Ingredients used in treating hyperpigmentation

Pigmentation tips

Hyperpigmentation, or skin discolouration, affects almost everyone over time. Pigmented spots often appear as a result from sun exposure, heat, medication, hormones, acne breakout or a post inflammatory reaction to a skin injury. The good news is that there are products and technologies that can reduce and sometimes reverse hyperpigmentation altogether.

So why do these spots appear? Pigment is produced within the skin by cells called melanocytes that help your body’s immune system. When the skin is attacked by any of the factors mentioned above, these melanocytes go into a hyper-function and produce pigment in the skin.

Although skin pigmentation is, in most cases harmless, many people seek treatment for cosmetic reasons. Wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen is the most important factor in preventing skin pigmentation however there are a wide variety of treatments for pigmentation like IPL/Laser, dermal rollering, chemical peels & cell therapy. However the less invasive way is non-prescription topical skincare products.

Ingredients used in treating hyperpigmentation:

Kojic Acid – it is derived from a variety of different fungi and organic substances such a soy and mushrooms. Kojic Acid is one of the most successful and natural skin whitening agents. Studies indicate that kojic acid is more effective than hydroquinone and without irritations or long term complications, which is associated with hydroquinone. It inhibits the production of melanin.

Arbutin – derived from the leaves of bearberry, cranberry, mulberry or blueberry shrub. It inhibits tyrosinase and thus prevents the formation of melanin. Arbutin also protects the skin against damage caused by free radicals.

Dermaceutic Yellow Cream & Zenmed SKINCORRECT + Dark Spot Corrector are popular pigment lightening treatment products, which contains both Kojic acid and arbutin.

Tranexamic acid is much more specific to treating hyperpigmentation.
Helping to brighten dark spots and improve pigmentation.
Tranexamic acid slows the production of melanin by inhibiting a pathway known as the plasminogen/plasmin pathway.

discolouration serum

SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense Serum & DermaTx Brighten Pigment Corrector are popular Pigment lightening treatment products, which contain tranexamic acid.

Pigment-enhancing additives often times include a topical Vitamin A (Retinol) and or AHAs (glycolic acid),which enhances & evens skin tone by assisting in the breaking up and breaking down of pigment within skin layers and aiding full penetration. Also by adding Vitamin C & E will inhibit the production of melanin, stimulate collagen, has a brightening effect & has the added benefit of it’s anti-oxidant effect. Niacinamide can also help treat hyperpigmentation by reducing melanin concentration of the skin and promoting cell turnover.

The natural skin lightening treatments can be used long term and are designed for regular use. Lightening products should be applied for at least 3 months so that the effect can be completed. Results can be observed during the first 3-4 weeks.