This is the third part in our series on skin pigmentation. Here we will look at which creams could help reduce the signs of pigmentation.
Which ingredients can effectively treat hyper pigmentation?
The most important ingredients in the treatment for hyper pigmentation include: phenols ( like hydroquinone and mequinol), retinoids (for example tretinoin) and alpha-hydroxy acids (i.e., glycolic acid).
Hydroquinone
An important ingredient to look out for is hydroquinone. This can block the formation of new melanin and therefore prevents the dark spots from forming. Hydroquinone can be bought as a formulation from pharmacies but is also found in anti pigmentation creams. It will need to be used for up to 6 months for it to be effective.
Tretinoin (also known as Retin-A)
Tretinoin is the acid form of vitamin A and is also known as all-trans retinoic acid or ATRA. Although this will require treatment for 24 weeks or more, tritinoin 0.1% cream has shown to improve hyperpigmentation. Tretinoin is also very effective for the treatment of acne, black and whiteheads and wrinkles.
Avene Retrinal Cream 0.1% available at SkinCareRx.com gets very good reviews.
alpha-hydroxy acids
Alpha-hydroxy acids are becoming increasingly popular and are present in many creams to prevent hyper pigmentation. Most common are glycolic acid and lactic acid, known for their excellent skin penertration ability. Alha hydroxy acids work by allowing dead skin cells to be removed quicker, which makes place for new skin cells. Apart from improving the effects from hyper pigmentation, it also improve wrinkling and roughness.
Which creams have proven to be effective?
The best results have usually been achieved with creams that contain a combination of the ingredients described above.
Skinceuticals has been very popular for their anti-aging creams and they now offer a complete solution for the treatment of pigmentation. The skinCeuticals Advanced Brightening System (6 piece) provides a multiple product system that minimizes the appearance of UV-induced skin damage by preventing future damage, correcting existing damage, and protecting healthy skin.
Pigment Gel pHaze 13 (1 oz.)PCA SKIN pHaze 13 Pigment Gel is an affordable option that also gets good reviews. It contains 2% hydroquinone and also contains Kojic Acid and Alpha Hydroxy Acid to effectively target bothersome facial brown spots. It simultaneously helps to exfoliate, bleach and inhibit hyper pigmentation.
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