What is Pigmentation?

The patches and uneven tone you see on different parts of your skin, is Pigmentation. It simply means coloring and is dictated by production of special cells called Melanocytes. A change in the quantity of their production leads to pigmentation disorders like dark patches and uneven skin.

Does Pigmentation fade away on its own?

One of the biggest misconceptions about Pigmentation is that it will fade away by itself and that no treatment, of any kind, is necessary. Some types of pigmentation, like those caused by acne, can eventually lighten up over time (definitely not overnight). Our skin cells have stipulated number of days within which cell turnover happens and it increases But, the majority of discoloration needs to be treated with high-powered active ingredient fit for your skin type to fully eradicate spots on the surface. By now you must have tried over-the-counter medicines like lightening creams. They work best for flat spots, such as Melasma or age spots. OTC products are a more affordable and accessible option but these can take longer time for results than professional treatments.

Also, you must be considering laser treatment as an option but worried about the side-effects. Not sure what to get done to banish your spots and stop the Pigmentation coming back?

Why does Pigmentation keep coming back?

Topical prescription medication can treat some cases of hyperpigmentation. This medication usually contains Hydroquinone which bleaches skin. Utilizing Retinoic acid also assists with lightening dark spots of the skin. Both of these medications can take a few months to lighten darkened areas. But if done without prescription, it can go awfully wrong.

Also read: Permanent Pigmentation: How to avoid it.

Home care sometimes includes over-the-counter medications that may lighten dark spots caused by   sun damage. These medications don’t contain as much Hydroquinone as prescription medications. But again, these are not safe options since they are not backed by science. Home based remedies is mostly using sunscreen to treat sun exposure and sun spots. Following some self-cure remedies like Apple Cider Vinegar, Aloe Vera etc either take time or just don’t work for your skin. Moreover these remedies do not have any scientific proof hence can cause more damage to skin. Also if you are taking contraceptive pills or  are using other methods of birth control, altered levels of hormones namely Estrogen and Progesterone can lead to dark patches on the skin.

Best skincare ingredients for pigmentation include vitamin C, niacinamide, kojic acid, and azelaic acid, which help regulate melanin production and brighten skin tone when used consistently.

Sun protection for pigmentation prevention is crucial—daily use of broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen prevents UV-triggered melanin production that worsens existing pigmentation and causes new spots.

CureSkin can help get rid of Pigmentation!

What you really need is a professional dermatologist who will prescribe the right treatment after looking at the severity of your conditions and your skin’s needs. If you’ve been doing trial and errors for your pigmentation condition and not actually acting upon it then no matter what you do, it just keeps coming back. That is why it is important to see a medically trained dermatologist and get it treated right now! Cure Skin App is a blessing in disguise. Get expert advice and the highest quality care for your Skin pigmentation right at the comfort of your home. Your treatment regimen also includes follow-ups by doctors to ensure your treatment is coming along well. A 24/7 chat support is available for you to drop in your queries or get help with your regimen. How cool is that? Hurry and act fast before you can regret it. Pigmentation free skin is just a few steps away. Download the CureSkin app, answer the questions asked and upload a picture of your skin condition. Once you order your regimen it will be delivered at your doorstep.   As simple as that!

Trust CureSkin, your Online Dermatologist to help you with all your Skin and Hair issues. Click here to download the CureSkin app!

Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns.

Q. Can pigmentation be completely cured?

A. While pigmentation can be significantly improved with the right treatment, it may require ongoing maintenance to prevent recurrence. A dermatologist can provide a personalized treatment plan.

Q. How long does it take to see results from pigmentation treatment?

A. Results vary depending on the type and severity of pigmentation, but most treatments show visible improvement within 4-8 weeks with consistent use.

Q. Are there any side effects of using hydroquinone for pigmentation?

A. Hydroquinone can cause skin irritation, redness, or dryness in some individuals. It should be used under medical supervision and not for extended periods.

Q. How to prevent melasma from coming back?

A. Consistent sun protection, topical treatments like retinoids, and regular dermatologist check-ups are key to preventing melasma recurrence after initial treatment.

Q. Does melasma go away without treatment?

A. Melasma rarely fades completely without treatment; it often requires professional intervention to manage and prevent worsening.

Q. Hormonal melasma treatment?

A. Hormonal melasma is treated with topical agents like hydroquinone, retinoids, or chemical peels, often combined with oral tranexamic acid under medical supervision.

Q. Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation treatment?

A. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation responds well to topical treatments containing vitamin C, azelaic acid, or glycolic acid, with sun protection being essential.

Q. Tranexamic acid for melasma?

A. Tranexamic acid (oral or topical) is an effective treatment for melasma, reducing pigmentation by inhibiting melanin production and is often used alongside other therapies.

Q. Can home remedies treat melasma?

A. Home remedies like lemon juice or aloe vera lack scientific evidence for treating melasma and may irritate skin, making professional treatment the safer choice.

Written by Dr. Charu Sharma — a dermatologist with over 20 years of clinical experience and qualifications from India, the UK, and the USA. She leads a team of 50+ dermatologists and has personally treated 12,000+ patients.

References

• American Academy of Dermatology: Sun Protection Guidelines
• Hydroquinone for Melasma: A Review of Efficacy and Safety

Timestamps

Updated on: 2023-10-15