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Clear, glowy, doll-like skin sans dark spots is always the goal, right?
Read on for their advice on revealing your most even skin yet.
What Causes Discoloration in Darker Skin Tones?
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When spots or patches appear on your skin that are darker than your skin tone, its called hyperpigmentation.
These areas visibly contrast with the surrounding unaffected skin, leading to the unevenness of color and/or tone."
“For example, with melasma, going off the pill can help.
Effective broad-spectrumsun protection, sun avoidance, and sun-protective clothing are essential for lasting results.”
Consider Hydroquinone
Joyce Imahiyerobo-ip, MD,notes thathydroquinoneis the traditional gold standard of chemical lightening agents.
“It can be purchased over the counter in strengths of 1 percent to 2 percent.
However, it is available by prescription at much higher doses.”
She suggests using this ingredient with caution, though.
However, it is a powerful pigment fighter."
Key Ingredients
Hydroquinone is a chemical compound used in products that treat hyperpigmentation.
It works by interacting with the melanin-producing cells in the skin and decreasing the production of pigment.
“It specifically addresses the role that UV light plays in melanogenesis,” she says.
“Tranexamic acid can be used orally or topically to treat stubborn pigmentary conditions like melasma.
It is important to see a board-certified dermatologist before taking this medication orally.
However, there are some great topical preparations that have become widely available.”
Two options they will likely present are lasers and chemical peels.
Gross says you shouldnt look to lasers to take care of your hyperpigmentation when you have dark skin.
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