According to the American Dermatological Association there are millions of people affected with various forms of skin hyperpigmentation. This can be do to genetics or life-hood experiences like too much sun resulting in sun spots and other forms of permanent sun damage. In the past people just had to learn to live with the problems and many possible solutions were reserved solely for the rich whom could afford the high prices. There have been a lot of advances and changes in skin care and there now are numerous procedures and treatments that can treat, minimize, and in some cases, completely clear up the condition.
Hyperpigmentation is basically defined as an area of skin which is over pigmented or darker in contrast to the surrounding skin to effectively standout. It can be caused by many factors which can be genetic or even brought about by sun damage. It can be anything from dark splotches to a pregnancy mask which pregnant women can get due to hormonal changes which can increase melanin production and dark patches. Women taking the pill are at risk of the same and it can also be due to aging processes (liver spots, etc…). Regardless of what its cause may be, when the hyperpigmentation problem involves facial skin the problem can be seen as socially devastating and even lead to depression – this is why consumers spent over 5 billion dollars last year on cosmetic products to treat or cover these problem areas.
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It is important to note that there are many different treatments available and before embarking on any one of these it is best to obtain the advice of a local dermatologist or physician. Now, first off, a lot of research has gone into vitamin K and its ability to increase blood flow and reduce bruising and possibly scarring. Whether the injury is a result from a medical procedure, an accident, or even a genetic problem like circles under the eyes vitamin K has been shown quite effective in cream applications and has been added to many prescription and nonprescription skin care formulas for this reason.
Nicotinamide, a derivative of niacin, has been shown to add or bring back moisture and pliability to skin which has lost this due to topical skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis or even old age. Niacinamide, another derivative of niacin, has been shown to have a skin lightening property when used in topical format on areas of skin hyperpigmentation. According to dermatologist Dr. Leslie Bauman, when the topical nicotinamide was applied to mouse skin in tests it produced a 70 percent decrease in ultraviolet-induced cancer. The niacinamide has also shown great anti inflammatory properties which may be used in the future to treat dermatitis, mild to severe forms of acne, etc… So, both of these derivatives of niacin show there is more out there and much promise in the way of vitamin and mineral research and applications.
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There is also the prescription and nonprescription application of hydroquinone which has been used quite effectively by dermatologists especially for skin bleaching of hyperpigmentation and problem skin areas for years. According to the FDA (Food and Drug Adminitration) the nonprescription strength limit is 4%. Any product containing over 4% hydroquinone is available only through a doctor – regardless what some internet websites may have you to believe. Also, it should be noted that research by the ADA and numerous medical researchers has shown that to be noticeably effective a concentration of at least 10 to 15% and preferably 20% hydroquinone should be used. Basically hydroquinone chemically breaks down and reduces the amount of melanin in the skin (melanin is what usually causes the darker patches in hyperpigmentation).
Applications of higher strengths of hydroquinone (15-20%) have shown remarkable skin lightening and skin whitening effects. All one has to do is look at Michael Jackson’s complexion for an example. The results, however, are permanent and can lead to a greater risk of skin cancer as the skins natural defense, melanin, is reduced or completely removed. Many topical solutions that contain hydroquinone also contain sun protection and stern warning labels for this reason.
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The latest in office treatment used by dermatologists to treat hyperpigmentation is not cheap – lasers. Laser therapy has been around for a while, but new advances and different color and pigment lasers keep evolving. Lately, the q-switched ruby, blue and various other lasers specifically approved or in testing for treatment of various hyperpigmentation and similar skin disorders have been showing a lot of promise. Again, laser treatments are not cheap and may not be covered under insurance policies, but with the advent of payment plans and pre tax medical savings plans they are becoming quite popular.
So there you have it, the latest in research in skin bleaching and lightening for treatment of hyperpigmentation. As stated before, it is best advised to obtain the medical advice of a licensed physician or dermatologist before embarking on any treatment. This article is for informational purposes only and its purpose is not to supersede or take the place of a licensed physician. As best stated by Dr. Leslie Baumann, “The best way to find answers about selecting the best products for a specific skin type or correcting a problem area is to see your dermatologist who can provide the proper guidance.”