This means that retinoids may not be the best first-line treatment. In one study, triple combination therapy used with cryotherapy enhanced resolution of solar lentigines and was well tolerated.11 Retinoids such as tazarotene (0.1% cream), tretinoin (0.025% to 0.05%), and adapalene gel (Differin, 0.1% or 0.3%) may reduce hyperpigmentation, but evidence is limited.1 Adapalene 0.1% gel has been approved for over-the-counter sale by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. A person can consider the following pros and cons of this product: SkinMedicas serum claims to correct the appearance of hyperpigmentation, improve skin texture, and prevent new dark spots from developing. Derived from a type of fungus, kojic acid is considered a natural bleaching agent. If you have scars or albinism, there's no treatment available. Treatment for cosmetic reasons can help you improve your self-image or self-esteem. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Acral or acrofacial vitiligo typically involves the face and distal extremities (the so-called lip-tip pattern). Hyperpigmentation is a medical term used to describe darker patches of skin from excess melanin production. Hypopigmentation results from a reduction of melanocytes or an inability of the melanocytes to produce melanin or properly transport melanosomes. These treatments are particularly effective in people with darker skin and in addressing hyperpigmentation from causes such as sun damage. (n.d.). Face acids, or skin acids, work by exfoliating, or shedding, the top layer of your skin. We include products we think are useful for our readers. (2016). Individuals can apply one pump in the morning and evening to their face, neck, chest, or other areas. It affects all skin types and is generally considered a cosmetic condition, but it can cause significant psychological distress, particularly in black patients, prompting requests for treatment. The section below describes some common treatments that can help lighten skin affected by hyperpigmentation. Search dates: September 2015 and June 2017. Talk to your dermatologist about your options for over-the-counter (OTC) and professional treatment. Mercury poisoning linked to skin products. The company states that individuals can apply this serum in the morning or evening when their skin is dry. Hyperpigmentation: What Causes Skin to Darken? - Healthline Retinoids are compounds made from vitamin A. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/wrinkles/in-depth/wrinkle-creams/ART-20047463, Ngan V. (2004). OTC versions remove the epidermis only. Below are some of the top frequently asked questions about hyperpigmentation. There are two common types of vitiligo: segmental and nonsegmental (i.e., localized and generalized). MedlinePlus. It usually requires multiple sessions. Topical treatments for postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. Melasma: Diagnosis and treatment. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. For example, if your hyperpigmentation was caused by a hormone imbalance, treating that imbalance may stop the process of hyperpigmentation, and any existing dark areas may fade with time after treatment. Ludmann P. (2022). All rights reserved. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. We link primary sources including studies, scientific references, and statistics within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. Read on to learn more about how you can fade this form of hyperpigmentation with OTC products, prescription creams, and more. Targets only the affected areas of the skin and not surrounding tissues. kojic acid. Microdermabrasion works best on superficial scars. Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation and Acne. They can use the serum in the morning and evening after cleansing the skin. It's determined by the amount and type of melanin, a pigment made by specialized skin cells known as melanocytes. Ephelides (freckles) are small, 1- to 2-mm, sharply defined macular lesions of uniform color, most often found on the face, neck, chest, arms, and legs. Skin tone can play a role in the intensity and length of hyperpigmentation treatments. Ablative lasers are the most intense, and they involve removing layers of your skin. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. You may need multiple sessions to achieve your ideal result. Where on Your Body Can Treatment Take Place? (See also Overview of Pigmentation Disorders .) Risk of ochronosis (blotchy hyperpigmentation) with typical hydroquinone formulations (2% to 4%) is rare. Hydroquinone is effective but can cause hypersensitivity and acneiform eruptions. Talk with your dermatologist about your individual risks. by Hannah Cassidy. Author disclosure: No relevant financial affiliations. https://www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/CentersOffices/OfficeofMedicalProductsandTobacco/CDER/ucm203112.htm, Hyperpigmentation. Multiple light and laser modalities are also effective, but they are more likely to cause postinflammatory hyperpigmentation and usually require dermatologic referral.1 Figures 5a and 5b show solar lentigines before and after laser treatment. Wrinkle creams: Your guide to younger looking skin. Chemical peels for melasma in dark-skinned patients. You can't prevent every type of skin discoloration. See permissionsforcopyrightquestions and/or permission requests. Its also important to note that retinoids are more often used to treat wrinkles than hyperpigmentation. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. 2014;7(8):13-17. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. How to fade dark spots in skin of color. Topical antifungal agents and topical adapalene (Differin) gel are effective treatments for tinea versicolor. Topical therapies for solar lentigines are the most consistently effective treatments. Some of . Melasma Laser Treatment: Pros, Cons, and Effectiveness - Verywell Health Hypopigmentation: What It Is, Causes & Treatment - Cleveland Clinic Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is an area of darker skin after a pimple or wound heals. A variety of topical treatments are available to lighten/bleach hyperpigmented lesions in epidermal . No matter which acid you choose, know that peel versions contain higher concentrations than OTC serums and creams. They should also use it before applying moisturizer. Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation presents as irregular, darkly pigmented skin at sites of previous injury or inflammation, as a consequence of laser or light therapy, or following cryotherapy. Inflammation Skin trauma such as acne, eczema, bug bites, cuts, scrapes, even scratching or friction from, say, vigorous rubbing can set off inflammation. Wunsch A, Matuschka K. A controlled trial to determine the efficacy of red and near-infrared light treatment in patient satisfaction, reduction of fine lines, wrinkles, skin roughness, and intradermal collagen density increase. Brief cryotherapy (less than five seconds) with repeated treatments is preferred over more intense one-time treatment. This product may benefit individuals with combination, dry, or sensitive skin types. However, if your skin discoloration was caused by some other medical disorder, like Addison's disease, you may need other treatments to see your hyperpigmentation improve. Common ingredients found in OTC lightening products include: Lightening creams or gels work best for flat spots, such as melasma or age spots. High-potency topical corticosteroids (betamethasone 0.1% or fluocinonide 0.05% ointment) and topical calcineurin inhibitors (tacrolimus [Protopic] and pimecrolimus [Elidel]) are mainstays for localized treatment of limited vitiligo. https://www.asds.net/Acne-Scars/, Alpha hydroxy acids. Possible risks with both at-home and in-office chemical peels include: If youre out in the sun on a regular basis, chemical peels may not be the best treatment option for you. These include customer reviews, skin type, and ingredients. https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/acne-scars.html, Chemical peels. No matter what treatment you ultimately choose, its important to protect your skin from further sun damage and hyperpigmentation. However, this study is not easily accessible online, and more research is needed to back up this claim. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Heres our process. There's an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) for everything: reducing fine lines and wrinkles, color correction, acne prevention, and more. Lesions of the head and neck tend to be most responsive to treatment; lesions on the extremities and genitalia tend to be more recalcitrant. Vitiligo is an immune-mediated skin condition resulting in a loss of pigmentation (Figure 81 and Figure 9). The diagnosis is often clinical, with confirmation by microscopy using potassium hydroxide preparation. Higher concentrations can increase your risk of side effects and are best left to professional peels performed in-office. Its possible to have both hyperpigmentation and scars left over from a breakout, but these are two different skin concerns requiring very different treatment approaches. How much do hyperpigmentation treatments cost? We avoid using tertiary references. If you have multiple skin concerns, you may be interested in trying: A chemical peel uses acids at stronger concentrations to treat the desired area of skin. Treatment consists of topical (e.g., hydroquinone, retinoids) and ablative (e.g., chemical peels, cryotherapy, intense pulsed light, lasers) therapies. Dark spots and patches can be a challenge to treat. All rights reserved. Retinoid is a general term used to describe a number of products derived from vitamin A. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Solar lentigines result from a local mild proliferation of basal melanocytes from acute and chronic ultraviolet exposure, and subsequent increase in melanization. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. In addition to addressing the underlying condition, hyperpigmentation is treated with topical agents, chemical peels, cryotherapy, light or laser therapy, or a combination of these methods. "Hyper" means more, and "pigment" means color. See additional information. You may find it more beneficial to look for the ingredient in combination products. The affected areas may simply look like freckles or age spots. However, using the right treatment can help speed up the healing process. Hyperpigmentation occurs when the skin produces excess melanin natural pigmentation found mostly in the skin. Daytime. More than six lesions (5 mm or larger prepubertal or 15 mm or larger postpubertal) should raise suspicion for tuberous sclerosis, neurofibromatosis, Albright syndrome, or Fanconi anemia. Chemical peel. Excessive unprotected sun exposure may be a trigger. Although OTC products are often more affordable, they typically dont produce the same results as professional microdermabrasion. The cost of your treatment will depend on what type of therapy you are using, and what type of medical coverage you have. When looking at treatment options, it is important to opt for one that will not exacerbate hyperpigmentation, as Black skin is vulnerable to any type of trauma. Sarkar R, Bansal S, Garg VK. Trauma to the skin, medication, hormones, and sun exposure can cause . The table below provides a comparison of each of the products included in this article. Whenever you exfoliate your skin, new skin cells emerge to take the place of the old ones. Hydroquinone. Hyperpigmentation: Types, treatment, and causes - Medical News Today Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. Hyperpigmentation is a condition that causes patches of skin to darken in color. If youre looking for a professional-grade peel to use at home, consider a glycolic acid peel from Exuviance. Sunscreens are universally recommended to prevent worsening of melasma from further sun exposure. Is hyperpigmentation the same thing as scarring? Some treatments, like laser therapy or chemical peels, are intended to have more long-lasting effects. Niacinamide is an ingredient made from niacin (vitamin B-3). Although many chemical peels are available OTC, you might consider getting a professional-grade peel at your dermatologists office. This issue is more common in people with medium to dark skin tones but it can happen to anyone. Its often used in combination with other ingredients as an anti-aging treatment for wrinkles and uneven skin tone. While niacinamide may be useful if you have both wrinkles and hyperpigmentation, it likely wont treat the latter concern on its own. These are specialized treatments that must be performed by a dermatologist or other licensed professional. This can be caused by everything from acne scars and sun damage to hormone fluctuations. IPL is used for overall pigmentation issues, but flat spots especially respond to this treatment. However, further hyperpigmentation as a result of the procedure can occur with all skin types. How to Get Rid of Blackheads on the Nose, According to Dermatologists, Vitamin C compounds like ascorbyl glucoside, How to fade dark spots in darker skin tones, Cosmeceuticals for hyperpigmentation: What is available. Microdermabrasion can be done at your dermatologists or skincare specialists office. Face acids are the key to clear, youthful skin but how do you know which one to use? J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps keep both the inside and outside of your body healthy. Laser light is tuned to very specific wavelengths, allowing it to be focused into powerful beams. Some possible causes of hyperpigmentation include: Treating the underlying condition that has caused your hyperpigmentation is the first step in reducing the appearance of dark spots. Although theyre considered tried-and-true remedies in the anti-aging skincare world, there are also certain products used for acne and related hyperpigmentation. Melasma is a type of hyperpigmentation, but it. These work by going deep beneath your skin to even out skin tone and texture. and reapply as needed throughout the day. Derived from vitamin A, retinoids are among some of the oldest OTC skin care ingredients used. While you might not like the appearance of these areas, they are usually not harmful to your health. Hydrocortisone (a topical corticosteroid): Hydrocortisone helps fade the color caused by melasma. The company claims it plumps the skin to help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and reverses dehydration that develops from pollutants. Koji White Kojic Acid and Papaya Skin Lightening Soap, Eva Naturals Vitamin B3 5% Niacinamide Serum, Paulas Choice Resist 10% Niacinamide Booster, Perfect Image Salicylic Acid 20% Gel Peel. June 2012;5(2):93-103. doi:10.4103/0974-2077.99436. Talk with your healthcare provider about the best treatments for your skin type. Popular options include: Face acids work well for mild hyperpigmentation on fairer skin tones. Nonsegmental vitiligo is typically bilateral or scattered symmetrically and evolves over time. Topical tacrolimus (Protopic) 0.1% ointment is a safe and effective alternative to topical corticosteroids for treatment of pityriasis alba. There is no race or sex predilection. Retinols are a specific type of retinoid that can help even out skin tone, texture, and pigmentation. Class III corticosteroids and narrowband ultraviolet B are the most effective and safest treatments for localized and generalized vitiligo, respectively. According to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS), IPL works best for people with fair skin. Nikalji N, et al. A Guide to the Confusing World of Face Acids and Which Ones to Use, Doing Chemical Peels at Home: Everything You Need to Know, Everything You Need to Know About Using Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs), The Benefits of Dermarolling at Home: A Complete Guide, What Causes a Melasma Mustache and How to Treat It. Be sure to ask your doctor about ablative lasers these are more intense and remove the outer layer of skin. If you have extremely dark spots, then you may need to get a professional peel from your dermatologist that can also target the dermis (middle layer). (n.d.). However, discoloration caused by underlying systemic conditions like hormone imbalances or autoimmune disease may be needed to improve your overall health and well-being. According to the company, a standard concentration is 1%. A Cochrane review found that class III corticosteroids (e.g., betamethasone) and narrowband UVB are the most effective and safest treatments for localized and generalized vitiligo, respectively.14 Afamelanotide, a novel melanocyte-stimulating hormone implant, has been shown in small studies to accelerate repigmentation when used with narrowband UVB, potentially limiting UVB exposure. Here are the different types of pimples and how to treat them. Can Laser Resurfacing Treatment Boost Collagen Production for Firmer Skin? Learn, Everyone, regardless of skin color or tone, should use sunscreen to protect from the sun's harmful rays. Some subscription options may make products more affordable. Dark spots on the skin, or hyperpigmentation, occur due to an overproduction of melanin. Small keloids might be reduced or removed by freezing them with liquid nitrogen (cryotherapy). Consistency is key with whatever treatment you and your dermatologist choose. Reviewers note that this moisturizer is not greasy and leaves the skin feeling smooth. Changes in melanin production can cause pigment disorders, such as hyperpigmentation (dark spots), hypopigmentation (light spots), depigmentation (white spots or patches). Most people who try to treat these areas do it for aesthetic, not medical, reasons. Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. Diagnosis & treatment Doctors & departments Print Overview Tinea versicolor Tinea versicolor is a common fungal infection of the skin. Topical triple combination therapy may be used with or without cryotherapy. Onset is usually in childhood after sun exposure. May 30, 2023 . Keep reading to learn more about your options, including what to expect from procedures like microdermabrasion, and more. A dermatologist may be able to help a person work out what is causing their hyperpigmentation and find the most effective treatment. OTC retinoids may be safe for all skin tones, but you should double-check with your dermatologist if you have darker skin and plan on using these products long term. Hyperpigmentation on dark skin: What to know - Medical News Today If you dont see any results after a couple of months, talk with your dermatologist about the prescription retinoid tretinoin (Retin-A). The new patches of hyperpigmentation may lighten after about eight weeks. Seeing a dermatologist to treat any existing skin conditions may help a person manage their hyperpigmentation. Online retailers make it easy to access beauty and skin care products that you wouldnt otherwise be able to access. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved, Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Most people who seek treatment for hyperpigmentation do it for aesthetic or cosmetic purposes, not as a medical treatment. According to the product description, there are no dyes, fragrances, parabens, or sulfates in the formulation. The company claims the product yields a 60% average improvement in the appearance of brown patches. J Cutan Aesthet Surg. Combination therapy tends to be more effective at repigmentation than monotherapy, although recurrence is common (up to 40%), as is treatment failure.14 Improvement in quality of life, as measured by standardized questionnaires (e.g., Dermatology Quality of Life Index), does not consistently correlate with repigmentation success.14.