What is the first line treatment for hyperpigmentation?

Author: Melyssa Hauck  |  Last update: Wednesday, January 7, 2026

Azelaic acid (Finacea), dexamethasone, salicylic acid, glycolic acid peels, retinoids, and laser treatments are sometimes helpful as monotherapy. Initial treatment with hydroquinone followed by serial chemical peels may be useful in chronic hyperpigmentation.

What is the number one treatment for hyperpigmentation?

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.

What is the drug of choice for hyperpigmentation?

Topical treatments include hydroquinone, azelaic acid, corticosteroids, tretinoin cream, GA, and trichloroacetic acid. Skin whitening products are used for clinical treatment of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation.

What is the fastest way to cure hyperpigmentation?

Treatment
  1. Retinols. Retinols chemically exfoliate your skin and help block the receptors that regulate how much pigment comes out of the skin. ...
  2. Chemical peel. Chemical peels can help over time if the hyperpigmentation is related to sun exposure. ...
  3. Prescription medications. ...
  4. Laser therapies.

What do dermatologists prescribe for hyperpigmentation?

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 Best Laser Treatments for Hyperpigmentation | Dr. Sam Ellis

What pill gets rid of hyperpigmentation?

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.

What really fades hyperpigmentation?

“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.

Which serum is best for pigmentation and dark spots?

  • 4.7|14. AD. RAS LUXURY OILS. Advanced Booster Serum - 10 ml. ...
  • 4.3|107. AD. FIXDERMA. ...
  • 4.3|186. The Derma co. Pigmentation Corrector Serum. ...
  • 4.4|5. Dermatouch. Bye Bye Pigmentation Serum. ...
  • 4.4|77. AD. Hyphen. ...
  • 4.1|34. Dermatouch. Bye Bye Pigmentation Serum. ...
  • 4.2|25. SUGANDA SKINCARE. Advanced Pigmentation Serum. ...
  • 4.4|9.4k. AD. Ponds.

What can permanently remove hyperpigmentation?

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.

What is the new medication for skin pigmentation?

Abstract. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized Ruxolitinib (Opzelura), as first at-home treatment for non-segmental vitiligo, an autoimmune condition that causes spots and patches of paler skin.

What can doctors prescribe for pigmentation?

Targeted Skin Pigmentation Treatments London

Topical treatments, such as hydroquinone, retinoids, corticosteroids, azelaic acid and ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) and/or oral medications may also be prescribed.

Which medicated cream is best for hyperpigmentation?

Hydroquinone cream: a topical cream that can be prescribed to help lighten areas of hyperpigmentation. Tretinoin (Retin-A): a topical retinoid for skin lightening. Vitamin-C serum: a powerful antioxidant to address areas of pigmentation. Glycolic Acid: a chemical exfoliant that helps to boost skin cell turnover.

What is the best professional treatment for pigmentation?

How to treat Pigmentation
  • Observ Skin Analysis. ...
  • cosmelan® ...
  • Fraxel Laser. ...
  • Laser for Pigment. ...
  • MediPeels. ...
  • MesoInfus™ Needling. ...
  • Microneedling. ...
  • Skincare.

What is the best body cream for hyperpigmentation?

Eucerin Anti-Pigment Body Cream is a clinically tested body cream that effectively targets hyperpigmentation and helps reduce the appearance of dark spots. It is formulated with Thiamidol to support your skin's natural radiance.

What fades dark spots the fastest?

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.

What serum gets rid of hyperpigmentation?

Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA is a water-based serum specifically designed to target uneven skin tone and dark spots. It combines a high concentration of purified alpha arbutin, a well-known skin-brightening ingredient, with hyaluronic acid. Purified alpha-arbutin works to visibly even skin tone and improve skin radiance.

Which acid is best for dark spots and pigmentation?

Salicylic acid

It contains anti-inflammatory effects that help with post-acne pigmentation. It is an exfoliating agent that removes dark spots and acne-causing bacteria along with dead skin cells that can lead to pigmentation. However, you need to be patient while using salicylic acid to treat hyperpigmentation.

How do I get rid of hyperpigmentation ASAP?

The fastest way to get rid of hyperpigmentation is through dermatologist treatments such as chemical peels, microneedling, and laser treatments.

What worsens hyperpigmentation?

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.

Which is the most effective cream for pigmentation?

Some of the best creams for pigmentation in India include Kojic Acid and Vitamin C Cream (₹95) and Zeeglow Glycolic Acid, Arbutin, and Kojic Acid Cream (₹149). These creams are effective in reducing dark spots and evening out skin tone.

What permanently lightens hyperpigmentation?

Treatment: Ingredients like hydroquinone, tretinoin, tazarotene, glycolic acid, azelaic acid, niacinamide, tranexamic acid, thiamidol, kojic acid, and vitamin C are highlighted for their roles in treating hyperpigmentation by lightening dark spots and promoting an even skin tone.

Which is better for hyperpigmentation, vitamin C or niacinamide?

Both ingredients can fade hyperpigmentation and increase collagen production. Vitamin C (depending on the percentage) can be more harsh for sensitive skin types. Or, you might want to use niacinamide if you have acne-prone skin, and leverage Vitamin C for fading post-acne marks and dark spots.

What drugstore product is best for dark spots?

  • SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense. $110. ...
  • La Roche Posay MelaB3 Serum. $45. ...
  • Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair Dark Spot Corrector. $18. ...
  • CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum. $19. ...
  • Revision C+ Correcting Complex 30. $185. ...
  • Hyper Skin Brightening Clearing Vitamin C Serum. $36. ...
  • Versed Weekend Glow Daily Brightening Solution. $10. ...
  • Dr.

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