Hyperpigmented skin can be due to a number of causes. Most commonly it stems from abnormal activity of a kind of skin cell called melanocytes, which produce the compound melanin. Melanin is the primary pigment in the skin. If the melanocytes make too much melanin, the skin can become dark. Most treatments for hyperpigmentation involve removing the outer layers of skin to allow newer skin to come to the surface.
Step 1
Use over-the-counter skin lightening creams. According to MedlinePlus, these creams are effective at treating mild cases of hyperpigmentation of the skin. MedlinePlus indicates that they should be used according to the instructions on the packaging but should not be used for more than three weeks at a time (to avoid skin damage).
Step 2
Receive a chemical peel. According to the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery, chemical peels can be effective for lightening abnormally dark skin. Chemical peels contain chemicals, such as salicylic acid, phenol, lactic acid, glycolic acid or trichloroacetic acid, and are most effective when administered by a trained dermatologist. These peels work by removing the top layers of skin, which allow younger skin layers to come to the surface. These newer skin layers are typically lighter in appearance than the old layers.
Step 3
Have microdermabrasion done. Microdermabrasion works similarly to chemical peels in that it removes the outermost layers of skin to reveal new skin underneath. With micordermabrasion, the area that is to be treated is frozen and/or numbed and then a brush that is attached to a high-speed rotary machine is gently applied to "sand" off the top layers of skin.
Step 4
Have laser surgery performed. Laser surgery is another type of dermatological operation which can be used to lighten hyperpigmented skin. Laser surgery works by training high intensity light beams at specific wavelengths onto the skin. The abnormally dark portions of the skin will absorb the light and be vaporized. Depending on the color of your normal skin and the hyperpigmented region, different kinds of lasers at different wavelengths may be used to treat the hyperpigmented region.
Things You'll Need
- Skin-lightening cream
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