Laser treatments and other clinical therapies also have the potential to make the problem worse, creating new dark spots or damage. Talk with your healthcare provider about the best treatments for your skin type.

You may also want to address any other underlying conditions that could be contributing to hyperpigmentation or you may not get results from your chosen therapy.

Alternative treatments for hyperpigmentation may include systemic medications or hormone treatments. For example, if your hyperpigmentation was caused by a hormone imbalance, treating that imbalance may stop the process of hyperpigmentation, and any existing dark areas may fade with time after treatment.

Understanding why you are developing hyperpigmentation is often the first step in treating the discoloration. You can't prevent every type of skin discoloration. Some hyperpigmentation problems are caused by conditions like pregnancy and cannot be avoided.

However, sun damage is a major contributor to skin discoloration and dark spots, so taking steps to protect your skin from the sun's rays can go a long way in preventing hyperpigmentation. Be sure to wear sunscreen and shield your skin from the sun to prevent discoloration caused by sun damage.

Hyperpigmentation occurs when your skin gets darker in areas where too much melanin is produced. These dark areas are not usually harmful, but people sometimes want to treat them for cosmetic reasons.

If you choose to remove darker areas from your skin, there are prescription and over-the-counter products and procedures, but you may see better results if you enlist the help of a dermatologist or other trained professional. If you're uncomfortable with the dark areas on your skin caused by hyperpigmentation, you're not alone.

There are several products used to address this problem, both with and without a prescription. You may decide to try over-the-counter treatments first, but don't be afraid to ask your healthcare provider for help if you are not seeing results.

There are many reasons your skin changes color or tone. In some cases, hyperpigmentation can be cured or may even fade on its own in time.

Talk to your healthcare provider about what is causing your skin discoloration to find the most effective treatment. Many of the treatments used for hyperpigmentation will only work as long as treatment continues. Some treatments, like laser therapy or chemical peels, are intended to have more long-lasting effects.

The cost of your treatment will depend on what type of therapy you are using, and what type of medical coverage you have. OTC lotions and creams can vary in price, but clinical procedures like laser treatments can cost much more. Your insurance coverage of more in-depth treatment may depend on what caused the problem, what symptoms it is causing you, and your individual insurance coverage.

American Academy of Dermatology Association. How to fade dark spots in darker skin tones. Desai SR. Hyperpigmentation therapy: A review. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. Sarkar R, Arora P, Garg KV. Cosmeceuticals for hyperpigmentation: What is available? J Cutan Aesthet Surg. Fluocinolone topical.

American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. Retinoid or retinol? Sarkar R, Bansal S, Garg VK. Chemical peels for melasma in dark-skinned patients. Arora P, Sarkar R, Garg VK, Arya L. Lasers for treatment of melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. June ;5 2 Wunsch A, Matuschka K.

A controlled trial to determine the efficacy of red and near-infrared light treatment in patient satisfaction, reduction of fine lines, wrinkles, skin roughness, and intradermal collagen density increase.

Photomed Laser Surg. February ;32 2 doi: Shah M, Crane JS. Skin pigmentation disorders. By Rachael Zimlich, BSN, RN Rachael is a freelance healthcare writer and critical care nurse based near Cleveland, Ohio.

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Table of Contents View All. Table of Contents. Where to Treat Skin. Side Effects. Alternative Procedures. Frequently Asked Questions.

An Overview of Dark Spots. Benefits of Treating Hyperpigmentation The benefits of treating hyperpigmentation will depend on why you are seeking treatment in the first place.

What Is Skin Lightening Cream? Retinol vs. Retinoid vs. Retin-A: What's the Difference? What to Expect From a Salicylic Acid Peel.

What Is Red Light Therapy? The Benefits and Limits of Microdermabrasion. Hyperpigmentation Home Remedies Home remedies aren't particularly effective in treating problems with hyperpigmentation. Who's a Candidate for Treating Hyperpigmentation?

Topical Steroid Side Effects. Instead of using laser light energy, microneedling with the MicroPen or Collagen Pen uses multiple fine needles to create microscopic injuries in a fractional pattern, thus stimulating skin regrowth and new collagen production.

Microneedling is a popular and effective way to even skin tone without a long recovery period! Rediscover a younger, more vibrant you. Trust award-winning dermatologists Dr. Melda Isaac and Dr.

Daniel Yanes to restore your vibrance with individualized anti-aging procedures. Each treatment is meticulously planned and performed to take years off your face without leaving any obvious signs of a cosmetic treatment. Look as youthful as you feel, starting today. If you have uneven skin pigmentation, birthmarks, age spots, sun damage, or other pigment problems, schedule a consultation with leading dermatologists Dr.

Isaac and Dr. Yanes at the MI Skin Dermatology Center in Washington DC today! To find out more information about pigment treatment options and to make your appointment , call Daniel Yanes are consistently recognized among the top dermatologists in Washington, DC.

Our board-certified dermatologists provide both medical and cosmetic dermatology services with professionalism and compassion. Their specialized expertise in injectables and an eye for creating natural-looking results have made them a sought-after source for excellent dermatological care.

About Meet Dr. Isaac Meet Dr. Induction Therapies Colorescience® DefenAge® Dermaceutic Laboratories Environ Skincare Folliceuticals MD Free and Clear Glytone Hylunia ISDIN Jan Marini® LATISSE® MI Skin Products Obagi Nu-Derm Photozyme Prescribed Solutions Replenix Revision Skincare® SkinCeuticals® SkinMedica® TIZO Solar Protection Vanicream Viviscal Pro Gallery Specials Blog Contact.

What Are the Causes? Treatments Treatment options for pigment problems will depend on the type of pigmentation present. Laser skin resurfacing Laser skin resurfacing treatments such as the Fraxel laser are a popular option for treatment of age spots and other pigment problems.

Laser skin resurfacing treatments offered by MI Skin Dermatology include: Opus Plasma Laser Resurfacing Fractional CO2 BBL and V-beam Lasers BroadBand Light BBL treatments can minimize the appearance of pigment problems, such as age spots, rosacea, flushing, sun damage, and uneven pigmentation.

Derma V Laser The Derma V laser can treat a variety of vascular conditions including vascular birthmarks. Chemical Peels and DermaSweep Chemical [eels and DermaSweep can be used to treat uneven pigments, age spots, and sun damage.

Microneedling Microneedling is a less intense alternative to laser skin resurfacing. Turn Back the Clock Rediscover a younger, more vibrant you. Schedule Consultation. About Our Doctors Dr. Melda Isaac, MD Founder and Director of MI Skin Dermatology and Laser Center Meet Dr.

Daniel Yanes, MD Board-Certified Dermatologist Meet Dr. Credentials you can trust. Share Tweet Pin Back to Top.

More than six lesions 5 mm or larger prepubertal or 15 mm or larger postpubertal should raise suspicion for tuberous sclerosis, neurofibromatosis, Albright syndrome, or Fanconi anemia.

Cosmetic treatments include laser therapy or surgical excision. Vitiligo is an immune-mediated skin condition resulting in a loss of pigmentation Figure 8 1 and Figure 9.

Its exact etiology is unknown. It affects all skin types and is generally considered a cosmetic condition, but it can cause significant psychological distress, particularly in black patients, prompting requests for treatment.

Quality of life is often negatively affected. Vitiligo is present in 0. There is no race or sex predilection. There are two common types of vitiligo: segmental and nonsegmental i.

Segmental vitiligo presents as a unilateral or band-shaped distribution of hypopigmented macules, usually 5 to 50 mm in size and coalescent, with rapid stabilization and early age of onset. Nonsegmental vitiligo is typically bilateral or scattered symmetrically and evolves over time.

Acral or acrofacial vitiligo typically involves the face and distal extremities the so-called lip-tip pattern.

Lesions of the head and neck tend to be most responsive to treatment; lesions on the extremities and genitalia tend to be more recalcitrant. There are multiple treatment modalities for vitiligo. High-potency topical corticosteroids betamethasone 0.

Systemic therapies such as psoralen and ultraviolet A, narrowband ultraviolet B UVB , and systemic corticosteroids are useful for more widespread or treatment-resistant disease. These therapies generally require dermatologic referral. A Cochrane review found that class III corticosteroids e. Phase 2 and 3 studies are ongoing in the United States.

Sun protection is recommended in vitiligo. Broad-spectrum sunscreens, sun-protective clothing hats, shirts, pants and certain makeup can offer protection to affected areas. Concealers e. However, monobenzone is no longer available in the United States. Possible alternatives include cryotherapy and laser therapy.

Patients with segmental, stable, or lip-tip vitiligo can be treated with autologous transplantation methods. Split thickness and suction blister epidermal grafting techniques appear to be the safest and most effective, although transplant studies often lacked comparative controls. Future studies on vitiligo are investigating the effect of psychological interventions on disease management.

It is possible that such modalities in combination with standard treatment regimens may provide additional benefit. Pityriasis alba is a disorder commonly associated with atopic dermatitis, usually presenting as hypopigmented, irregular patches on the face, head, neck, and forearms in children and young adults.

It is most notable in skin types III to VI. A fine scale with itching is occasionally present. Excessive unprotected sun exposure may be a trigger. Because pityriasis alba is self-limited, no treatment is necessary.

However, topical corticosteroids and sunscreens are first-line treatments in symptomatic patients. Use of low-potency hydrocortisone 0. Topical tacrolimus 0. Mild skin irritation is common. Tinea versicolor pityriasis versicolor is a superficial fungal skin infection, caused by Malassezia spp.

It often presents as hypopigmented or pink plaques with fine scale on the neck, chest, back, abdomen, and proximal extremities.

Occasionally, it may be hyperpigmented. The diagnosis is often clinical, with confirmation by microscopy using potassium hydroxide preparation. Standard treatments include topical selenium sulfide, zinc pyrithione, and antifungals e.

Adapalene gel was also found to be noninferior to ketoconazole in one study. Inflammatory conditions of the skin can cause loss of pigment. Tinea versicolor, atopic dermatitis, pityriasis alba, psoriasis, and guttate parapsoriasis may affect pigment production or transport.

Treatment of the underlying condition may improve hypopigmentation over time. Dermabrasion, chemical peels, cryotherapy, and intralesional corticosteroids can also reduce pigment locally, and these risks should be discussed with patients before treatment.

This article updates previous articles on this topic by Plensdorf and Martinez , 1 , Stulberg , et al. Data Sources: The literature search was performed using PubMed with key words postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, postinflammatory hypopigmentation, solar lentigines, tinea versicolor, melasma, vitiligo, café au lait macules, and pityriasis alba, and was limited to randomized controlled trials, practice guidelines, and clinical reviews for the past five years.

References from Essential Evidence Plus were also used. Search dates: September and June Plensdorf S, Martinez J. Common pigmentation disorders. Am Fam Physician. Yin NC, McMichael AJ. Acne in patients with skin of color: practical management. Am J Clin Dermatol. Negishi K, Akita H, Tanaka S, Yokoyama Y, Wakamatsu S, Matsunaga K.

Comparative study of treatment efficacy and the incidence of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation with different degrees of irradiation using two different quality-switched lasers for removing solar lentigines on Asian skin.

J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. Chandra M, Levitt J, Pensabene CA. Hydroquinone therapy for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation secondary to acne: not just prescribable by dermatologists. Acta Derm Venereol. Woolery-Lloyd H, Kammer JN.

Treatment of hyperpigmentation. Semin Cutan Med Surg. West TB, Alster TS. Effect of pretreatment on the incidence of hyperpigmentation following cutaneous CO 2 laser resurfacing. Dermatol Surg. Rivas S, Pandya AG.

Treatment of melasma with topical agents, peels and lasers: an evidence-based review. Wanitphakdeedecha R, Keoprasom N, Eimpunth S, Manuskiatti W. The efficacy in melasma treatment using a nm fractional photothermolysis laser. Jalaly NY, Valizadeh N, Barikbin B, Yousefi M.

Low-power fractional CO 2 laser versus low-fluence Q-switch 1, nm Nd:YAG laser for treatment of melasma: a randomized, controlled, split-face study. Na JI, Choi SY, Yang SH, Choi HR, Kang HY, Park KC. Effect of tranexamic acid on melasma: a clinical trial with histological evaluation.

Hexsel D, Hexsel C, Porto MD, Siega C. Triple combination as adjuvant to cryotherapy in the treatment of solar lentigines: investigator-blinded, randomized clinical trial. Polder KD, Landau JM, Vergilis-Kalner IJ, Goldberg LH, Friedman PM, Bruce S.

It is a non-toxic and natural alternative to other harsher treatment measures. The best way to use it would be to apply aloe vera gel on affected areas at night and wash it off in the morning. This is also known as Allium Cepa. You can find it as an ingredient in over-the-counter ointments and cosmetic creams that are available for skin lightening and spot treatment.

When used as directed, red onion creams lighten the hyperpigmentation scars and spots over time. Many studies and research have shown how effectively apple cider vinegar lightens spots and scars over time, as it contains polyphenols, pectin and carotenoids.

Naturally, it is good for getting rid of pigmentation as well. However, dilute it before usage or it may react with your skin, especially if it is sensitive in nature. For best results, mix equal parts water and apple cider vinegar, apply on the affected areas dark patches , leave it on for a few minutes, and then rinse it off.

Use it two times a day for best results. Yes, black tea is not only effective in waking you up in the morning, but also to get rid of dark spots and pigmentation.

Take a cup of fresh boiled water and add a teaspoon of black tea leaves to it. Steep for around two hours and then strain out the black tea water. Soak cotton pads in it and apply on the affected areas. Do this twice a day for over four weeks. Just like black tea, green tea is also effective in getting rid of dark patches of skin due to its active ingredient EGCG.

The best way to go on about it would be with green tea bags. Take a bag and steep it in hot water for about five minutes.

Let it cool and then put the tea bags on the affected areas directly. Do this twice a day. Rich in lycopene and antioxidants, tomato is an excellent agent when it comes to even-toning the skin. Naturally, it is great at lightening the dark patches that appear on the skin as a result of hyperpigmentation.

According to The British Journal of Dermatology study, the lycopene present in tomato protects the skin from the long-term and short-term effects of photo damage.

It can be ingested every day or can be used for topical application. Whatever suits you. Another great hyperpigmentation treatment, the natural way, is red lentils.

It makes for an excellent bleaching agent because of the abundant antioxidants present in it. You can easily make a mask out of red lentils and use it to lighten the marks. Take around 50gm of red lentils and soak them overnight. Blend it into a fine paste in the morning.

Apply it for 20 minutes, either on the entire face recommended or on the affected areas. Wash it off but do not rub. Regular use of this paste is known to have positive effects.

Lactic acid is the main ingredient in milk that is effective in getting rid of sunspots and other dark spots. This is also the ingredient to look out for in milk-based cosmetic products that work on hyperpigmentation.

Alternatively, you can always use milk recipes and face masks at home. The easiest way would be to soak cotton pad in milk and gently pat on the patches, twice a day. If done regularly, this will lighten the patches. This is another quite popular ingredient when it comes to over-the-counter medicines and cosmetic gels and creams that claim to get rid of hyperpigmentation marks.

Why not create a remedy at home using the same? Liquorice extract is especially effective in getting rid of sunspots and also melasma -related hyperpigmentation patches.

Glabridin which is present in licorice, inhibits tyrosinase, the enzyme that causes pigmentation. We would suggest getting a cream with liquorice extract and using it as per the directions.

Even though home remedies are more natural than creams, acids, peels and other procedures, most of them do cause irritation and contact dermatitis, especially for those with sensitive skin. Thus it is always a good idea to connect with a dermatologist first before planning your choice of treatment.

We mentioned that hyperpigmentation treatment can be acquired over the counter as well. More often than not, these medicines are ointments and gels that work actively towards lightening spots and scars and do not have any side effects, in case it does not have the desired effect.

Even then, it is a good practice to consult with your doctor first. Here are some of the OTC hyperpigmentation treatments that you may check out.

If you have raised brown spots or hyperpigmentation due to acne, azelaic acid is a great option. However, be cautious if you have dark skin tone. This is one of the most effective OTC treatments when you are thinking of how to get rid of hyperpigmentation.

It is also known as l-ascorbic acid and has antioxidants that are effective in treating spots and patches. They come in various chemical forms so be cautious when selecting the product. This is made from vitamin B It aids water retention and collagen production, tightening the skin and lightening the spots at the same time.

This is a natural bleaching agent derived out of a type of fungus, and is effective against brown spots and age spots.

This one is also a bleaching agent. Hydroquinone slows down the melanin production and lightens the dark spots. However, it is quite strong, so if you have sensitive skin, avoid it.

Moreover, long term use is not advisable as it may cause ochronosis, a difficult to treat pigmentary condition. People with darker skin are more likely to develop post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Darker patches of skin can form when people experience hormonal changes. This type of hyperpigmentation is common during pregnancy. Certain medications, such as antimalarial drugs and tricyclic antidepressants, can cause hyperpigmentation.

In these cases, patches of skin may turn gray. It can cause hyperpigmentation in certain areas of the body, including the:. Hemochromatosis is an inherited condition that causes the body to contain too much iron. It can cause hyperpigmentation, making the skin appear darker or tanned.

Hyperpigmentation can occur when iron levels are five times higher than usual. Melasma usually covers a larger area than other types of hyperpigmentation, and it usually appears on the face.

Melasma more often affects females than males. It is more common in individuals with light-brown to darker skin tones and may run in families. Doctors are unsure about what causes melasma, but a change in hormones can trigger it, for example, during pregnancy or when using birth control pills.

People sometimes call it the mask of pregnancy, but it can also occur on the abdomen. Melasma typically disappears when pregnancy ends or the person stops taking birth control pills. If it does not fade, a doctor may recommend :. For procedures such as laser treatment, it is essential to see a board certified dermatologist.

It is not always possible to prevent hyperpigmentation or stop it from becoming more prominent, but there are some ways to reduce the risk.

You can do so by:. The three main types include age spots, melasma, and post-inflammatory trauma. Post-inflammatory trauma can result from an injury, sun exposure, or a skin condition, such as acne.

Triggers include sun exposure, hormonal changes, and trauma to the skin, for example, due to acne or an injury. Picking at scabs and spots may make it worse. Some face creams can irritate the skin, leading to further hyperpigmentation.

A person should protect their skin from the sun by using sunscreen and clothing that covers the body and shades the face. Various topical creams can help.

If they do not, procedures such as laser treatment may help. A person should seek medical advice before using any creams. 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. Options include avoiding sun exposure and using removal techniques such as cosmetic treatments, creams, and home remedies.

If a person notices other symptoms alongside hyperpigmentation, they should seek advice from a doctor. If a person wants to treat hyperpigmentation for cosmetic reasons, a dermatologist can advise on the best treatment methods. Read the article in Spanish. Melasma causes dark patches to appear on the skin.

It is a pigmentation disorder that is more common in women. Learn about the symptoms, risk factors…. Hydroquinone is a chemical that people may use to lighten their skin when they have a hyperpigmentation condition.

Learn more here. Hyperpigmentation is common in people with darker skin tones. We examine what causes it and the potential treatment and prevention methods. Hyperpigmentation acne occurs when a dark spot appears in place of a pimple that has disappeared. It is due to an overproduction of melanin.