Hyperpigmentation fade how long

Products that are gentle on the skin are often labeled "for sensitive skin. When your skin in no longer irritated, new dark spots tend to stop appearing and existing spots often clear on their own over time.

That could make you very sick. Ask the doctor who prescribed the medication if discolored skin is a possible side effect. If it is, ask if you could switch to another medication. A spot that is a few shades darker than your natural skin color will usually fade within 6 to 12 months. If the color lies deep in your skin, however, fading can take years. Discoloration that lies deep in the skin is often slate blue to gray in color.

It may also be brown, but the brown is much darker than your natural skin color. Applied daily, sunscreen can prevent new dark spots and patches. It can also help to clear existing ones. To get the best result, dermatologists also recommend wearing a wide-brimmed hat when you're outside. To get the protection you need to prevent and help clear dark spots, use a sunscreen that offers all of the following:.

You may have success with a product that you can buy without a prescription. If you choose this option, use a product that contains one of the following ingredients:. This can take from a few months in the case of a minor trauma to the skin to several years. Some instances of hyperpigmentation hardly change at all, or will only fade to a certain point then stall. You may not have any control over the first three of those factors, but you can look after your skin in the best way possible, helping your body to heal itself.

So what can you do to help the process along? Here are three steps you could take to support the healing process. If you go to a doctor or dermatologist, they can prescribe creams, peels or laser treatment to help stimulate the skin into healing.

These may or may not help much, and tend to be reserved for major or very visible areas of hyperpigmentation that are affecting your self-confidence. Camouflage may be more effective in people with darker skin because pigment changes to the skin are more noticeable. Dermatologists recommend using a waterproof, long lasting, nongreasy, and noncomedogenic concealer.

If acne is causing hyperpigmentation spots, people should avoid applying products that promote acne. Some people also search for home remedies to treat hyperpigmentation acne, such as liquid bleach. However, this product can seriously damage the skin, so people should avoid applying it. Hyperpigmentation acne is not harmful. However, some people may seek medical treatment for hyperpigmentation acne for cosmetic reasons. People can discuss their treatment options with a doctor or dermatologist who can suggest appropriate treatments.

Some treatments require a prescription, whereas others are available over the counter OTC. People should be aware that some OTC products may contain ingredients that do not lighten the skin or other contaminants.

It is important to check the ingredient list to ensure that a product is likely to be effective. Researchers have also discovered mercury, steroids, and other contaminants in some products available in other countries.

Due to this, doctors urge people to use recommended skin-lightening products only. Healthcare professionals can help give people realistic expectations regarding their treatment. They can also recommend combinations of medical treatments to speed up the fading further. Dark spots may occur more frequently in people with darker colored skin, but they can appear in all types of skin. Hyperpigmentation acne is not harmful, but it can cause significant psychosocial effects.

People may seek treatment for hyperpigmentation acne for cosmetic purposes. Dermatologists can help evaluate the intensity of the dark spots and recommend the most appropriate treatment. Some dark spots may disappear without treatment, but fading takes time. Physical exfoliation can sometimes be too harsh. Scrubbing can slough off dead skin, but chemicals can effortlessly unglue dead skin and aid in cell turnover. Chemicals run deep. With a chemical like glycolic acid, it can remove surface skin cells but it can also disperse melanin in the basal layer of skin , reducing the appearance of discoloration.

Try consulting with a doctor or dermatologist before using chemical peels or exfoliants. There are many chemical exfoliants that could be helpful for PIH. Strut Health backs the use of the antioxidant retinoid tretinoin for the treatment of PIH. The superpower here is cell turnover rates.

It is often used in the treatment of acne, acne scarring, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Retinoid acids can be very powerful, this is why some of them require a prescription. In a study involving 54 participants, researchers found the use of topical tretinoin 0.

At the end of the full week treatment, the participants using tretinoin saw a 40 percent improvement while the group not using this acid only saw an 18 percent improvement. However, a longer course of treatment will be needed to see the full benefits of tretinoin. When it comes to fading acne scars or PIH, these treatments generally take a considerable time. However, it is definitely faster than allowing the discoloration to resolve on its own over time. Sun exposure naturally encourages the production of melanin, which is what creates a nice Summer suntan.

However, sun exposure can also further darken hyperpigmentation spots. To avoid this, use daily broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher to protect your skin and hyperpigmentation spots from the sun.