Can dermatologists treat hyperpigmentation?

Your dermatologist can help you identify the cause of your hyperpigmentation and work with you to develop an appropriate treatment plan. No matter what treatment you ultimately choose, it's important to protect your skin from further sun damage and hyperpigmentation.

What do dermatologists prescribe for hyperpigmentation?

HYDROQUINONE

Hydroquinone is the gold standard for treating hyperpigmentation in dermatology. Its effectiveness and safety is so well-documented in clinical studies that almost all dermatology providers will recommend 4% hydroquinone as a first step for anyone with significant pigment concerns.

What procedure gets rid of hyperpigmentation?

Chemical peels, laser therapy, microdermabrasion, or dermabrasion are all options that work similarly to rid skin of hyperpigmentation. These procedures work to gently remove the top layer of your skin where the dark spots lie.

Can hyperpigmentation be removed completely?

Hyperpigmentation is a common skin condition that can occur for many reasons. Types of hyperpigmentation include age spots, melasma, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation is often harmless, but people may choose to remove or reduce it.

Tips for Dark Spots, Hyperpigmentation, and Melasma

Why won't my hyperpigmentation go away?

Some cases of hyperpigmentation may never go away completely. If hyperpigmentation is caused by injury, then as the skin heals the discoloration will lessen as melanin is absorbed into the tissue surrounding the injury.

How many laser sessions are needed for hyperpigmentation?

For optimal results, most patients will require 3-4 sessions (approximately 1 session per month) and will notice significant improvement after each treatment. In some circumstances, more than 4 sessions may be needed. The results from laser treatment are permanent.

Can a dermatologist remove dark spots?

A dermatologist can offer creams or procedures to lighten dark spots, or in some cases, remove them. Procedures are more expensive than creams and are more likely to cause side effects, though they tend to work faster.

Can laser get rid of hyperpigmentation?

“Lasers are not always the most effective at eliminating hyperpigmentation, but there are certain conditions where lasers are incredibly effective. Light- and laser-based therapies include broad-band light (BBL), Q-switched lasers, Nd:Yag lasers, picosecond lasers, and fractionated resurfacing lasers.

Can chemical peel remove pigmentation?

Peels can be used to improve the appearance of acne scars, melasma, sun-damaged skin, wrinkles, and several other conditions. They can also be used to lighten dark spots. Chemical peels for lightening dark spots use chemical agents that enable the removal of the skin pigment melanin.

Does hyperpigmentation get darker before it fades?

Yes. Active treatment accelerates cell turnover, pulling pigmented cells to the surface at a faster rate. This increases the concentration of melanin in the epidermis, which can create a temporary darkening of the spots. The darkening means the pigment is coming up and is ready to be shed away.

How long does it usually take for hyperpigmentation to go away?

How long does it take for hyperpigmentation to fade? Once what's causing the dark spots or patches is found and stopped, fading can take time. A spot that is a few shades darker than your natural skin color will usually fade within 6 to 12 months. If the color lies deep in your skin, however, fading can take years.

Which laser is best for hyperpigmentation?

Q switched Nd:YAG Laser is an effective and safe mode of treatment of hyper-pigmentation. Operating at wavelengths of 532nm and 1064nm, Q switched Nd:YAG Laser can treating pigmentation at the superficial levels and the deepest permissible levels below the skin surface.

Is vitamin C good for hyperpigmentation?

It helps fade hyperpigmentation

Vitamin C inhibits melanin synthesis by downregulating the activity of an enzyme known as tyrosinase. It's widely used in dermatology for depigmentation of hyperpigmented spots on the skin.

Which facial is best for hyperpigmentation?

Vitamin facial

Vitamin C facial is beneficial for pigmented skin as it helps remove dark spots, tan lines, dullness and lightens them with consistent usage. A multi-vitamin facial treatment can lighten and smoothen your skin and give you spotless radiance.

How long does pigmentation take to fade after laser?

What Happens After the Treatment? Laser treatments are the fastest way to remove hyperpigmentation, but it still takes time to see results. Pigment will darken for 1-3 weeks following the treatment, then will begin to fade.

How do dermatologists remove dark spots on face fast?

Treatment

1. Medications. Applying prescription bleaching creams (hydroquinone) alone or with retinoids (tretinoin) and a mild steroid might gradually fade the spots over several months. ...
2. Laser and intense pulsed light. ...
3. Freezing (cryotherapy). ...
4. Dermabrasion. ...
5. Microdermabrasion. ...
6. Chemical peel.

Is there a surgery to remove dark spots?

PicoSure dark mark removal surgery is relatively painless, with most patients comparing laser pulses to the snap of a thin rubber band. Laser treatments have few side effects, including some redness and minor swelling. Most patients typically resume their normal activities immediately following the dark spot surgery.

Does microdermabrasion help hyperpigmentation?

Microdermabrasion helps with the treatment of hyperpigmentation. This can be referred to as melasma, or any type of aging spots or darker patches on your skin. Another benefit of using microdermabrasion if you get blackheads often, this treatment may be a way to shrink your pores.

Can vitamin C make hyperpigmentation worse?

No, it does not. It may stain your skin but it cannot darken your skin. It is important to know the difference between staining and darkening the skin. Staining is where the product reacts with your dead skin cells and leads to a change in the color of those dead cells.

Does exfoliating make hyperpigmentation worse?

You're exfoliating too harshly.

“Patients sometimes try to aggressively exfoliate dark spots to fade them, but that can often make the problem worse,” says Dr. Choudhury. “Too much scrubbing can darken the hyperpigmentation.”

Does Retinol fade dark spots?

Retinol can be effective in lightening the skin and reducing the appearance of dark spots. It does so by promoting skin shedding, which improves cell turnover rate and hinders the activity of the enzyme tyrosinase, which encourages the production of melanin.

Does Retin A fade hyperpigmentation?

Reach for Retin-A or Retinol

This can be done by using a topical retinoid product that both treats and fades hyperpigmentation,” explains Stephens.

How can I lighten my hyperpigmentation fast?

Start with topical OTC whitening creams. “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.

Why does my hyperpigmentation keep coming back?

The biggest risk factors for general hyperpigmentation are sun exposure and inflammation, as both situations can increase melanin production. The greater your exposure to the sun, the greater your risk of increased skin pigmentation.