Can retinol make hyperpigmentation worse?

“If the retinol you're using is too strong for your skin causing inflammation, darker skin tones may have a higher risk of discoloration, or hyperpigmentation, from the use of it," she adds. Dr. Icecreamwala recommends starting with a retinol that is 0.3 or 0.5 percent.

Does retinol treat hyperpigmentation?

Topical retinoids work by increasing the rate of cell turnover and are typically used as an acne treatment. However, because of the high cell turnover, it also works well to help fade dark spots and acne scars caused by hyperpigmentation.

Can retinol cause skin discoloration?

May appear when you first start using retinol

The increased cell turnover temporarily sloughs off more dead skin cells. This creates a lag time before new, healthy cells come to the surface of your skin. Your new skin is exposed before it's ready, and redness or discoloration, and irritation is the result.

Does retinol make melasma worse?

There's a catch, though: Retinol can be irritating (which we know can end up making melasma worse), so start with a gentle retinol formula and use it slowly at first: One night a week for one week, two nights a week for two weeks, three nights a week for three weeks, then every other night indefinitely.

How long does it take for retinol to work for hyperpigmentation?

Retinol takes some time to show its effects on your skin — Hartman says it can take four to six weeks on average to see results.

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Is vitamin C or retinol better for hyperpigmentation?

While vitamin C is most notable for helping to brighten and improve hyperpigmentation, retinol is typically considered best-in-class for wrinkles and fine lines. If you really want to give your skin a one-two punch, you can also try incorporating both into your routine.

Can retinol make scars worse?

Answer: Retin A does not make old acne scars worse

Retin A can actually help improve the appearance of acne scars, although it works much better on new scars than on old. Start using it slowly, twice a week at night time, and increase the number of days per week in such a way as to not irritate yours skin.

Does hyperpigmentation get worse before it gets better?

Yes. Active treatment accelerates cell turnover, pulling pigmented cells to the surface at a faster rate. This increases the concentration of melanin in the epidermis, which can create a temporary darkening of the spots. The darkening means the pigment is coming up and is ready to be shed away.

Does Retin-A fade hyperpigmentation?

Reach for Retin-A or Retinol

This can be done by using a topical retinoid product that both treats and fades hyperpigmentation,” explains Stephens. While Green says that retin-a (tretinoin) or retinoids are best, retinol is the next best bet without a prescription.

Does hyperpigmentation get worse before it fades?

In dark skin tones, the greater concentration of melanin in the skin means hyperpigmentation is more common and takes longer to fade. Pigment production begins in the deeper layers of the skin and naturally rises to the surface where it concentrates until it is removed via the shedding of dead skin cells.

What happens if you use too much retinol?

First-time retinol users have reported irritation, including redness, dryness, and peeling. If you use too high a strength or apply retinol more frequently than you should, you may experience further irritation, like itchiness and scaly patches.

Does retinol make skin worse before better?

You might also get more breakouts once you start using retinoids. Keep calm and stick with it. “It's common to see acne get worse before it gets better, as the retinoids can cause a mass 'purge,'” says Robinson. Basically, as skin cell turnover increases, new clogs rise to the top.

How do I know if my retinol is too strong?

Despite dermatologists describing retinol as a skin-care star, it can come with an unpleasant side effect: retinol burn. Also known as retinol irritation, it's essentially what happens when your face can't tolerate the powerful ingredient and subsequently devolves into a flaky, peeling, red mess.

Why is my hyperpigmentation not going away?

Some cases of hyperpigmentation may never go away completely. If hyperpigmentation is caused by injury, then as the skin heals the discoloration will lessen as melanin is absorbed into the tissue surrounding the injury.

Why is my pigmentation spreading?

The biggest risk factors for general hyperpigmentation are sun exposure and inflammation, as both situations can increase melanin production. The greater your exposure to the sun, the greater your risk of increased skin pigmentation.

How long does it take hyperpigmentation to fade?

How long does it take for hyperpigmentation to fade? Once what's causing the dark spots or patches is found and stopped, fading can take time. 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.

Can tretinoin make dark spots worse?

Tretinoin can fade spots on the face, evening out your skin tone and helping to hide the blotchy coloration that can affect many people's facial skin. In some cases, however, tretinoin can also cause small patches of skin to darken, producing noticeable skin discoloration.

Which retinol is best for hyperpigmentation?

How long does it take for hyperpigmentation to go away with tretinoin?

Peer reviewed studies suggest you should consult your doctor if you're not seeing any results by week 12. In patients with sun-damaged skin, improvements in the skin usually are seen within the first 3-4 weeks of treatment. Brown spots begin to fade after 6-8 weeks.

Why is my pigmentation getting worse?

Hyperpigmentation may seem like a summer thing and a nonissue during the fall and winter months, but this isn't the case. Dry weather, cold temperatures, and decreased humidity can cause dry patches on the skin and worsen skin conditions like acne, psoriasis, and eczema, leaving behind persistent dark spots.

What is the fastest way to cure hyperpigmentation?

In this case, turning to dermatological procedures will work as the fastest way to get rid of hyperpigmentation. Chemical peels, laser therapy, microdermabrasion, or dermabrasion are all options that work similarly to rid skin of hyperpigmentation.

Can vitamin C make pigmentation worse?

No, it does not. It may stain your skin but it cannot darken your skin. It is important to know the difference between staining and darkening the skin. Staining is where the product reacts with your dead skin cells and leads to a change in the color of those dead cells.

How long does it take for retinol to fade scars?

The thing is, prescription-strength retinoids can take three months for visible results, while over-the-counter retinol products can take six to 12 months to see really noticeable results.

Can retinol fade scars?

Retinol is a well-known ingredient in pro-aging creams, gels, and serums. What many people don't know is that it can also be used to treat acne and acne-scarred skin. It works on both the surface and middle layers of the skin to unclog pores, smooth scars, and improve tone and texture.

What should you not use retinol with?

Don't Mix: Retinol with vitamin C, benzoyl peroxide, and AHA/BHA acids. AHA and BHA acids are exfoliating, which can dry out skin and cause further irritation if your skincare routine already includes retinol.