Hyperpigmentation can undoubtedly be a frustrating and embarrassing issue for many individuals.
While various over-the-counter treatments are available, searching for treatment from a dermatologist is often the most guaranteed solution for achieving clearer, brighter skin. So that brings us to the next question – do dermatologists treat hyperpigmentation?
The short answer is yes, they do.
Dermatologists often prescribe topical treatments, oral medications, and in-office procedures to target this problem. In the following sections, you’ll find some useful information on how dermatologists remove hyperpigmentation.
What do dermatologists do for hyperpigmentation?
So, if you’ve been asking yourself questions like “should i see a dermatologist for hyperpigmentation”, the right answer would be to get an expert opinion without a doubt.
Some of the most common treatments recommended by dermatologists include topical lightening agents, topical retinoids, chemical peels, and oral medications. Laser or light-based treatments like those at CKE Naturals are also popular, where regular fixings are used to treat hyperpigmentation and work on the general appearance of the skin.
The items here are created with plant-based fixings painstakingly chosen to target hyperpigmentation while feeding and safeguarding the skin.
This allows you to accomplish an even more brilliant tone by looking for medicines and utilizing everyday gems like cke Regular. In short, you can achieve a more even and radiant complexion by seeking treatments and using natural products like CKE Natural.
What do dermatologists recommend for hyperpigmentation?
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s go into a bit more detail about the solutions that are likely to be prescribed by dermatologists for hyperpigmentation.
Topical Lightening Agents
Topical lightening agents are medications or creams that are applied directly to the skin to help reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation. Dermatologists commonly prescribe them to lighten dark spots, age spots, and other forms of hyperpigmentation.
When it comes to the most commonly prescribed topical lightening agents, here are some of the names you should be familiar with:
- Hydroquinone – A widely used skin-lightening ingredient that inhibits melanin production. It is available in over-the-counter and prescription-strength products. Still, long-term use may result in skin irritation and other adverse effects.
- Kojic acid – A substance derived from a fungus that inhibits melanin production. It’s considered a milder alternative to hydroquinone, but it can still cause skin irritation in some people.
- Vitamin C – An antioxidant that helps brighten the skin and improve skin tone by inhibiting melanin production. It is considered less irritating than other skin-lightening ingredients but may cause skin sensitivity in some people.
- Azelaic acid – A substance derived from grains and works by inhibiting the growth of bacteria that can cause dark spots. It is considered gentle and effective for people with sensitive skin and is available in prescription-strength products.
Topical Retinoids
On the other hand, topical retinoids are medications derived from vitamin A that dermatologists also commonly prescribed to treat hyperpigmentation and various skin conditions.
Here are the most widely used topical retinoids:
- Tretinoin – A topical retinoid in over-the-counter and prescription-strength formulations. It works by increasing cell turnover and promoting the growth of new, healthy skin cells, leading to a more even skin tone and reduced appearance of hyperpigmentation.
- Adapalene – Another topical retinoid available in over-the-counter and prescription-strength formulations. It works similarly to tretinoin and is a gentle alternative for individuals with sensitive skin.
- Tazarotene – A prescription-strength topical retinoid effective in treating hyperpigmentation, acne, and psoriasis. It works by increasing cell turnover and promoting the growth of new, healthy skin cells, leading to a more even skin tone and reduced appearance of hyperpigmentation.
Chemical Peels
Next up on the list are chemical peels.
Chemical peels are a cosmetic treatment that involves applying a chemical solution to the skin to remove the outer layers of dead skin cells and reveal smoother, more transparent, and more youthful-looking skin.
Some of the solutions that you should know about include:
- Alpha-Hydroxy Acids – (AHAs) are a group of naturally occurring acids, such as glycolic acid and lactic acid, commonly used in chemical peels. These acids are used to exfoliate the skin, promote cell turnover, and improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots.
- Beta-Hydroxy Acids – (BHAs) are another group of acids commonly used in chemical peels. Unlike AHAs, BHAs are oil-soluble and can penetrate deeper into the pores to clean them out. Salicylic acid is an example of a BHA commonly used in chemical peels for acne-prone skin.
- Trichloroacetic Acid – (TCA) peels are medium-depth peels that can penetrate deeper into the skin to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and pigmentation. TCA peels are often used to treat sun-damaged skin and acne scars.
- Phenol Peels – Phenol peels are a type of deep chemical peel that can penetrate the deepest layers of the skin. Phenol peels treat severe sun damage, deep wrinkles, and precancerous growths. Phenol peels can cause significant redness, swelling, and scabbing and are not recommended for individuals with darker skin tones.
Oral Medications
Oral medications are another popular type of treatment on this list, taken internally to improve the appearance of the skin. Some commonly used oral medications for skin lightening and brightening include:
- Glutathione – An antioxidant commonly used as an oral supplement to improve skin health and lighten skin tone. It is thought to work by inhibiting the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color, in the skin. Glutathione is available in oral supplement form and is commonly used for skin lightening, skin whitening, and dark spots on skin treatment.
- Arbutin – A natural skin-lightening agent derived from the bearberry plant that inhibits melanin production. Arbutin is commonly used in oral medications and topical skin care products for skin lightening and brightening.
Laser and Other Light-Based Treatments
If you’ve ever searched for hyperpigmentation treatments you may have come across lasers and other similar light-based solutions.
These options are cosmetic procedures that use light energy to improve the appearance of the skin. Although there are many varieties that you can explore, standard and popular laser and light-based treatments include:
- Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) – A non-invasive cosmetic procedure that uses broad-spectrum light energy to improve the appearance of skin conditions such as fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage, and hyperpigmentation.
- Laser Resurfacing – A cosmetic procedure that uses a laser to remove the outer layers of skin to reveal smoother, more transparent, and more youthful-looking skin.
- Microdermabrasion – A non-invasive cosmetic procedure that uses a machine to gently remove the outer layer of dead skin cells to improve the appearance of the skin.
- Photo Facial – A light-based treatment that uses intense pulsed light (IPL) to improve the appearance of skin conditions such as sun damage, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation.
It’s worth noting that each of these treatments has its unique benefits and potential side effects.
It’s essential to consult with a dermatologist or licensed skin care professional to determine if it’s the right treatment for you and to discuss the possible risks and benefits.
Have you done any of the above? What was your experience like? Let me know in the comment box below!
6 Of The Best Moisturizers For Closed Comedones (Whiteheads) – For All Skin Types
If you're on a quest to find the best moisturizer for closed comedones, look no further. I’m here to share several ones that can help prevent these stubborn bumps. I’ll list suitable creams that help with prevention, and may also have ingredients that treat whiteheads...
Tyrosinase Inhibitor Skincare Products – What Are They + Best Ones
Next to raging pimples, we see post-acne marks, sun spots, dark patches, and uneven skin tone as some of the main skin concerns for many. They can be as dramatic and even more stubborn to get rid of. Enter tyrosinase inhibitors — compounds that can take on the task of...
7 Outstanding Eye Creams That Won’t Cause Milia
Milia is amongst those skin conditions that lead to confusion and dilemmas. Is it acne? Is it the same as zits? Can you treat it the same way as those? In this article, I share with you: what milia are and what causes them; some of my top choices for eye creams that...