Hyperpigmentation is a general term for any skin condition that covers a large area and causes dark patches to appear. It occurs when the skin produces excess melanin, a natural substance that gives your skin color. A dark mark (or dark spot) is a specific area that appears darker than the surrounding skin.
Uneven skin pigmentation (or hyperpigmentation as it is often known) is a common skin complaint. Dark spots – known as age spots or sun spots – or dark patches of skin frequently appear on the face, hands and other parts of the body regularly exposed to the sun.
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.
If you want to try an over-the-counter fade cream, choose one that contains hydroquinone, glycolic acid or kojic acid. Some products, especially those that contain hydroquinone, may cause skin irritation. You could also apply makeup to help make age spots less noticeable.
For dark circles and dark spots: Use a peach color corrector if you have fair skin, or a deeper orange shade if you have medium to dark skin. For sallowness: Balance out unwanted warmth with a lavender color corrector.
FAQs about treating dark spots
A: Hydroquinone (available by prescription) is one of the most potent options, but retinol, vitamin C, and glycolic acid also deliver visible results with consistent use.
Topical therapies (creams and lotions applied to the skin) are the most common treatment option for hyperpigmentation. Combination therapy, in which multiple topical treatments are used together, is usually most effective in treating hyperpigmentation. The most common cause of hyperpigmentation is sun exposure.
Alpha arbutin helps reduce melanin production, fade existing dark spots and prevent new ones from forming, making it a highly effective ingredient for addressing pigmentation issues. You can also use other face serums like azelaic acid, and vitamin C for pigmentation.
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 deficiency of vitamin B12 can cause specific skin manifestations, such as hyperpigmentation, vitiligo, angular stomatitis, and hair and nail changes [1].
Fortunately, there are natural remedies you can try at home, such as aloe vera, lemon juice, and turmeric, to help reduce the appearance of dark spots. Those dark spots occur when your skin produces more melanin, which gives your skin its color.
Hyperpigmentation may be sun damage and sun spots if you have a history of chronic sun exposure and tanning. Melasma often presents as broad patches of discoloration, whereas sun spots and other forms of hyperpigmentation may look like small circles or focused dots.
Glutathione injections work by inhibiting the enzyme tyrosinase, which is responsible for melanin production in the skin. This action reduces melanin formation, resulting in a lighter skin tone over time.
There's also evidence that it may help manage dry skin, acne, and age spots, among other conditions. ACV is generally safe to use, but it does come with a risk of irritation or worsening skin symptoms, especially for people with sensitive skin or skin conditions.
According to Dr. Eric Howell, to fade hyperpigmentation fast, your dermatologist can prescribe a triple combination cream consisting of hydroquinone, tretinoin and a topical corticosteroid sold under the brand name Tri-Luma, or can be also purchased via a compounding pharmacy.
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.
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.
Brightening and Even Skin Tone (4-8 weeks): With continued use, you may start noticing a more noticeable improvement in your skin's brightness and a reduction in the appearance of dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and discoloration.
Best Overall: Skinceuticals Discoloration Defense
Glamour staffers have tested dozens of Skinceutical products and overwhelmingly give the brand's products rave reviews. Derms agree that if you're targeting dark spots from the sun, acne, or medical procedures, you can't go wrong with this one.
If you want to get rid of dark spots fast, a procedure that removes layers of discolored skin may work better than a lightening cream. These techniques include laser treatments, freezing (cryotherapy), dermabrasion, microdermabrasion, microneedling, and chemical peels.
Use a yellow color corrector if you have any purple discoloration, such as dark spots or violet-toned dark circles. Yellow can help counteract the purple tint, leaving you with a more even-looking skin tone.