Skin pigmentation refers to how much melanin the body generates, and it determines the color of the skin. Melanin is produced by cells called melanocytes, found in the deep basal layer of the epidermis. When your skin is exposed to UV-B rays, melanocytes kick into overdrive and produce higher levels of melanin which causes hyperpigmentation.
Hyperpigmentation, also called dark spots, is a common condition that causes some areas of the skin to be darker or a different color than others.1 Hyperpigmentation means the deposit of extra melanin, the brown skin pigment that normally colors the skin. Hyperpigmentation can be caused by things like sun exposure, hormonal changes, or an underlying medical condition.2
There are three types of hyperpigmentation—melasma, sunspots (solar lentigo), and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.2
At-home treatments to reduce the appearance of pigmented skin include natural remedies, prescription medications, and over-the-counter creams and serums.
There are several do-it-yourself remedies for skin lightening. There is not much scientific evidence that these natural remedies work, but some anecdotal reports suggest some of these methods might be worth a try.
When it comes to brightening creams and serums, there are many prescription and over-the-counter options.8 These products take time to work and require consistent use to see results. Check for the following active ingredients in your chosen product to help brighten skin and reduce the appearance of dark spots.9
Medications that help to encourage cell turnover to reveal newer, healthier skin include retinoids and azelaic acid. Retinoids are available over the counter as retinol and as prescription tretinoin.8 Azelaic acid may also help to suppress melanin production.10 It is available in prescription and over-the-counter strengths.
Vitamin C and niacinamide are popular ingredients in brightening creams and serums because they can block melanin production.11,12
Hydroquinone bleaches the skin by decreasing the number of cells that make melanin. It usually takes three to six months to see improvement.13 Hydroquinone is only available as a prescription product, Tri-Luma, in the United States. Some people have experienced serious side effects using hydroquinone, such as rashes, facial swelling, and skin discoloration.14
There are several treatments available to improve the look of dark spots and pigmented skin that can be done in the office.
Chemical peels are applied to the area of skin you want to improve, like areas of dark pigmentation on the face. A chemical solution is applied to the face that removes the dead skin cells in the outer layer of the skin, called exfoliation. After the outer layer of skin peels off, new skin underneath will appear smoother and less damaged.15
Chemical peels offered in a professional setting will penetrate to deeper levels of the skin than at-home chemical peels.
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) uses pulses of light to penetrate the lower layers of skin and target melanin. The light is converted into heat, which destroys the pigment particles. Most IPL systems will refine the light output with filters to enhance skin penetration and targeting.16
IPL treatments are non-invasive, and most people do not need any downtime. The results of IPL treatment are long-lasting but can take up to five sessions to reach the desired outcome.17 Candela’s Selective Waveband Technology (SWT®) IPL on the Nordlys™ system targets the excess melanin with narrow wavelengths of lights (less heat in the skin) to improve the pigmented lesions. The Nordlys is FDA, CE, and TGA cleared, and is a non-invasive treatment for dark spots and other skin pigmented lesions.
Laser treatments use a single wavelength to target melanin in the skin. Depending on the different causes and conditions of hyperpigmentation, lasers can be used as effective treatments for melasma, dark spots and age spots.
The PicoWay® picosecond ultra short pulse laser targets the excess melanin in the skin and shatters it into tiny pigment particles that are metabolized out of the body. Instead of using a photothermal effect that causes the skin to heat up, the PicoWay laser system uses a photoacoustic effect. This means that people usually have little to no downtime after their treatments.18 The PicoWay is FDA, CE, and TGA cleared.
The Gentle® laser devices deliver high-energy long pulses that penetrate deep into the skin to destroy the excess pigment. This laser system features a protective cooling burst of cryogen via a dynamic cooling device (DCD™), in the treatment area right before and after each laser pulse. This cooling spray protects the skin's surface against a burning sensation and keeps the patient comfortable during the treatment. The Gentle is FDA, CE, and TGA cleared.
Another laser treament option from Candela's brands is the Frax Pro® laser device which delivers very small, controlled bursts of energy to the skin’s problem area. Pigmented lesions on the skin surface are destroyed and peeled off after several skin resurfacing treatments. The Frax Pro is FDA, CE, and TGA cleared.
Hyperpigmentation Before and After Photos
Skin pigmentation, also called hyperpigmentation, is a common condition that causes some areas of the skin to be darker or a different color than others.1
Pigmentation is caused by deposits of melanin, the brown skin pigment that normally colors the skin. Melanin is produced by cells called melanocytes. Hyperpigmentation can be caused by things like sun exposure, hormonal changes, or an underlying medical condition.2
Depending on the type of hyperpigmentation, you may see results after just one session. Usually, multiple sessions are needed.18
The simplest way to prevent hyperpigmentation and dark spots is to avoid the sun and wear a broad spectrum sunscreen daily. If hyperpigmentation is caused by an underlying condition, treating the underlying condition can improve symptoms.2
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