Hyperpigmentation refers to areas of the skin that are darker or uneven in color compared to the surrounding area, and it can occur as either a symptom of an underlying condition or as its own condition. If you have hyperpigmentation, you’ll want to seek medical attention from one of our dermatologists in order to treat it effectively and potentially prevent it from returning in the future. Here are seven ways to treat hyperpigmentation with expert advice.
1) Exfoliate Regularly
Healthy skin starts from the inside out, so a healthy diet is just as important for clear skin. Make sure you are getting enough antioxidants, which prevent the breakdown of collagen and elastin that keep skin smooth and firm. One way to get more antioxidants in your diet is by eating citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, and lemons. Another way is by eating berries like blueberries or blackberries. Eat lean proteins such as chicken breast, turkey, or seafood like salmon twice per week. Follow a diet rich in fiber and drink lots of water to flush toxins out of your system. Drink green tea for its caffeine boost and turmeric can help with inflammation. A well-balanced diet helps with acne too!
2) Try a Glycolic Acid Peel
Incorporating a glycolic acid peel into your skincare routine is one way to get rid of hyperpigmentation. This is because glycolic acid peels help remove the top layer of skin, which may contain impurities and pigments that can cause spots or marks. Glycolic peels can work on all skin types, but you’ll want to be careful if you have sensitive skin that’s prone to irritation.
-Try not to make your first peel too strong, so start with a 10% solution and gradually increase it until you find the right strength for your skin. 2) Apply the peel every two weeks for six weeks in a row, then reduce the frequency as desired.
3) Use retinoids
Retinoids are the most effective treatment for hyperpigmentation and can be used topically or orally. Retinoids help with both acne and hyperpigmentation by promoting skin turnover and exfoliation, which will help get rid of any dark marks. The health benefits don’t stop there: retinoids also have anti-aging properties that can improve wrinkles, prevent future damage from UV exposure, and regulate oil production in your skin. If you’re not already using a topical retinoid like tretinoin, it’s worth asking your dermatologist if they think it’s right for you!
4) Try an over-the-counter brightening serum
You can also use a gentle over-the-counter serum that contains skin-brightening ingredients such as Vitamin C, Aloe, and Kojic acid. The health food store aisle is a great place to find a wide range of these products. Don’t forget to follow up with SPF protection every day.
In some cases prescription treatments are necessary: For more serious conditions you may need prescription treatments with stronger medicines like hydroquinone (which lightens dark spots). Be sure to follow your dermatologist’s instructions closely and monitor your skin for side effects including increased sun sensitivity and uneven pigmentation.
5) Wear sunscreen every day
While the sun is a natural source of vitamin D, it’s also responsible for hyperpigmentation and skin cancer. To avoid this, make sure you wear sunscreen every day in order to prevent further damage to your skin. Some people recommend using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. You should also make sure you are re-applying every two hours, even if it seems like you don’t need it! Also, be mindful that many foundations have SPFs as well so apply some before doing your makeup.
6) See a dermatologist
If you have hyperpigmentation, a dermatologist is your best bet for getting it taken care of. A dermatologist will be able to see what kind of hyperpigmentation you have and give you the best treatment options. For example, if you have melasma or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, a dermatologist would suggest using topical creams and/or laser treatments. If your hyperpigmentation is from acne scars, the dermatologist might recommend microdermabrasion or chemical peels.
7) Be patient
Patches of the skin that are darker than the surrounding skin are referred to as hyperpigmentation. It is most frequently brought on by sun exposure or an injury, but it can also be genetic, age-related, or brought on by acne scarring. It’s crucial to understand the best ways to treat hyperpigmentation because it can be a persistent issue that doesn’t go away on its own and in some cases has been linked to cancer. Here are seven home remedies for eliminating hyperpigmentation:
– Use sunscreen daily. If you have dark spots as a result of sun damage, slather on sunscreen before heading out into the sun or spending time outside for any reason.
disclaimer
This content is educational only, you can consult your doctor before using any treatment published within each article.