Vitamin C Serum

5 Successful Treatment Options for Hyperpigmentation Removal

Hyperpigmentation results from excess melanin production, which can be caused by Hormonal changes, medication or more commonly by acne scars and sun damage.

Hyperpigmentation is a common and experienced by almost everyone.

There are a number of different treatment options available to treat hyperpigmentation.

1. Creams, Serums and Gels for Hyperpigmentation Treatment

Over the counter hyperpigmentation treatments work with different ingredients to help decrease pigmentation. hyperpigmentation treatments usually are applied once or twice a day to help lighten the skin over time. Hyperpigmentation treatments are also found in serum, gel and paste formulations.

Common ingredients found in OTC brightening products to treat hyperpigmentation include:

Over the counter hyperpigmentation treatments including creams, gels and serums work best for flat dark marks and spots, such as sun spots, liver spots or acne marks and scars. These products work safely over a longer period of three to six months when used consistently.

 2. Chemical Peels for Hyperpigmentation Treatment

Chemical Peels work by exfoliating the older top layer of your skin. After exfoliating your skin, a layer of new skin cells grow in place. This process will even out your skin tone. These are the most used skin chemical peel exfoliators:

  • Salicylic acid
  • Glycolic and lactic acid
  • Azelaic acid
  • Kojic acid
  • L-ascorbic acid (Vitamin C)

Chemical peels can be used at home in very low concentrations however it is advised to use them under the supervision of a beauty therapist or medical professional as incorrect use can lead to side effect and damage to your skin.

3. Laser skin resurfacing for Hyperpigmentation Treatment

A laser resurfacing treatment uses laser beams of light to reduce hyperpigmentation.

There are two different types of lasers:

  • Ablative lasers are intense and involve removing layers of your skin.
  • Non-ablative lasers work on the skin dermis layer to promote collagen growth and tightening effects.

Both forms of laser treatments are administered by professionals and should be performed in consultation with a dermatologist.

4. Retinoic Acid for Hyperpigmentation Treatment

Retinoic acid is a derivative of Vitamin A and is able to permeate into deep skin layers below your epidermis where it performs its skin stimulating function. Retinoic acid stimulates the growth of new skin cells at the level below your epidermis and this causes shedding of the upper old skin cells. Over the counter retinoic acid products are very mild and work over several months. A dermatologist can prescribe higher strength retinoic acid treatment. Retinoic acid at higher concentrations have significant side effects and it is advised that you always consult your doctor or dermatologist before using any retinoic acid treatments.

5. Microdermabrasion for Hyperpigmentation Treatment

Microdermabrasion is a dermatologist or aesthetician procedure used to treat hyperpigmentation. It works best for dark marks and scars that are flat and predominantly on the top layer of the skin. The procedure includes the use of a handheld device that lightly removes the top layer of old scarred skin. This allows for the regeneration of a new skin layer to replace the old layer.  Microdermabrasion can worsening hyperpigmentation for some patients as the abrasion process can cause slight damage to your skin and cause darkening of skin due sun exposure. The success of the treatment is highly dependent on the skill of the therapist or clinician administrating the abrasion.

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