Hyperpigmentation is a medical term used for describing darker skin patches that result from excess melanin production. Hyperpigmentation can be caused by acne scars, sun damage, or hormone fluctuations.
Also, know that hyperpigmentation is a common skin condition, and many treatment options are available.
Know more about the hyperpigmentation treatmentoptions you should know about:
Retinoids
Retinoids are skincare ingredients derived from vitamin A and are among some of the oldest OTCs used. The small molecular structure of retinoids allows them to penetrate deep in the skin and treat your below skin epidermis.
Retinoids come in either as a prescription or over-the-counter formula. OTC retinoids are mostly safe for all skin tones, but it is better to double-check with your dermatologist if you have a darker skin tone and plan on using these long term.
Also, note that retinoids are primarily used to treat wrinkles rather than hyperpigmentation. Thus, retinoids may not be the besthyperpigmentation treatmentoption.
Chemical peel
A chemical peel uses acids of stronger concentrations to treat specific areas of skin. Hyperpigmentation reduction is observed by removing epidermis. Deeper versions of chemical peel may also penetrate the middle layer of your skin to produce dramatic results.
Most chemical peels are available OTC, but you get a professional-grade peel at a dermatologist’s office. They are more powerful and yield quick results.
Possible risks of using chemical peel include irritation, redness, and blistering. If you are out in the sun more, chemical peels might not be the best hyperpigmentation treatment option for you.
Lightening creams
Lightening creams are over-the-counterhyperpigmentation treatments that use select ingredients to decrease pigmentation. They are applied once or twice a day to lighten the skin over a period.
Lightening creams or gels are best for people with flat spots like melasma or age spots, and patches of discolouration on the skin.
OTC products are useful for hyperpigmentation treatment, but these take longer than professional treatments.
You should only purchase such products from retailers and manufacturers you trust.
Face acids
Face acids work by exfoliating or shedding the top layer of your skin. As you exfoliate your skin, new skin cells take the place of old ones. The process helps to even out your skin tone and make it smoother.
Face acids are available OTC at drugstores and beauty stores. They work best to achieve mild hyperpigmentation on fair skin tones.
Higher concentration face acids can increase the risk of side effects.
Thus, hyperpigmentation can be dealt with many OTC options. You have to find what works for you.