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

Another Hyperpigmentation Question - Part Two

There are three things to keep in mind when treating patches of hyperpigmentation.



First, that splotch of melanin you see in the mirror was created in the skin’s deep layers some time ago. It will take a while to erase and prevent its return. You need to be consistent and patient.



The depth and darkness of spots within the epidermis are variable; so some discolorations are easier to lighten than others. You may see results in as little as three weeks; but it may take as long as six.



Second, you want to slow melanin production and clumping in the future. Some skin lightening ingredients help to do this, but you need to do more. The goal of skin bleaching ingredients is to turn off melanin production and eliminate unwanted pools of pigment already present in the skin.



UV exposure is the one melanin damaging factor you can control quite effectively. Use a broad spectrum sunscreen religiously when you are using skin lightening creams and – really - for the rest of your life.



Your sunscreen should have at least an SPF 15. Since SPF is a measure of UVB protection only, you need to be sure your sunscreen also has ingredients to block UVA rays. Look for Helioplex, Mexoryl, zinc oxide or micronized zinc oxide, Parsol 1789 (avobenzone), cinnamates or salicylates.



Read the rest of my answer about sun damage.



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

Another Hyperpigmentation Question - Part One

I am mostly concerned about my upper lip sun damage. It looks like I have a mustache just because it is so dark. I got this sun damage last year in the summer (2007).



Could you please refer me with a product that works, something with results. I am sick and tired of trying products that don't work. Having this nuisance is affecting my self esteem.



I really hope you can help me out. Thank you.



Gerlinde



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Read my answer about sun damage.



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