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If you have darker skin, some hyperpigmentation removal methods will actually aggravate your skin.
But unfortunately, most skin care professionals are not educated on how to treat hyperpigmentation on black skin, so doing your own research is the key to success.
What is Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation? Hyperpigmentation happens when our skin cells have an inflammatory reaction caused by acne or other damage.
The melanin goes into overdrive producing too much, creating dark spots on our skin.
Skin cells of darker skin contain more melanin so are more prone to get hyperpigmentation.
Even a small breakout of acne can leave marks on darker skin.
Did you know that the color of your hyperpigmentation can tell you how easy it will be to treat? If your spots are a darker shade of brown, then the excess melanin was produced in the upper layers of your skin and should be fairly easy to remove.
However, if your hyperpigmentation is a grayish blue color, the damage was done at the lower layers of the skin, or dermis, and will take more persistence on your part.
Hydroquinone - How Safe Is It? Many dermatologists in the United States consider hydroquinone to be the most effective hyperpigmentation removal method.
It works by breaking down your melanin pigment granules by inhibiting the production of tryosinase, a melanin producing enzyme.
However, in most other countries, it has been banned from use because it's a derivative of benzene, a cancer causing agent.
Apart from the cancer thing, many patients experience "rebound" hyperpigmentation.
Their skin becomes inflamed, thickened and even more pigmented.
If you do want to try this treatment, be sure to start with a 1% concentration first to see how your skin reacts.
Also, be very careful to only apply the hydroquinone only the dark mark and not to healthy skin surrounding it.
Be prepared to use the hydroquinone medication for up to 6 months to completely get rid of your hyperpigmentation.
Plus, wear sunscreen religiously.
Retinoids and Azelaic Acid - By Prescription Only These are both prescription medications and should be used under the care of dermatologist.
With retinoids, use a very small pea size amount to cover the entire face for a 40 week period to have completely clear skin.
For azelaic acid, again use a very small amount and you see a marked improvement in 6 months.
With both of these medications, there's a good chance of irritation, burning, itching and redness of the skin.
If this happens, discontinue use and look for a less aggressive treatment plan.
Glycolic Acid - Lighten Dark Spots At Home Many beauty spas will suggest glycolic acid as a treatment for hyperpigmentation and discoloration, however, they can cause excessive redness, swelling and irritation for some people.
Be sure to consult with a dermatologist before you sign up for any special facials.
If you'd like to try this at home, you can get the lower concentrations (up to 5%) at the beauty supply store, but you'll need a prescription for higher concentrations.
A good tip for application at home is to mix one part glycolic acid with one part aloe vera gel.
This will really help reduce your chances of irritating your skin.
Glycolic acid leaves you skin very sun sensitive, so wear sunscreen everyday.
Microdermabrasion - Least Irritating to Dark Skin If you skin is sensitive to glycolic acid, microdermabrasion might be a good hyperpigmentation removal technique for you.
It's performed in a dermatologist's office and works by spraying fine crystals onto the skin and blasting away the surface layer.
Of all medical treatments, this is the most well tolerated by brown skin, but some will still experience redness, swelling or irritation.
As with glycolic acid treatments, microdermabrasion requires six to eight treatments and they're usually priced from $90 to $150.
Unfortunately, because it's a cosmetic procedure and not covered by medical insurance, you'll have to commit both time and your hard earned money.
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