Epidermal PIH can last for 6 to 12 months or more. Dermal PIH can take years to fade, and spots may be permanent. There is also a chance new spots can show up, or that your PIH will come back again after fading.
More severe and deep pigmentation, particularly on darker skin tones is most stubborn and may take years, to fade without proper treatment. The duration can also be prolonged further due to factors like continuous sun exposure, inflammation or injury to the skin.
Most postinflammatory hyperpigmentation fades with time, although it may take many months, and some areas never fade (particularly on the legs). Avoid picking, scratching, and rubbing the areas as this can prolong the hyperpigmentation or make it worse.
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.
“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 in New York City.
Reason #1: You're Getting Too Much Sun
“Hyperpigmentation can be incredibly frustrating and tough to treat. One of the easiest things you can do at home to help with hyperpigmentation is to be vigilant with sun protection,” says Dr. Camille Howard, a board-certified dermatologist and IT Cosmetics Advisory Board Member.
PIH doesn't always fade away on its own. In some cases, it's more or less permanent. Some treatments will help. Some may not wholly erase dark marks, but they might at least lighten them considerably.
Does Hyperpigmentation Get Darker Before It Fades? Yes, sometimes, the body speeds up pigment production before the cells break down and fade. But sometimes, the dark spots can also fade without getting darker first.
Retinol benefits the skin in many ways – by stimulating cell turnover, renewing the skin, reducing sebum production and has even been proven to lighten some forms of pigmentation over time. This has resulted in retinol being increasingly touted as a solution for many skin conditions including hyperpigmentation.
How can you get rid of hyperpigmentation on the face for an even skin tone? The smart thing to do is to use a daily moisturizer that not only enhances the overall radiance of your skin, but has SPF to prevent sun damage and thus, hyperpigmentation.
PIH appears as flat spots of discoloration. These spots can be pink, red, brown, or black, depending on skin tone and the depth of the discoloration. While post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can occur anywhere on the body, it is most commonly seen on the face and neck, especially in acne-prone individuals.
PIE is distinct from PIH because PIE describes residual erythema, while PIH describes subsequent pigment change. Both PIH and PIE tend to resolve over time, thus differing from a true scar that persists. Oftentimes, patients will have any combination of PIH, PIE, and true scars.
Some forms of hyperpigmentation, such as those caused by acne, may fade within a few months, while others, like melasma, can last for years or even be permanent if not properly treated.
Mild hyperpigmentation can begin to fade within 3-6 months with consistent treatment. More aggressive treatments, such as chemical peels, may show results sooner but often require multiple sessions. Severe cases of hyperpigmentation, such as deep melasma, can take a year or more to resolve.
Exfoliating regularly can help remove dead skin cells and promote cell regeneration, which can improve the appearance of PIH. Always opt for gentle exfoliants that do not irritate the skin to avoid exacerbating skin inflammation and pigmentation.
Conclusions: Full-face iontophoresis of vitamin C appears to be an effective short-term treatment for melasma and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. A protocol of strict sun avoidance in combination with a mandelic/malic acid skin care regimen appears to be useful in maintaining the improvement.
Vitamin C is great for all skin types, especially people who experience hyperpigmentation. Because it is unstable, it is typically paired with vitamin E when creating topical skincare formulations. This combination of vitamin C and vitamin E limits chronic UV damage.
The CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum has multiple benefits that address various skin concerns. A few key benefits you may note when using the retinol serum daily: Helps to reduce hyperpigmentation and post-blemish dark spots. Promotes the cell renewal process, helping skin look brighter.
Unlike fat-soluble vitamins, it doesn't require food or specific timing to work effectively. However, some people may want to avoid taking it before bed: If you have acid reflux or a sensitive stomach – Vitamin C, especially in high doses, can increase stomach acidity, and lead to mild heartburn or nausea.