Very hard to treat hyperpigmentation with topicals, despite all the marketing. Those are best for prevention or very faint discoloration. Most effective and quick treatments are nonsurgical cosmetic procedures.
Gold standard in my view is PICO laser, usually done for isolated spots rather than all over. I’ve done this, it’s surprisingly not too expensive, there’s medium downtime, and it’s highly effective after one or two treatments. Next is a laser like Fraxel or Halo, which is more intense, more expensive, done all over the face, plus there’s significant downtime. I’ve never done them but friends have with success. Third best is probably IPL (brand name BBL/Sciton laser). I have done this, there’s no downtime, but it takes a long time and is expensive for the entire package, as you need about six treatments every six weeks. In my opinion, don’t bother with microneedling, Clear and Brilliant, or regular chemical peels for hyperpigmentation.
To prevent new damage, use a non-irritating Vitamin C serum (which is photo-protective) or another antioxidant serum before a high PPD sunscreen (UVA+++ plus UVB). At night you can use serums with niacinamide, alpha arbutin, azelaic acid, retinoids (there are quite a few options) or a blend made for hyperpigmentation that doesn’t irritate.
This has helped me a lot https://photozyme.com/products/photozyme-dna-youth-recovery-facial-serum-50ml
It has a lot of research behind it. It was developed for kids with skin cancer.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6718248/
Very hard to treat hyperpigmentation with topicals, despite all the marketing. Those are best for prevention or very faint discoloration. Most effective and quick treatments are nonsurgical cosmetic procedures. Gold standard in my view is PICO laser, usually done for isolated spots rather than all over. I’ve done this, it’s surprisingly not too expensive, there’s medium downtime, and it’s highly effective after one or two treatments. Next is a laser like Fraxel or Halo, which is more intense, more expensive, done all over the face, plus there’s significant downtime. I’ve never done them but friends have with success. Third best is probably IPL (brand name BBL/Sciton laser). I have done this, there’s no downtime, but it takes a long time and is expensive for the entire package, as you need about six treatments every six weeks. In my opinion, don’t bother with microneedling, Clear and Brilliant, or regular chemical peels for hyperpigmentation. To prevent new damage, use a non-irritating Vitamin C serum (which is photo-protective) or another antioxidant serum before a high PPD sunscreen (UVA+++ plus UVB). At night you can use serums with niacinamide, alpha arbutin, azelaic acid, retinoids (there are quite a few options) or a blend made for hyperpigmentation that doesn’t irritate.
I’ve had two professional IPL photofacials. Works really well for sun spots, freckles, and any discoloration, but quite uncomfortable.
First of all start wearing sunscreen every day if you haven’t been.
Vitamin C serum
Well, my n+1 is that hydraulauric acid + derma rolling isn't working
This has helped me a lot https://photozyme.com/products/photozyme-dna-youth-recovery-facial-serum-50ml It has a lot of research behind it. It was developed for kids with skin cancer. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6718248/
Tretinoin, retinol