Glycolic acid treats acne, acne scars, hyperpigmentation, photodamage, dryness, melasma and age-related fine lines.
Exfoliating acids
Exfoliants such as AHA's & BHA's can help remove pigmentation superficially. They simply weaken the bonds between dead skin cells, allowing them to slough off easily. AHA such as Glycolic acid, Lactic acid & Mandelic acid can work best for Hyperpigmentation.
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“I treat hyperpigmentation regularly using a combined approach of topical treatments and procedures,” Dr. Vashi says. “Procedures include chemical peels with alpha and beta hydroxy acids, microneedling, and certain types of lasers.”
Azelaic Acid's Superpowers
Evens out skin tone: Azelaic acid takes the spotlight when it comes to reducing redness and hyperpigmentation. It's the backstage crew that ensures the show goes on without any uneven tone or blemishes.
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.
Niacinamide is generally considered more effective for hyperpigmentation as it inhibits melanin production. Glycolic acid works by increasing cell turnover to reveal newer skin. Using both can provide a powerful approach.
Glycolic acid has now become one of the most recommended skincare ingredients for hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and dullness treatment. If you are in search of the best serum for hyperpigmentation, you can choose the one that comes with glycolic acid.
The best acid for dark spots and pigmentation is alpha arbutin. 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.
Skin concerns: Because of their different modes of action, glycolic acid is generally better suited for addressing surface-level skin concerns such as hyperpigmentation, uneven skin texture, and signs of aging. Salicylic acid is better suited for addressing acne, blackheads, and other types of clogged pores.
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.
Glycolic Acid
It sloughs off dead cells to disperse surface pigment and directly inhibits melanin formation in melanocytes, contributing to a brighter complexion.
Kojic acid effectively penetrates through your skin layers and stops melanin production. This is why it is praised and readily used in hyperpigmentation treatments. The acid can also be used to prevent browning; it is a well-known and well-studied tyrosinase inhibitor.
In the clinical studies, niacinamide significantly decreased hyperpigmentation and increased skin lightness compared with vehicle alone after 4 weeks of use. Conclusions: The data suggest niacinamide is an effective skin lightening compound that works by inhibiting melanosome transfer from melanocytes to keratinocytes.
What NOT to mix with Glycolic Acid. Retinol, other AHAs/BHAs, Vitamin C: Using these ingredients alongside Glycolic Acid in the same routine could irritate the skin. However, alternating them between your morning and evening skincare routine means that you can enjoy the benefits without the risk of damaging your skin.
Q: Which ingredient works the fastest for 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.
Try: A skin-lightening ingredient like hydroquinone or cysteamine hydrochloride. Hydroquinone has been used for decades to help lighten dark spots. It's recommended for those who have stubborn melasma—you probably don't need hydroquinone if you have mild hyperpigmentation, says Dr.
Apply fresh lemon juice, baking soda paste, or aloe vera gel to the spots 2-3 times a day. The natural bleaching properties can help lighten spots quickly. Stay consistent, and for safety, do the patch test first.
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.
You should expect to see some improvement quite quickly - in 6 weeks or so, things should start to look better. But for clearance of pigmentation, you may well be looking at 6 months +, for issues like post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in acne in those with melanated skin.
Both are available over the counter and inhibit melanin production. However, Kojic acid is considered more potent and is thus a preferred choice for more stubborn hyperpigmentation.