Chemical exfoliants with acidic ingredients like glycolic, salicylic, and lactic acid are ideal for managing hyperpigmentation. They help with resurfacing, declogging, and brightening skin, and can aid in evening out dark areas of the face, neck, or chest.
Hyperpigmentation is when the skin becomes highly pigmented and appears darker than usual. This results in dark spots. Acne, eczema, wound healing, and sun exposure can all cause hyperpigmentation. A form of hyperpigmentation called melasma typically occurs with hormonal changes.
How long does it take for hyperpigmentation to fade? Once what's causing the dark spots or patches is found and stopped, fading can take time. A spot that is a few shades darker than your natural skin color will usually fade within 6 to 12 months. If the color lies deep in your skin, however, fading can take years.
Hydroquinone is considered by many to be the gold standard treatment for pigmentation. “Hydroquinone blocks the production of pigmentation by inhibiting tyrosinase,” explains Dr Jack, adding that it does so in a particularly potent way.
In this case, turning to dermatological procedures will work as the fastest way to get rid of hyperpigmentation. Chemical peels, laser therapy, microdermabrasion, or dermabrasion are all options that work similarly to rid skin of hyperpigmentation.
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.
Hyperpigmentation is a harmless skin condition that people can get rid of using removal techniques such as cosmetic treatments, creams, and home remedies.
Pigmentation loss as a result of skin damage: If you've had a skin infection, blisters, burns, or other trauma to your skin, you may have a loss of pigmentation in the affected area. The good news with this type of pigment loss is that it's frequently not permanent, but it may take a long time to re-pigment.
The discoloration may stem from hereditary factors such as freckles or trauma to the skin, medication, or hormones. The shape and color vary depending on the cause, but it typically appears tan or brown, blue-gray, or black. Hyperpigmentation can occur anywhere on the body.
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.
This increases the concentration of melanin in the epidermis, creating a temporary darkening of the spots. So, the darkening is what you want to see. It means the pigment is coming up and is ready to be shed away. You might be tempted at this point to over-exfoliate in an attempt to speed up the process even more.
In a nutshell, hydroquinone blocks the production of melanin in our skin. It is also a highly effective ingredient that can whiten the skin, fade the dark spots, and even your skin tone.
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.
Called melasma, this condition is believed to be treatable through the use of topical vitamin E. Studies show that hyperpigmentation may be only moderately affected by using topical vitamin E oil. The most effective way to use vitamin E to treat hyperpigmentation is to pair it with vitamin C.
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.
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.
For skin lightening, a high dose of 1000mg to 3000mg is recommended. Even your body produces glutathione from amino acids. Take a high dose of 1,000 – 3,000 mg of Vitamin C daily either through supplements or fruits.
Some foods contain chemical hormones that can aggravate hormone-triggered hyperpigmentation. Examples of foods that contain potentially hyperpigmentation-causing hormones are soy products, black beans, flaxseed and chickpeas, all of which contain estrogen.
Potatoes are known for their anti-pigmentation properties.
Then, rub this slice of potato on the affected areas in circular motion for about 10 minutes. Wash your face with lukewarm water. Repeat this procedure twice or thrice in a week to get rid of dark patches of the skin.
It takes about four weeks on average for the ingredient to take effect. It may take several months of consistent use before you see full results. If you don't see any improvements within three months of OTC use, talk to your dermatologist.