As with any treatment, it is important to discuss the pros and cons with your care provider to ensure you receive the best treatment and avoid any unnecessary side effects. Takeaway Main Benefits: Inhibits an enzyme necessary to produce melanin, helping to fade dark spots and discoloration. It also delivers some antioxidant protection. Update Day 2: I used the soap again all over my body for 3 minutes and on my face for 30 seconds. I am moisturising my face after each use and I am using sunscreen. In the evening, I noticed my face was stinging a little so I decided to skip the extra 30 seconds for my trouble areas and just did a 30 second wash on my face. Barnes PJ. How corticosteroids control inflammation: Quintiles Prize Lecture 2005. Br J Pharmacol. 2006;148(3):245-254. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706736 Owolabi JO, Fabiyi OS, Adelakin LA, Ekwerike MC. Effects of skin Lightening cream agents—Hydroquinone and kojic acid, on the skin of adult female experimental rats. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2020;13:283-289. doi:10.2147/CCID.S233185

Kooyers TJ, Westerhof W. Toxicologische aspecten en gezondheidsrisico’s van hydrochinon in huidbleekformuleringen [Toxicological aspects and health risks associated with hydroquinone in skin bleaching formula]. Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd. 2004 Apr 17;148(16):768-71. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15129564/ Davis EC, Callender VD. Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation: a review of the epidemiology, clinical features, and treatment options in skin of color. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2010;3(7):20-31. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2921758/Sarkar R, Bansal S, Garg VK. Chemical peels for melasma in dark-skinned patients. J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2012;5(4):247-253. doi:10.4103/0974-2077.104912 Microdermabrasion is a type of exfoliation, but at a deeper level. This treatment removes the outer layer of skin to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation. As it does not penetrate deeper into the lower layers of skin it can only provide small improvements. However, as a gentle exfoliant, it is a safe treatment and will not prompt inflammation and further hyperpigmentation. Microneedling In one clinical study niacinamide was shown to significantly decrease hyperpigmentation and increase skin lightness. day review IN progress! I recently bought the Kojiesan soap for hyperpigmentation on my face such as around my mouth and on my forehead. As of today I have begun using it twice a day, and I intend to update for the next 2 weeks to see if there is any effect which is promised by the soap. And then after one month. Typically, it is the combination of treatments that offer the best results such as hydroquinone or azelaic acid and microdermabrasion. Length of treatment will depend on the cause and severity, as well as individual response. With that being said, it can take from 3–12 months to see significant improvements. Products to Treat Hyperpigmentation

Day 5: I only used it once today for 30 seconds. Pimples are flatter and lighter but no improvements on my hyperpigmentation yet.Works Well With: According to Nazarian, studies have shown that kojic acid works well with and enhances the effects of glycolic acid and hydroquinone. Home care also includes using sunscreen. Sunscreen is the single most important factor in improving most causes of hyperpigmentation. Look for:

Hyperpigmentation can occur in any skin tone, but people of color are more prone to this skin condition due to the greater levels of melanin in their skin. Dark skin is more prone to developing postinflammatory hyperpigmentation and melasma. Microneedling involves superficial piercing of the skin with tiny needles which create small wounds. As they heal, collagen and elastin production are stimulated which evens skin tone. In one study, researchers found that microneedling was a safe and effective treatment for hyperpigmentation and showed significant improvements at week 4. Licorice extract has glabridin, a chemical that has skin lightening properties and also prevents tyrosinase production, an enzyme that darkens the skin after sun exposure Niacinamide is a derivative of B 3 and is a proven treatment to reduce hyperpigmentation; it has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and promotes skin cell turnover. It can effectively lighten skin by inhibiting melanosome transfer to induce skin lightening.Callender VD, St Surin-Lord S, Davis EC, Maclin M. Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation: etiologic and therapeutic considerations. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2011 Apr 1;12(2):87-99. doi:10.2165/11536930-000000000-00000

However, prolonged use of topical hydroquinone (without any breaks in use) can cause darkening of the skin, known as ochronosis. So it’s best to use topical hydroquinone only under the care of a dermatologist so that they can properly guide you on how to use the medication without any adverse effects. Phasha V, Senabe J, Ndzotoyi P, Okole B, Fouche G, Chuturgoon A. Review on the use of kojic acid—A skin-lightening ingredient. Cosmetics. 2022;9(3):64. doi:10.3390/cosmetics9030064

The best hyperpigmentation products for 2023 are:

Use a sunscreen daily. Reapply it every 2 hours if you’re out in the sun — more frequently if you’re sweating or swimming. Hakozaki T, Minwalla L, Zhuang J, Chhoa M, Matsubara A, Miyamoto K, Greatens A, Hillebrand GG, Bissett DL, Boissy RE. The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer. Br J Dermatol. 2002 Jul;147(1):20-31. doi:10.1046/j.1365-2133.2002.04834.x Of all the presenting complaints to dermatologists, PIH has been shown to be one of the most common among darker-skinned individuals.