“Hyperpigmentation” could seem like a huge, frightening, medical word. To sum it up, “hyper” means excess, while “pigment” refers to the natural coloring of the skin. When put together it indicates a huge amount of the stuff that provides the skin its natural pigment. Not that frightening now, isn’t it?

Hyperpigmentation is a very common and often harmless skin disorder where some skin areas seem darker than others. It happens when the skin creates an excessive amount of melanin, the dark color which provides humans various skin colors. Nonetheless, some people opt for pigmentation removal treatments for clearer skin.

What is Pigmentation?

Melanin is a natural skin coloring or pigment. The hair, eye, and skin color are all determined by how much melanin your body has. The body creates melanin, and the genes define the amount it creates. Like the other stuff our body makes, some generate more melanin, and others generate less, responsible for the skin we see each day.

If the body produces more melanin, the skin, eyes, and skin are darker. If the body creates less melanin, then the skin, eyes, and skin have a lighter tone.

What is Hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation occurs when the body creates an excessive amount of melanin, often in patches or spots of skin. You might notice normal hyperpigmentation in your body in the form of freckles. In most instances, freckles are not dangerous as they originate from a completely natural melanin overproduction.

Treating Pigmentation

Pico Laser

This therapy uses an ultra-short pulse laser for pigmentation removal. The pigment is so tiny after it has been broken down that it is undetectable to the human eye. Your body quickly flushes out these microscopic pigment particles.

What is a Pico Laser?

This FDA-approved therapy can assist with age spots, birthmarks, wrinkles, acne scars, undesired tattoos, and hyperpigmentation, among other things. Although topical numbing medications are available, many patients believe they are unneeded. There is no downtime related to this procedure when utilized for hyperpigmentation.

Many patients show changes after one treatment, but they will require repeated treatments to get the best look.

It will eventually be determined by the treatment area’s location, size, and size. Pico Laser is thought to be safe since it may target extra melanin pigmentation without causing damage to nearby skin regions.

Medications

Hyperpigmentation can be treated with a variety of medications. The ideal solution will depend on the severity of the problem, your skin’s sensitivity, and if you are pregnant, intending to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Combining, rotating, or alternating them often yields the greatest results. Below are a few drugs that could help treat hyperpigmentation.

Hydroquinone

Hydroquinone acts by inhibiting the pigment-producing enzyme. It can harm cells that produce pigment. Over-the-counter creams containing 2% hydroquinone are available. Hydroquinone 4 percent is the most common prescription strength.

Arbutin

Arbutin is a plant-derived, gentler version of hydroquinone. It inhibits the pigment-producing enzyme without harming the cells. Over-the-counter arbutin-based products are available.

Retinoids

Vitamin A is converted into retinoids, which increase skin turnover and disperse the pigment. Retinoids are only accessible with a doctor’s prescription. Retinol, a milder form, is accessible over the counter.

Alpha Hydroxy Acids

Alpha hydroxy acids act by suspending pigment production and boosting skin turnover. Examples are:

  • Glycolic acid
  • Kojic acid
  • Lactic acid
  • Mandelic acid
  • Azelaic acid
  •  

Apart from azelaic acid 15%, which requires a prescription, all are accessible over the counter.

L-cysteamine

L-cysteamine is an antioxidant that efficiently evens out hyperpigmentation on the skin. It’s available at certain physicians’ offices or via prescription online.

Tranexamic acid

To treat melasma, use tranexamic acid as a tablet or apply it topically. It’s a treatment option for folks who haven’t seen results from other types of therapy.