Hyperpigmentation is a medical term used to describe darker patches of skin from excess melanin production. This can be caused by everything from There are scars on the skin. and Sun damage. to hormone fluctuations.

If you’re dealing with hyperpigmentation, know that you aren’t alone. Hyperpigmentation is a common skin condition, and there are a number of different treatment options available.

You can learn more about your options, including what to expect from procedures.

Face acids, or skin acids, work by exfoliating, or shedding, the top layer of your skin.

New skin cells emerge when you scrub your skin. The process makes your skin look better.

Many face acids are available over the counter. There are popular options.

Who should try this?

Face acids are good foryperpigmentation on fair skinned skin.

What products can you try?

Look for an acid content of 10% or less. Higher concentrations can increase your risk of side effects and are best left to professional peels performed in-office.

Derived from vitamin A, retinoids are among some of the oldest OTC skin care ingredients used. Their small molecular structure allows them to penetrate deep into the skin and treat the layers below your epidermis.

Retinoids can come in either a prescription or OTC formula. However, OTC versions tend to be weaker. If you don’t see any results after a couple of months, talk with your dermatologist about the prescription retinoid tretinoin (Retin-A).

If you don’t already have a dermatologist, the Healthline FindCare tool can help you find a physician in your area.

Who should try this?

If you have darker skin, you should double-check with your doctor if you plan on using OTC retinoids.

retinoids are more often used to treat wrinkling than hyperpigmentation. retinoids may not be the best first-line treatment.

What products can you try?

If you have skin concerns, you may be interested in trying.

  • Differin Gel: Previously available by prescription only, this retinoid helps address both acne and hyperpigmentation.

A chemical peel uses acids at stronger concentrations to treat the desired area of skin. They reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation by removing the top layer of your skin (epidermis). Deeper versions may also penetrate the middle layer of your skin (dermis) to produce more dramatic results.

Although many Chemical peelings. are available OTC, you might consider getting a professional-grade peel at your dermatologist’s office. These are more powerful, and they yield quicker results.

In-office peels may increase your risk for side effects. Talk to your doctor about your risks.

Possible risks with both at-home and in-office Chemical peelings. include:

  • redness
  • irritation
  • It was a bit of a blast.
  • It is an infectious disease
  • It is scarring.
  • allergic reaction

“Chemical peels may not be the best option for you if you are out in the sun a lot. Your skin is more sensitive to the sun’s rays when you have a chemical peel.”

“If you don’t use sunscreen and use other UV protection, the sun can make youryperpigmentation worse. You will need to take extra precautions for at least a week after your last chemical peel.”

Who should try this?

If you have, Chemical peelings. may work.

They work best for fair skin tones and may provide quicker results than face acid products.

What products can you try?

If you’re looking for a professional-grade peel to use at home, consider a The acid is called glycolic acid. peel from Exuviance. This product may be used up to twice a week. It can also help reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

If you have a darker skin tone, you should talk to your doctor. They can help you decide on the right peel for you, and they have professional peels available.

A laser peel (resurfacing) treatment uses targeted beams of light to reduce hyperpigmentation.

Ablative and non-ablative lasers are the two types of lasers.

Ablative lasers are the most intense, and they involve removing layers of your skin. Non-ablative procedures, on the other hand, target the dermis to promote collagen growth and tightening effects.

Ablative lasers may cause more side effects. Both destroy the skin cells that are in your body.

Who should try this?

There is a variety of approaches to skin rejuvenation.

People with fair skin may benefit from ablative lasers. Non-ablative versions may cause the skin to be darker than it should be.

Your dermatologist will work with you to find the best option for your skin.

Therapy using the IPL. is a type of non-ablative (fractional) laser treatment. Also known as a photofacial, Therapy using the IPL. stimulates collagen growth within the dermis. It usually requires multiple sessions.

IPL is used for overall pigmentation issues, but flat spots especially respond to this treatment. It may also help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, spider veins, and enlarged pores.

Who should try this?

According to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS), IPL works best for people with fair skin.

Microdermabrasion is an in-office procedure used to treat hyperpigmentation that affects the epidermis only (superficial It is scarring.).

The dermatologist will use a wire brush or another abrasive attachment during the procedure. The tool is swiped across your skin to remove the skin.

You may need multiple sessions to get your desired result.

Who should try this?

Microdermabrasion works best on scars that are not deep. Your doctor can help you decide if this treatment is right for you.

It works well for people with fair skin.

Dermabrasion also involves the removal of your epidermis, but its effects continue down to a part of your dermis.

dermabrasion has historically been used to address texture concerns, and is sometimes used to smooth out wrinkling. These include:

A drill-like handheld tool with a wire brush or other abrasive attachment is used by your dermatologist. They will move the tool across your skin to remove the top part of it.

Who should try this?

If you want to decrease the appearance of your skin at a faster rate thanicrodermabrasion, dermasision may be a good option.

It works best for fairer skin. However, further hyperpigmentation as a result of the procedure can occur with all skin types. The new patches of hyperpigmentation may lighten after about eight weeks.

OTC treatments that work with select ingredients help decrease the appearance of skin. Many of these creams are available in stronger prescription forms.

They are applied once or twice a day to lighten the skin. Gel forms of lightening treatments are also available.

There are some common ingredients found in OTC lightening products.

  • Licorice extract is found in some plants.
  • vitamin B-3 (niacinamide)

Who should try this?

Lightening creams or gels work best for flat spots, such as Melasma. or There are There are age spots... They’re effective for patches of discoloration on most skin types.

“You can access beauty and skin care products that you wouldn’t otherwise be able to access through online retailers. You should only buy from retailers that you trust.”

What products can you try?

OTC products are accessible (and sometimes more affordable) options for hyperpigmentation, but these can take longer than professional treatments.

Look for creams with ingredients that are related to the drug.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends using caution when purchasing OTC skin lighteners, as they may contain traces of mercury.

Skin tone can play a role in the intensity and length of hyperpigmentation treatments. As noted by Dr. Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, MEP-C, people with fair, medium, and dark skin tones can use some of the same therapies, but people with darker skin need more time for the treatment to work.

Most hyperpigmentation procedures work well with fair skin.

If you tan easily or have darker skin, the following might not be appropriate.

  • The lasers are high.
  • Therapy using the IPL.

Medium skin tones may find some helpful options.

  • Chemical peelings.
  • microdermabrasion

Darker skin might benefit.

  • The acid is called glycolic acid.
  • kojic acid is acidic. is acidic.
  • lightening creams
  • microdermabrasion
  • lower-strength Chemical peelings.
  • Only when used at lower intensities over a larger number of sessions.

The visible results of the treatments are usually longer. Any treatment option requires patience.

Your dermatologist can help you identify the cause ofyperpigmentation and help you develop a treatment plan.

No matter what treatment you ultimately choose, it’s important to protect your skin from further Sun damage. and hyperpigmentation.

Wearing sunscreen every day is a must. You should apply sunscreen every morning — even when it’s cloudy! — and reapply as needed throughout the day. Be sure to use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.