Sarkar R, Bansal S, Garg VK. Chemical peels for melasma in dark-skinned patients. J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2012;5(4):247-253. doi:10.4103/0974-2077.104912 Works Well With: According to Nazarian, studies have shown that kojic acid works well with and enhances the effects of glycolic acid and hydroquinone. The best treatments are those that offer a low risk of inflammation such as skin lightening creams, retinoids, and light glycolic and salicylic acid peels. 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 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.

Microdermabrasion is a type of exfoliation, but at a deeper level. This treatment removes the outer layer of skin to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation. As it does not penetrate deeper into the lower layers of skin it can only provide small improvements. However, as a gentle exfoliant, it is a safe treatment and will not prompt inflammation and further hyperpigmentation. Microneedling

Topical prescription medication can treat some cases of hyperpigmentation. This medication usually contains hydroquinone, which lightens the skin.

As with any treatment, it is important to discuss the pros and cons with your care provider to ensure you receive the best treatment and avoid any unnecessary side effects. Takeaway Vitamin C is also a tyrosinase inhibitor, and can lighten dark patches and neutralize free radicals to prevent dark spots from forming 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.Day 5: I only used it once today for 30 seconds. Pimples are flatter and lighter but no improvements on my hyperpigmentation yet. 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 Singh A, Yadav S. Microneedling: Advances and widening horizons. Indian Dermatol Online J. 2016;7(4):244-254. doi:10.4103/2229-5178.185468 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? 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.

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.

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Callender VD, St Surin-Lord S, Davis EC, Maclin M. Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation: etiologic and therapeutic considerations. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2011 Apr 1;12(2):87-99. doi:10.2165/11536930-000000000-00000

Davis 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/ Use a sunscreen daily. Reapply it every 2 hours if you’re out in the sun — more frequently if you’re sweating or swimming. 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 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

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 Glycolic 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. Huerth KA, Hassan S, Callender VD. Therapeutic Insights in Melasma and Hyperpigmentation Management. J Drugs Dermatol. 2019 Aug 1;18(8):718-729. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31424704/