Retinoids: retinol and prescription retinoids like Tretinoin can help treat rebound hyperpigmentation and prevent another relapse. Pigment suppressors: if the rebound hyperpigmentation was caused by abruptly stopping alpha arbutin or hydroquinone, then your doctor may recommend restarting these.
How is post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation treated? Most cases resolve spontaneously without any treatment. Cosmetic camouflage (such as cosmetic foundations and concealers) can be helpful in disguising the difference in skin colour until recovery is complete.
In regards to clinical findings, drug-induced pigmentation varies from other causes of pigmentation. The most crucial distinction is that when the treatment with the drug stops, the pigmentation also begins to fade. For example, with the discontinuation of paclitaxel, the pigmentation also resolves shortly thereafter.
The fastest way to get rid of hyperpigmentation is through dermatologist treatments such as chemical peels, microneedling, and laser treatments. In some cases, you can expect to see results within just a day or two.
Although post inflammatory hyperpigmentation can gradually diminish over time as part of the skin's natural healing process, but this is generally a slow journey. In general, PIH can take months or even years to fade depending on how deep it is, especially if left untreated.
“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.
Tranexamic acid has also found to inhibit tyrosinase activity to reduce hyperpigmentation. Tyrosinase is an enzyme that catalyzes the first step of melanin synthesis from the protein tyrosine. This mechanism of action of tranexamic acid leads to a slowed melanin synthesis and lightened hyperpigmentation.
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.
Patients should be encouraged to avoid picking or irritating affected areas, as trauma can exacerbate postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. Sunscreen is essential, as ultraviolet exposure can worsen pigmentation and prolong healing; daily broad-spectrum sunscreen use should be a foundational part of treatment.
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.
Products containing low concentrations of the active ingredient azelaic acid are available over the counter. But for treating P.I.H., stronger, prescription-only formulas are recommended, like Skinoren 20% cream and Finacea 15% gel.
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.
Three of the best vitamins for lightening dark spots are vitamin C, vitamin B12, and vitamin E. Vitamin C helps your skin produce more collagen while inhibiting the formation of melanin. Vitamin B12 also promotes collagen formation while supporting the growth of new skin cells.
1) Counters moderate to severe post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) Azelaic acid has a bias towards the abnormal (hyperactive) melanocytes, which produce an excess of melanin and cause dark patches, spots, or marks on the skin.
CO2 Laser Resurfacing is the most effective non-surgical method to improve the appearance of your skin overall and hyperpigmentation specifically. It uses highly specialized lasers to remove dead and damaged skin cells and stimulate collagen production.
As sun exposure worsens hyperpigmentation it is important to protect the skin with sunscreen on a daily basis. Treatment often begins with a skin care regimen composed of a daily sunscreen, moisturizers, and skin care brighteners.
Topical therapy is the recommended first-line treatment, with the gold standard being hydroquinone, which can be used alone or in combination with other agents.
With proper care and the right treatments, epidermal hyperpigmentation can fade over time and may not be permanent. Dermal Hyperpigmentation: Dermal hyperpigmentation goes deeper into the skin, making it more challenging to treat. It may take longer to see results, and in some cases, it can be more persistent.