid of using removal techniques such as cosmetic treatments, creams, and home remedies.
What It Does: This potent antioxidant interferes with the production of pigment in the skin, fading dark spots. When You'll See Results: Once you add vitamin C to your skincare regimen, you may start seeing noticeable improvements in three weeks. It can help significantly fade hyperpigmentation in about two months.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is a characteristic of acne, and benzoyl peroxide does little to help. It can create significantly more hyperpigmentation, especially in medium to darker skin because of the irritation that it can cause.
Salicylic acid decreases postacne hyperpigmentation by its anti-inflammatory effects. Ahn and Kim[18] found salicylic acid to have a whitening effect on the skin as well. Mandelic acid also has a beneficial effect in improving skin pigmentation.
Hyperpigmentation within the dermis has a blue-gray appearance and may either be permanent or resolve over a protracted period of time if left untreated.
Turmeric works amazingly well to treat dark spots and patches. Combined with other potent skin lightening ingredients, it can work really fast to fade acne scars and dark spots. Interestingly, an extract from turmeric, called tetrahydrocurcumin, is now a main ingredient in dark spot clearing creams.