Hyperpigmentation is a general term used to describe skin cells that are darker than their surrounding cells. This condition is very common and effective remedies are highly sought after by those who suffer from "blotchy" skin. This article describes two methods that can be used to alleviate dark spots, sun spots and acne scars.

What causes Hyperpigmentation and how to treat it?

The causes of hyperpigmentation can vary from hormonal (pregnancy), physical trauma ("popping" pimples) and unprotected sun exposure, but the treatment generally falls into two categories: Stopping the skin cells from over producing melanin (the cells responsible for giving the skin it's pigment) and physically removing the top few layers of the skin's surface through chemical or mechanical exfoliation.

Hyperpigmentation treatment can be done at home.

It IS possible to find the best hyperpigmentation treatment for acne scars, back acne, body acne and adult acne (just to name a few) that works for you. Basically, there are two methods:

Method Number 1: Bleaching

The first method usually referred to as bleaching, whitening or lightening, relies on substances that signal the cells to stop producing melanin. Hydroquinone, azelaic acid, koljic acid, Vitamins C and E, bearberry and licorice root are some of the most popular ingredients used, either alone or in combination, to temporarily stop the over production of melanin. Hydroquinone is the ingredient most often prescribed and found in over the counter skin treatments for hyperpigmentation. This ingredient has come under close scrutiny in the last decade when it was shown to cause cancer in laboratory experiments. In similar lab tests, it also caused a significant darkening of the skin. It is only fair to point out that these tests used hydroquinone in very high doses, over a long period of time. Its use has been banned in several countries, but to date, it is still available in the USA in 2% concentrations for OTC products and in 4% concentrations in prescription products. It should also be noted that hydroquinone does not work on all skin types. There are, thankfully, several other clinically proven alternatives to hydroquinone available to you. Vitamins C and E, koljic acid, bearberry and licorice root a few of the safer, more natural alternatives for the treatment of hyperpigmentation. Their effectiveness is equal to and in many cases better than the more controversial hydroquinone.

Method Number 2: Exfoliation

The second method used to treat hyperpigmentation is the shedding of the top layers of the skin's surface through physical exfoliation (microdermabrasion), alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) and/or beta hydroxy acids (BHA). This approach rids the skin of darkened and damaged cells, revealing new, unblemished skin beneath. The amount of time it takes for results to be seen differs greatly and depends on many factors including the age, cause and depth of the hyperpigmented cells.

Watch this demonstaration of the Pore Me ABC (Alpha Beta Hydroxy Combination) Weekly Peel Kit.

What to consider when treating hyperpigmentation through bleaching and / or exfoliation

Microdermabrasion uses physical exfoliants such as aluminum oxide crystals, crushed seeds and/or powdered shells to slough of dead cells. Due to the risk of skin tearing, this method is best suited for those who do not have any pimples or blemishes that are raised above the skin's surface. For those with raised acne, AHA and BHA chemical peels are a better option. Alpha and beta hydroxy acids occur naturally in sugar cane, fruit, milk and vegetables. They dissolve the "glue" that binds dead cells to the surface of the skin and encourages the formation of collagen in the skin. Two of the most commonly used AHAs are glycolic and lactic acids. Glycolic acid works best on skin that is balanced, neither overly dry nor excessively oily. Lactic acid is the mildest AHA and is therefore a better choice for skin that tends to be dry or sensitive. It is also ideal for mature skin, because it increases hydration as it loosens and dissolves dead skin cells. Salicylic acid is currently the only beta hydroxy acid used for skin exfoliation. It is a naturally occurring substance found in a wide range of plants such as black willow bark, slippery elm bark, cacao, yarrow, cloves and birch Bark, just to name a few. In addition to exfoliating the skin, salicylic acid is a potent antiseptic and antibacterial agent, so it serves a dual purpose in both the treatment of hyperpigmentation and acne.

Protect your skin!

The most successful treatments of hyperpigmentation utilize both methods by lightening visibly darkened cells on the skins surface and permanently ridding the skin of damaged cells. It is important to note that all skin lightening ingredients, especially alpha hydroxy acids and beta hydroxy acids, increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun. Therefore, you must wear sunscreen (SPF 15, minimum) every day and limit sun exposure while treating hyperpigmentation. You should continue to use sunscreen every day even after you have successfully treated your hyperpigmentation, to protect your skin from the harmful effects of ultra violet rays.