In the case of pigmentation, the melanin production is in balance, leading to an even and natural skin tone. However, with hyperpigmentation, there is an overproduction of melanin in specific areas, resulting in darker patches or spots.
The three main types include age spots, melasma, and post-inflammatory trauma. Post-inflammatory trauma can result from an injury, sun exposure, or a skin condition, such as acne.
Pigmentation disorders involve hypopigmentation, depigmentation, or hyperpigmentation. Affected areas may be focal or diffuse. In hypopigmentation, pigment is decreased, whereas in depigmentation, pigment is completely lost, leaving white skin.
A number of factors can trigger an increase in melanin production, but the main ones are sun exposure, hormonal influences, age and skin injuries or inflammation. Sun exposure is the number one cause of hyperpigmentation as it's sunlight that triggers the production of melanin in the first place.
“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.
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.
The hyperpigmentation related to vitamin B12 deficiency is more common in darker-skinned patients. Few other cases of skin hyperpigmentation due to vitamin B12 deficiency have been reported in the literature. The mechanism of hyperpigmentation is due to increased melanin synthesis rather than a defect in melanin.
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. Treatment for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation often involves more than one method.
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.
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.
It appears as irregular patches of tan, brown or brown-gray pigmentation, usually on the face. Melasma is more common in women than men because of hormonal changes, and it occurs more often during pregnancy. Other common triggers include sun exposure and medications like as oral contraceptives.
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.
Green Tea
Green tea contains antioxidants, particularly catechins, which may help protect the skin from damage caused by UV rays. Sipping on this tea can help reverse signs of aging and reduce the impact of pigmentation on topical application.
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.
Turmeric inhibits the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for dark spots and other kinds of hyperpigmentation. With regular use, a turmeric-based product can help these blemishes fade away naturally to give skin a more even-toned appearance!
For those looking to reduce pigmentation on the face, our vitamin C serum is expertly formulated to help visibly reduce hyperpigmentation. Our CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum for Anti-Ageing is enriched with 10% pure vitamin C to visibly brighten and even out your skin tone.
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.
You aren't wearing the right sunscreen
Using sunscreen regularly is very important. At the same time getting the right sunscreen is also important. Dermatologists recommend one with SPF 30 and more to prevent skin pigmentation.