Another Hyperpigmentation Question - Part Three

Ingredients to Speed the Fading Process



1. There are many OTC skin brighteners or clarifiers.



Some ingredients work to actually lighten the skin.

• Hydroquinone is the most effective skin lightener and has the longest track record. It is available OTC in 1 to 2% concentration. Adverse reactions are rare at these lower concentrations. Hydroquinone is not stable and needs to be kept away from light and air. If it turns brown you know it is no longer effective.

• Kojic Acid

• Licorice Extract

• Arbutin (which contains Hydroquinone)



Other ingredients work by exfoliation. By speeding cell turnover, exfoliants hasten the ascent of excess melanin to the surface where it will slough off.

• Glycolic acid (AHA)

• Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C AHA)



Read the rest of my answer about skin lightening.



Tags: hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone, to tan or not, melanin, dermatologist advice, skin lighteners