Licorice extract has glabridin, a chemical that has skin lightening properties and also prevents tyrosinase production, an enzyme that darkens the skin after sun exposure Professional treatments can be used as a single treatment or paired with a topical medication to target hyperpigmentation in different ways. Often, corticosteroids are included in the skin-lightening regimen to minimize irritation caused by topical skin-lightening products. Peels Singh A, Yadav S. Microneedling: Advances and widening horizons. Indian Dermatol Online J. 2016;7(4):244-254. doi:10.4103/2229-5178.185468 Hyperpigmentation occurs when the skin overproduces melanocytes, melanin-producing cells that give skin its color. This increase in melanocyte activity has been shown to be stimulated by several inflammatory mediators that are released when inflammation occurs. This is true for all skin colors. Grimes PE. The safety and efficacy of salicylic acid chemical peels in darker racial-ethnic groups. Dermatol Surg. 1999 Jan;25(1):18-22. doi:10.1046/j.1524-4725.1999.08145.x

How Often To Use It: This depends on what other ingredients it's compounded with and the concentration, but generally, it can be used daily. A dermatologist can diagnose the cause of your hyperpigmentation. They will request your medical history and give you a physical exam to determine the cause. In some cases, a skin biopsy can narrow down the cause. Owolabi JO, Fabiyi OS, Adelakin LA, Ekwerike MC. Effects of skin Lightening cream agents—Hydroquinone and kojic acid, on the skin of adult female experimental rats. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2020;13:283-289. doi:10.2147/CCID.S233185 Topical Corticosteroids on the Incidence of Postinflammatory Hyperpigmentation After QsNdYAG Laser. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02492373Davis EC, Callender VD. Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation: a review of the epidemiology, clinical features, and treatment options in skin of color. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2010;3(7):20-31. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2921758/ However, prolonged use of topical hydroquinone (without any breaks in use) can cause darkening of the skin, known as ochronosis. So it’s best to use topical hydroquinone only under the care of a dermatologist so that they can properly guide you on how to use the medication without any adverse effects. Wu IB, Lambert C, Lotti TM, Hercogová J, Sintim-Damoa A, Schwartz RA. Melasma. G Ital Dermatol Venereol. 2012 Aug;147(4):413-8. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23007216/ Typically, it is the combination of treatments that offer the best results such as hydroquinone or azelaic acid and microdermabrasion. Length of treatment will depend on the cause and severity, as well as individual response. With that being said, it can take from 3–12 months to see significant improvements. Products to Treat Hyperpigmentation With this in mind, it is important to consult with your care provider before using hydroquinone and to follow all instructions carefully.

There are a number of OTC products such as brightening serums and creams that, with consistent use, can fade dark spots. Either can also be used as spot treatments to target individual spots rather than the entire face. In one study, azelaic and glycolic acid creams were compared to hydroquinone in a 24-week clinical trial of dark-skinned individuals. Results showed this combination was just as effective as hydroquinone in treating hyperpigmentation, making it a suitable choice for skin of color. Microdermabrasion day review IN progress! I recently bought the Kojiesan soap for hyperpigmentation on my face such as around my mouth and on my forehead. As of today I have begun using it twice a day, and I intend to update for the next 2 weeks to see if there is any effect which is promised by the soap. And then after one month.

brightening-c serum

Al Qarqaz F, Al-Yousef A. Skin microneedling for acne scars associated with pigmentation in patients with dark skin. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2018 Jun;17(3):390-395. doi:10.1111/jocd.12520 Phasha V, Senabe J, Ndzotoyi P, Okole B, Fouche G, Chuturgoon A. Review on the use of kojic acid—A skin-lightening ingredient. Cosmetics. 2022;9(3):64. doi:10.3390/cosmetics9030064 The best treatments are those that are least likely to cause inflammation and are safe and effective. These include OTC creams such as hydroquinone, corticosteroids and retinol.

Soy extract has demonstrated strong depigmenting activity as well as the ability to prevent sun-induced pigmentation Don't Use With: While it does have a synergetic effect when used with these other brightening/ exfoliating ingredients, pairing it with these also increases the likelihood of experiencing excessive dryness or irritation. Proceed with caution and start using any products containing kojic acid and other actives gradually, giving your skin time to acclimate. What is Kojic Acid? Saeedi M, Eslamifar M, Khezri K. Kojic acid applications in cosmetic and pharmaceutical preparations. Biomed Pharmacother. 2019;110:582-593. doi:10.1016/j.biopha.2018.12.006Glycolic acid peels have been shown to be the most effective and safe peel for this skin type as well as azelaic acid. Both acids can be combined to attain greater results. Microneedling involves superficial piercing of the skin with tiny needles which create small wounds. As they heal, collagen and elastin production are stimulated which evens skin tone. In one study, researchers found that microneedling was a safe and effective treatment for hyperpigmentation and showed significant improvements at week 4. Geria AN, Lawson CN, Halder RM. Topical retinoids for pigmented skin. J Drugs Dermatol. 2011 May;10(5):483-9. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21533293/ Hydroquinone is considered a mainstay treatment for hyperpigmentation and PIH as it provides strong results. It is a tyrosinase inhibitor that effectively inhibits new melanin formation. However, there is controversy surrounding this skin-bleaching agent as it can cause white patches as well as worsen existing pigmentation, in addition to some serious side effects.

Day 5: I only used it once today for 30 seconds. Pimples are flatter and lighter but no improvements on my hyperpigmentation yet.Hakozaki T, Minwalla L, Zhuang J, Chhoa M, Matsubara A, Miyamoto K, Greatens A, Hillebrand GG, Bissett DL, Boissy RE. The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer. Br J Dermatol. 2002 Jul;147(1):20-31. doi:10.1046/j.1365-2133.2002.04834.x verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ This skin type has a low propensity to burn as well as a very low incidence of cancer as a result of sun exposure. This is due to the role melanin plays in protecting the skin by absorbing and scattering energy from UV light. Your doctor may also suggest laser treatment or chemical peels to reduce hyperpigmentation, depending on the cause of your hyperpigmentation.