How long does it take for retinol to work for hyperpigmentation?

Author: Oswaldo Harvey  |  Last update: Tuesday, May 3, 2022

Myth: You'll see results in 4 to 6 weeks
For over-the-counter retinol, it can take up to six months and with tretinoin up to three months for full results to be visible.

How long does retinol take to fade hyperpigmentation?

Peer reviewed studies suggest you should consult your doctor if you're not seeing any results by week 12. In patients with sun-damaged skin, improvements in the skin usually are seen within the first 3-4 weeks of treatment. Brown spots begin to fade after 6-8 weeks.

Does retinol help with hyperpigmentation?

Retinoids are useful in the treatment of hyperpigmentation because they reduce epidermal melanin by blocking the transcription of tyrosinase, induce desquamation, disperse keratinocyte pigment granules and enhance epidermal cell turnover via epidermopoiesis.

Can retinol reverse hyperpigmentation?

Topical retinols and retinoids. Vitamin A derivatives work to fade hyperpigmentation by increasing epidermal cell turnover in addition to other mechanisms. They may be available OTC (such as retinol) or prescription (such as the tretinoin available in some Curology mixes.

How often should I use retinol for hyperpigmentation?

“Using a higher level of retinol right off the bat can cause skin irritation for sure, especially if you have thinner (and therefore more sensitive) skin,” she says. “I recommend that people start using retinol two to three times a week in the beginning, increasing to nightly use if your skin can tolerate it.”

RETIN-A FOR MELASMA & HYPERPIGMENTATION|Dr Dray

How do you fade hyperpigmentation fast?

According to Ayodele, a chemical peel is also a great way to fade post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, as "it will help the skin to exfoliate quickly and fade the discolouration." Alpha-hydroxy-acids such as glycolic, lactic and mandelic acid work by dissolving the 'glue' that holds dead skin cells together, revealing ...

Why won't my hyperpigmentation go away?

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.

Can hyperpigmentation fade in 2 months?

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.

How do I know if my hyperpigmentation is permanent?

Hyperpigmentation acne may fade over time, but if the original spots were deep, it may be permanent. Although some topical and surgical therapies can speed up the fading process, it can take several months to years.

How do you know if retinol is working?

While prescription-strength retinoids may have an effect in a matter of weeks, it can take up to 6 months for OTC retinols to produce the same results. You may notice a difference in conditions like acne after 12 weeks, but sun damage and signs of aging can take much, much longer to improve.

Does hyperpigmentation get darker before it fades?

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.

How do you treat deep hyperpigmentation?

Chemical peels, laser therapy, microdermabrasion, or dermabrasion are all options that work similarly to rid skin of hyperpigmentation. These procedures work to gently remove the top layer of your skin where the dark spots lie.

Can hyperpigmentation be cured permanently?

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.

Which treatment is best for pigmentation?

8 Treatment Options for Hyperpigmentation
  • Lightening creams.
  • Face acids.
  • Retinoids.
  • Chemical peel.
  • Laser peel.
  • IPL therapy.
  • Microdermabrasion.
  • Dermabrasion.

Why does hyperpigmentation take so long to fade?

Fading Over Time

The length of time it takes for PIH to fade depends on how dark the spot is compared to the surrounding skin. The bigger the contrast between the dark area and your natural skin tone, the longer it will take to fade. PIH doesn't always fade away on its own. In some cases, it's more or less permanent.

Can drinking water help with hyperpigmentation?

Drink enough water

The benefits of staying hydrated are too many. Pooja suggests drinking at least 2-3 litres of water daily to fight pigmentation effectively.

How long does hyperpigmentation take to heal?

There is no quick fix for PIH. Even with treatment, it can take a long time for your skin to return to normal. Epidermal PIH can last for 6 to 12 months or more. Dermal PIH can take years to fade, and spots may be permanent.

Can vitamin C make hyperpigmentation worse?

When vitamin C is exposed to light it becomes unstable, the consequences include irritation, inflammation and acne. All of these can cause post inflammatory pigmentation, leaving you worse off than when you started.

How can I get rid of dark spots in 2 weeks?

Here are a couple of home remedies that can be found in the kitchen to clear dark spots in just a matter of two weeks to a month.
  1. Potatoes. Also Read. ...
  2. Buttermilk. Buttermilk fades away black spots and can do so without causing a stinging burn. ...
  3. Lemon Juice. ...
  4. Oatmeal. ...
  5. Milk. ...
  6. Aloe Vera. ...
  7. Turmeric powder. ...
  8. Tumeric Powder (Part 2)

Is there a pill for hyperpigmentation?

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.

How can I remove pigmentation permanently from my face naturally?

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.

Does vitamin C help with 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.

How can I remove pigmentation permanently?

How to Remove Pigmentation from face permanently– What are My Options?
  1. Chemical Peels for pigmentation treatment. These are treatments that to help remove the outermost layer of the skin. ...
  2. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) to reduce pigmentation. ...
  3. Pigmentations Laser. ...
  4. Sunscreen and Sun Protection Measures.

Which serum is best for hyperpigmentation?

13 Best Serums For Pigmentation Available In India
  1. Recast Vitamin C Serum. ...
  2. The Moms Co. ...
  3. The Derma Co 1% Collagen Daily Face Serum-Cream. ...
  4. Newish Skincare Vitamin C Serum. ...
  5. The Yogi Vitamin C Face Serum. ...
  6. Aspiiro Natural Vitamin C Serum. ...
  7. Dolence Clover Retinol Serum. ...
  8. Pilgrim Vitamin C Serum.

Previous article
What should I put on my face at night for acne?
Next article
Does CeraVe clog pores?