8 best treatments for hyperpigmentation Medical News Today Health ConditionsHealth ConditionsAlzheimer's & DementiaAnxietyArthritisAsthma & AllergiesBreast CancerCancerCardiovascular HealthCOVID-19Dermatology & SkincareDiabetesEnvironment & SustainabilityExercise & FitnessEye HealthHeadache & MigraineHealth EquityHIV & AIDSHuman BiologyInflammatory Bowel DiseaseLeukemiaLGBTQIA+Men's HealthMental HealthMultiple Sclerosis (MS)NutritionParkinson's DiseasePsoriasisSexual HealthWomen's HealthDiscoverNewsLatest NewsOriginal SeriesMedical MythsHonest NutritionThrough My EyesNew Normal HealthPodcastsHow to understand chronic painWhat is behind vaccine hesitancy?The amazing story of hepatitis C, from discovery to cureNew directions in dementia researchCan psychedelics rewire a depressed, anxious brain?Why climate change matters for human healthToolsGeneral HealthDrugs A-ZHealth HubsHealth ToolsBMI Calculators and ChartsBlood Pressure Chart: Ranges and GuideBreast Cancer: Self-Examination GuideSleep CalculatorHealth ProductsAffordable Therapy OptionsBlood Pressure MonitorsDiabetic SuppliesFitness TrackersHome GymsGreen Cleaning ProductsHow to Shop for CBDQuizzesRA Myths vs FactsType 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood SugarAnkylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or FictionConnectAbout Medical News TodayWho We AreOur Editorial ProcessContent IntegrityConscious LanguageNewslettersSign UpFollow UsMedical News TodayHealth ConditionsDiscoverToolsConnectSubscribe 8 of the best treatments for hyperpigmentationMedically reviewed by Raechele Cochran Gathers, MD — By Kristina Iavarone — Updated on June 27, 2022We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process. Hyperpigmentation is a condition that causes patches of skin to darken in color. It is usually harmless and can affect all skin tones. There are various products that can help fade patches of dark skin, and they may also have other skin benefits. Share on Pinterest Quick linksBest for reducing aging spots The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% HABest for all skin types SkinMedica Lytera 2 0 Pigment Correcting SerumBest non-irritating First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance SerumBest hydrating MELE Even Dark Spot Control SerumBest for acne marks SkinCeuticals Discoloration DefenseBest for mature skin: Dr. Dennis Gross Clinical Dark Spot Correcting SerumBest for detoxifying the skin Murad City Skin Overnight Detox MoisturizerBest for brightening: Revision Skincare C+ Correcting Complex 30%This article discusses hyperpigmentation in more detail and some products that work to minimize dark areas on the skin. It also lists some answers to frequently asked questions. Learn more about hyperpigmentation. About hyperpigmentation Hyperpigmentation occurs when the skin produces excess melanin — natural pigmentation found mostly in the skin. The affected areas may simply look like freckles or age spots. According to the National Cancer Institute, some factors that can lead to hyperpigmentation include:skin inflammationpregnancy sun damagehormonal changescancer medications Acne.org lists some ingredients that can help to fade dark spots, including:Azelaic acid: Doctors usually prescribe azelaic acid for people who have acne, but it can also slow down melanin production. It suits all skin tones, but it may take up to 6 months for an individual to notice improvements.Retinoids: These include tretinoin, adapalene, and tazarotene, and people can use them with hydroquinone to treat hyperpigmentation. An older study found that a daily retinoid treatment lightened dark skin patches in most participants.Hydroquinone: This is a skin lightening agent that bleaches the skin and may cause some side effects such as redness and itching. People who use ascorbic acid or vitamin C with this treatment may have a reduced chance of developing these side effects. How to choose A person looking for a product that addresses hyperpigmentation may want to consider:Skin type: People should choose a product that is suitable for their skin type. Some brands offer items that work on all skin types and tones.Ingredients: The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) recommends that individuals with darker skin tones look for products that contain vitamin C, kojic acid, or azelaic acid. Review photos: Some brands have before and after photos on their website that show how the skin may respond to treatment and how it may look after a person applies their product. How we chose Medical News Today chooses products that meet the following criteria:Price: MNT chooses products available for a wide range of budgets.Ingredients: MNT chooses products that clearly list all ingredients.Skin concerns: Where appropriate, MNT selects products that target a specific skin concern, such as dryness, oiliness, or aging.Safety: MNT chooses products that contain ingredients safe for topical use.Reputable: MNT selects products from businesses that adhere to industry best practices. Pros and cons The products available for hyperpigmentation come with several advantages and some disadvantages. ProsGluten-free products are available.Products may come without fragrance, parabens, and sulfates.They may address multiple skin concerns.Some subscription options may make products more affordable. ConsProducts may not work on all skin types.Some products may be expensive.Some products may cause side effects such as redness and itching. Products Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication. Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here. Various products are suitable for people with hyperpigmentation. Below are several options a person can consider. Best for reducing aging spots The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% HAPrice$10–19 for 30 milliliters (ml)Skin typenormal, combination, dryVolume30 ml and 60 mlMain ingredientspurified alpha-arbutin and hyaluronic acid This cruelty-free product claims to help reduce the appearance of age spots and improve skin tone. The company writes that this formulation contains a high concentration of 2% alpha arbutin, which is stronger than beta arbutin. According to the company, a standard concentration is 1%. It is vegan, gluten-free, and does not contain alcohol or silicone. The company recommends that people apply a few drops to their face in the morning and evening, and avoid using it around their eyes. A person should also consider carrying out a patch test before including this product in their skin care routine, and they should see a doctor if they develop an irritation that does not improve. A person can consider the following pros and cons of this product: Pros:may reduce aging spotsaffordablecruelty-freevegangluten-freealcohol-freeoil-free Cons:may irritate sensitive skinsome users claim it is ineffectiveSHOP NOW Best for all skin types SkinMedica Lytera 2 0 Pigment Correcting SerumPrice$160Skin typeall skin typesVolume60 mlMain ingredientstranexamic acid, phenylmethyl resorcinol, marine extract blend, and phytic acid SkinMedica’s serum claims to correct the appearance of hyperpigmentation, improve skin texture, and prevent new dark spots from developing. According to SkinMedica’s website, Lytera 2.0 works on every skin type, and people may notice results within 2 weeks. Individuals can apply one pump in the morning and evening to their face, neck, chest, or other areas. They can do so after cleansing and toning the skin, and before applying moisturizer and sunscreen. The pros and cons of this product may include: Pros:fast resultsmay prevent dark spotsimproves skin textureformulated for all skin typesparaben-freefragrance-freenon-comedogenic Cons:expensiveSHOP NOW Best non-irritating First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance SerumPrice$42Skin typedry, normal, combination, oily skinVolume1 fluid ounce (fl oz)Main ingredientsniacinamide, licorice root, golden kiwifruit, and undecylenoyl phenylalanine This First Aid Beauty product may suit individuals who have dry, normal, combination, or oily skin types, and those who have dark spots or uneven skin tone. The formulation claims to help soothe the skin, restore texture, and make the skin appear more even-toned. According to the company, this product is vegan, gluten- and cruelty-free, and does not contain artificial fragrance. First Aid Beauty recommends that a person applies three or four drops to their fingertips to then spread on the affected area. They can use the serum in the morning and evening after cleansing the skin. A person can consider the pros and cons of this First Aid Beauty product: Pros:vegangluten-freecruelty-freeparaben-freenut-freenano-freedermatologist testedfragrance freenon-comedogenicalcohol-free Cons:some users claimed product caused breakoutssome reports that product is not effectiveSHOP NOW Best hydrating MELE Even Dark Spot Control SerumPrice$23.99Skin typenormal, combinationVolume1 fl ozMain ingredientsniacinamide, hexylresorcinol, and retinyl propionate The ingredients in this serum may help reduce dark spots and even skin tone. The company claims that this formulation is free from parabens, alcohol, mineral oils, and phthalates. Individuals can apply this serum in the morning or at night, and after cleansing or toning their skin. According to online reviews, the serum feels light on the skin and people can use it as a moisturizer. The pros and cons a person can consider may include: Pros:hydratinganti-agingmay be suitable for acne-prone skinparaben-freealcohol-freemineral oil-freephthalate-free Cons:company tests products on animalssome reports that product does not reduce dark spotsSHOP NOW Best for acne marks SkinCeuticals Discoloration DefensePrice$102Skin typedry, normal, oily, combinationVolume1 ounce (oz)Main ingredientstranexamic acid, kojic acid, niacinamide, and hepes This SkinCeuticals product claims to help brighten the skin by correcting difficult to treat dark spots. The company claims the product yields a 60% average improvement in the appearance of brown patches. It may also help reduce the appearance of post-acne marks. The formulation of this serum may suit those with dry, normal, oily, or combination skin types, and a person can apply three to five drops to their face twice per day. The company recommends using SkinCeuticals vitamin C and a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 50 or higher after applying this serum in the morning. Also, many users who wrote product reviews said that the formulation is lightweight and helps fade their acne scars. Pros:can be used dailyproduct has been clinically testedmay reduce appearance of acne scarsparaben-freesilicone-freegluten-freehydroquinone-free Cons:expensivemay not be suitable for sensitive skinSHOP NOW Best for mature skin Dr Dennis Gross Clinical Grade IPL Dark Spot Correcting SerumPrice$92Skin typeall skin typesVolume1 fl ozMain ingredientslactic acid, kojic acid, and arbutin The manufacturer claims this correcting serum’s formulation is suitable for all skin types, and the ingredients it contains may help fade dark spots, firm the skin, and even out tone. The lactic acid helps remove dead hyperpigmented cells located on the skin’s surface. Those who are aged 60 years and over have also noted its effectiveness at correcting sun spots on the hands and forearms. The company states that individuals can apply this serum in the morning or evening when their skin is dry. Reviews note that this correcting serum is lightweight and quickly absorbed. Pros:antioxidant propertiesmay fade sunspotsmay firm skinmay even out skin tonelightweighteasily absorbed Cons:expensivecan take up to 8 weeks to see resultsSHOP NOW Best for detoxifying the skin Murad City Skin Overnight Detox MoisturizerPrice$79Skin typedry, sensitive, combinationVolume1.7 fl ozMain ingredientsmarrubium plant stem cells, sunflower, cucumber and barley botanical blend, and vitamin C This product may benefit individuals with combination, dry, or sensitive skin types. The company claims it plumps the skin to help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and reverses dehydration that develops from pollutants. The company cites a study by Unilever that posits blue light can negatively impact the skin, and Murad claims this overnight moisturizer can help to combat these effects. However, this study is not easily accessible online, and more research is needed to back up this claim. Reviewers note that this moisturizer is not greasy and leaves the skin feeling smooth. Users should apply the product before bed after cleansing and toning. Pros:detoxifies skinreduces appearance of fine lines and wrinkleshydrates skinprotects skin from pollutantsnon-greasy formula Cons:study cited by company is not readily availableexpensiveSHOP NOW Best for brightening the skin Revision Skincare C Correcting Complex 30%Price$164Skin typedry, oily, combinationVolume1 fl ozMain ingredientsvitamin C, sodium carboxymethyl beta-glucan, and diglucosyl gallic acid Revision Skincare claims this product suits all skin types and can help firm the skin, make it appear brighter, and reduce the appearance of fine lines. The company’s patent-pending MelaPATH technology includes antioxidants that may combat free radicals. This formulation also includes a stable form of vitamin C, THD ascorbate, that the company states brightens the skin. According to the product description, there are no dyes, fragrances, parabens, or sulfates in the formulation. The company’s website states that individuals should use this product on cleansed skin in the morning and evening. They should also use it before applying moisturizer. Pros:antioxidant propertiesmay brighten skinmay reduce appearance of wrinkles and fine linesdye-freefragrance-freeparaben-freesulfate-free Cons:expensivesmall product sizemay not be suitable for sensitive skinSHOP NOW Comparison The table below provides a comparison of each of the products included in this article.Best forProConPriceSizeThe Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HAreducing aging spotsaffordablemay irritate sensitive skin$10–1930 mlSkinMedica Lytera 2.0 Pigment Correcting Serumall skin typesworks quicklyexpensive$1602 fl ozFirst Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Serumnon-irritatingveganreports product caused breakouts$421 fl ozMELE Even Dark Spot Control Serumhydratingmay be suitable for acne-prone skintested on animals$23.991 fl ozSkinCeuticals Discoloration Defenseacne markslightweightexpensive$1021 fl ozBeautyStat Universal C Skin Refinerfine lines and wrinklesantioxidant propertiesnot formulated to combat dark spots$25–8010 ml, 30 ml, 50 mlDr. Dennis Gross Clinical Dark Spot Correcting Serummature skinmay fade sunspotscan take 8 weeks to see results$921 fl ozMurad City Skin Overnight Detox Moisturizerdetoxifyingnon-greasy formulastudies cited not readily available$791.7 fl ozRevision Skincare C+ Correcting Complex 30%brighteningcontains stable vitamin Cexpensive$1641 fl oz When to see a dermatologist A person should speak to a doctor if they experience hyperpigmentation, as some types of cancer can cause the skin, moles, or freckles, to change shape or color. If a person experiences skin irritation or an allergic reaction after using their skincare products, they should stop using the product and seek advice from a health professional. A dermatologist may be able to help a person work out what is causing their hyperpigmentation and find the most effective treatment. The American Academy of Dermatology Association writes that skin conditions such as eczema, acne, and psoriasis can all cause hyperpigmentation, especially in darker skin tones. Skin injuries and certain skin care products can also cause hyperpigmentation. Seeing a dermatologist to treat any existing skin conditions may help a person manage their hyperpigmentation. Frequently asked questions Below are some of the top frequently asked questions about hyperpigmentation. What do dermatologists recommend for hyperpigmentation The AAD recommends that people use sunscreen to help clear dark spots and prevent new dark areas from forming. It is best to choose a sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection and offers SPF 30 or higher. Individuals can also check that the product contains titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, and that the formulation does not clog pores, as this may prove problematic for those with oily skin. Learn more about choosing a sunscreen. How do you quickly fade hyperpigmentation Acne.org states that individuals should wear sunscreen and limit the time they expose their skin to the sun. They should also avoid picking at acne lesions, as this can worsen pigmentation. How long does it take for hyperpigmentation to fade The AAD explains that dark spots can take 6-12 months to fade, and if the darker pigment is deep into the skin, healing may take years. However, using the right treatment can help speed up the healing process. Summary Many companies stock products for people with hyperpigmentation and some may also help address other skin problems, such as redness, dryness, and acne. However, a person who is interested in purchasing a hyperpigmentation product should consider various factors before committing to a purchase. These include customer reviews, skin type, and ingredients. Last medically reviewed on December 19, 2021Uncategorized 5 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Bulengo-Ransby, S. M., et al. (1993). Topical tretinoin (retinoic acid) therapy for hyperpigmented lesions caused by inflammation of the skin in Black patients.https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJM199305203282002How to fade dark spots in skin of color. (2021).https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/routine/fade-dark-spotsHow to spot skin cancer. (2020).https://www.cancer.org/latest-news/how-to-spot-skin-cancer.htmlHyperpigmentation. (n.d.).https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/hyperpigmentationKern, D. (2020). Handling hyperpigmentation.https://www.acne.org/hyperpigmentation.htmlFEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Raechele Cochran Gathers, MD — By Kristina Iavarone — Updated on June 27, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? 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