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9 Hyperpigmentation Treatments for Uneven Skin Coloration

Hyperpigmentation is a common skin problem. In this article, we will go over the top hyperpigmentation treatments and how they work.

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Hyperpigmentation is when you have patches of skin that are darker in color than the rest of your skin because the cells are over-producing melanin.

The top skin conditions that are considered hyperpigmentation are melasma, age spots, scars, or hyperpigmentation leftover from inflammation (like severe acne).

In this article, we will go over the top hyperpigmentation treatments and how they work.


1. Hydroquinone

Hydroquinone is one of the more popular hyperpigmentation treatments, and it is prescription-only at higher doses (>2%).

It works by reducing the melanin production in melanocyte cells, meaning that less pigmentation will be deposited in the skin over time.


2. Azelaic Acid

Azelaic Acid is a naturally occurring acid that is most commonly found in barley, wheat, and rye.

Azelaic Acid is most commonly used for clearing up acne since it has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, but it has also been found to reduce melanin production and lead to overall hyperpigmentation lightening.

You can find lower levels of Azelaic Acid in over-the-counter products, but at 15% or higher, you will need a prescription.


3. Kojic Acid

Kojic Acid is a natural acid produced from fungi, and it is a by-product of certain fermented foods like sake, rice wine, and soy sauce.
When it is applied to the skin it can also inhibit the production of melanin, leading to a lighter overall skin appearance.


4. Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids, like hydrocortisone, are topically applied medications that can fade skin discolorations.

You will often see hyperpigmentation treatments combine hydrocortisone with hydroquinone for a double approach to lightening while also taking advantage of hydrocortisone’s ability to speed healing.


5. Retinoids

Retinoids are ingredients that are derived from vitamin A, like Tretinoin, and there are normally known for their cosmetic properties of helping skin look smoother, clearer, and more firm. Retinoids can also help reduce melanin production while boosting the speed of cell turnover to quickly slough off any abnormally pigmented cells.

So, if you are looking to lighten a dark spot, plus you have some pesky acne patches, and there is a fine line or two that is bothering you - look into Tretinoin to see if you can take care of all three.

Strut Anti-Aging Formula is a physician formulated combination of Tretinoin with other skin brightening and hydrating ingredients.

Tretinoin is a prescription-only medication, so you will need to have an Online Visit with our doctors to make sure Tretinoin therapy is a good option for you.


6. Vitamin C

Vitamin C is no secret anymore, in dermatology vitamin C is touted for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, and UV protection properties.

And, for abnormally darkened areas like age spots or Melasma, Vitamin C can help you there too.

Vitamin C can reduce abnormal melanin production without the risk of over-lightening your normal skin tone.

Strut Brightly has high-dose pharmaceutical-grade vitamin C, along with other skin brightening ingredients to help you glow through your day.

Check-in with our doctors during an Online Visit today to see if Strut Brightly is your new go-to vitamin C cream.


7. Laser Treatments

Laser treatments are sometimes considered as an alternative hyperpigmentation treatment, usually after the topical treatments have already been attempted or the patient wants quicker results.

Laser hyperpigmentation treatments tend to more quickly remove the top skin layers that have the abnormal pigmentation, but the lasers do not stop the continued abnormal production of melanin, so the condition generally returns.

If you want to go with laser treatments to see results quicker, you may be better off maintaining afterward with a topical agent that reduced melanin production more long term.


8. Chemical Peels

Chemical peels work similarly to laser therapy in that they will take off those top layers with abnormal pigmentation, but without something in place to stop the abnormal melanin production, you will likely be back in the salon after a handful of months.

If chemical peels are a must to see results asap, ask your doctor about pairing the treatment with a topical cream for maintenance purposes.


9. Strut Melasma Formula

Strut Melasma Formula pulls outs all the stops and combines 4 prescription and non-prescription elements on this list to get to combat hyperpigmentation.

Strut Melasma Formula is a physician and pharmacist crafted compounded medication with hydroquinone, hydrocortisone, kojic acid, and tretinoin.

Meet with one of our doctors today via an Online Visit to see if Strut Melasma Formula is the right choice for your hyperpigmentation woes.

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