Areas of hyperpigmentation might also fade on their own without treatment. To help speed up the process, there are several different types of topical medication that can reduce PIH skin spots: Skin lighteners such as hydroquinone and azelaic acid to help reduce melanin production.
Azelaic acid is another medication used to treat acne and PIH. 12 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.
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.
Reducing Inflammation
Inflammation is another common cause of hyperpigmentation, especially post-acne or injury. Vitamin C's anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce redness and irritation, which prevents the formation of dark spots caused by inflammation, such as PIH.
The choice should come down to what you're looking to do for your skin. While vitamin C is most notable for helping to brighten and improve hyperpigmentation, retinol is typically considered best-in-class for wrinkles and fine lines.
Common inflammatory diseases that result in postinflammatory hyperpigmentation include acne excoriée, lichen planus, systemic lupus erythematosus, chronic dermatitis, and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, especially erythrodermic variants.
Vitamin C can help reduce hyperpigmentation and even out skin tone, with noticeable results in as little as 3-4 weeks.
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.
Postinflammatory hyperpigmented patches are located at the site of the original disease after it has healed. The lesions range from light brown to black in colour. The patches may become darker if exposed to sunlight (UV rays).
This occurs because azelaic acid can inhibit the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color. While this can be beneficial for treating hyperpigmentation and dark spots, it may cause uneven skin tone if not monitored carefully.
Yes, PIE can fade naturally over time, but it may take several months to years depending on its severity and how well the skin is cared for. Treatment can accelerate the healing process.
First-line therapy typically consists of topical depigmenting agents in addition to photoprotection including a sunscreen. Topical tyrosinase inhibitors, such as hydroquinone, azelaic acid, kojic acid, arbutin, and certain licorice extracts, can effectively lighten areas of hypermelanosis.
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.
“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.
In the absence of SPF, you may notice at times that your skin is easily tanned. Either tan or your skin may have turned into a funny orange or peach-ish color. It is because Vitamin C is extremely potent but it can easily react with the air, light and heat in the environment to only make your skin appear darker.
Epidermal: Epidermal melasma has a dark brown color, a well-defined border, appears obvious under black light and sometimes responds well to treatment. Dermal: Dermal melasma has a light brown or bluish color, a blurry border, appears no differently under black light and doesn't respond well to treatment.
Treating the underlying cause of acanthosis nigricans can make the dark patches of skin fade or even disappear. This can mean stopping any medicine that's causing the problem or treating diabetes and other health conditions. Losing weight will help acanthosis nigricans fade.
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.
Many people use apple cider vinegar on the skin to try and lighten unwanted pigmentation. Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, which may act as a mild chemical peel in some cases.
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.