Why does my hyperpigmentation take so long to fade?

The length of time it takes for PIH to fade depends on how dark the spot is compared to the surrounding skin. The bigger the contrast between the dark area and your natural skin tone, the longer it will take to fade. PIH doesn't always fade away on its own. In some cases, it's more or less permanent.

How long do hyperpigmentation marks take 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.

Why is my hyperpigmentation not fading?

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.

How do you speed up hyperpigmentation fading?

How do you fade stubborn hyperpigmentation?

Chemical peels, laser therapy, microdermabrasion, or dermabrasion are all options that work similarly to rid skin of hyperpigmentation. These procedures work to gently remove the top layer of your skin where the dark spots lie.

WHY Your Hyperpigmentation isn't Fading

Why is it so hard to treat hyperpigmentation?

At these thinner, more sensitive areas of skin, the cause of darker pigment could be multifactorial. Treatment can be difficult because the same methods we use to treat pigmentation in other areas can be too aggressive for these locations.

What does permanent hyperpigmentation look like?

When your skin cells react to damage or irritation by making extra melanin, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is the result. This skin condition shows up as tan, brown, dark brown, or even blue-gray patches and spots on your skin.

Does hyperpigmentation get darker before it fades?

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.

Why is my hyperpigmentation getting worse?

What triggers hyperpigmentation? Triggers include sun exposure, hormonal changes, and trauma to the skin, for example, due to acne or an injury. Picking at scabs and spots may make it worse. Some face creams can irritate the skin, leading to further hyperpigmentation.

How many sessions does it take to remove hyperpigmentation?

This laser skin rejuvenation treatment involves little to no downtime and is excellent for treating various forms of discoloration, including sun spots, freckles, and melasma. Most people need 3 to 4 treatments to notice a clear difference in their skin.

What color gets rid of hyperpigmentation?

Purple and blue concealers help neutralize yellow and orange hues, as well as correct dark spots and hyperpigmentation and help tone down overly orange skin. (Think about those times you might have gone overboard with self tanner.) Try the Maybelline New York Master Camo Color Correcting Pen in Blue.

Can hyperpigmentation be rubbed off?

Areas of dark-brown hyperpigmentation could be completely rubbed off with isopropyl alcohol (Fig. 2).

Can hyperpigmentation last for years?

Hyperpigmentation is a lifelong condition. Treatments can help clear some dark spots and lessen others. But they might take a few months or a year to work. And other spots can appear over time, especially if you don't protect yourself from sun damage.

Can I get rid of hyperpigmentation in 2 weeks?

It's important to target hyperpigmentation daily with professional formulas designed specifically to lighten pigmented spots and even overall skin tone. The good news is that fast results can be achieved in just two weeks!

What type of hyperpigmentation is hardest to treat?

Melasma treatment

Whereas some types of hyperpigmentation can be treated with topical creams, melasma is not treated so easily due to the hormones that contribute to its cause in the first place.

What deficiency causes hyperpigmentation?

Cutaneous manifestations associated with vitamin B12 deficiency are skin hyperpigmentation, vitiligo, angular stomatitis, and hair changes.

How can I make hyperpigmentation less noticeable?

Hyperpigmentation in scars occurs when they are exposed to the sun. To prevent this, I recommend applying sunscreen to the scar daily over the first year. If hyperpigmentation is already present, skin lightening creams can help even out the pigmentation, as can laser treatments.

Does exfoliating make hyperpigmentation worse?

Over-exfoliation causes microscopic tears and abrades the skin, especially if a scrub contains granules with irregular edges (crushed walnut shells or apricot pits), has a high pH, or if too much pressure is used. This can lead to severe hyperpigmentation with any method of exfoliation, friction or scrubbing action.

Does retinol help with hyperpigmentation?

Retinol works by increasing cell turnover, stimulating collagen production, and inhibiting excess melainin production. All of which is to say: any retinol product acts against hyperpigmentation.

What cream do dermatologist use for hyperpigmentation?

Hydroquinone is the gold standard for treating hyperpigmentation in dermatology. Its effectiveness and safety is so well-documented in clinical studies that almost all dermatology providers will recommend 4% hydroquinone as a first step for anyone with significant pigment concerns.

Should you exfoliate hyperpigmentation?

Dark spots, hyperpigmentation, melasma, even discoloration left by acne are all forms of excess melanin. Exfoliation helps to reduce the excess melanin by breaking up the pigmented cells and sloughing them off.

Can a dermatologist remove hyperpigmentation?

In moderate cases, the dermatologist may recommend topical and/or oral medication, and in serious cases, procedures or surgical intervention may be required. Overall, treatment for hyperpigmentation is available and accessible.

Why is my pigmentation getting darker after laser?

Immediately post treatment you can expect to see some mild redness. You may also see some of your pigmentation spots (freckles) turn darker. This is normal and the pigment naturally shed off the skins surface within seven to 14 days depending on your skin cell turnover.