Hyper-pigmentation is a common condition in which some patches of skin turn darker in color and is affecting more and more people each day. As a result, many individuals look for some quick and easy ways to fade hyper-pigmentation and regain their youthful glow. Effective hyper-pigmentation removal is is often accomplished through one or more topical agents or surgical treatments. We'll look at the most effective below.

Bleaching Creams With Hydroquinone

Hydroquinone is a popular phenolic derivative used in lightening and skin bleaching creams. For hyper-pigmentation removal, hydroquinone is often applied to affected areas either alone or in combination with salicylic acid, tretinoin, corticosteroid, or glycolic acid. Hydroquinone in a 4-percent concentration can fade hyper-pigmentation but it also increases your chances of sun damage. Plus, continuous use can cause some adverse side effects including skin irritation.

Laser Skin Resurfacing

While more expensive than most other treatments, a number of people use laser skin resurfacing to quickly fade hyper-pigmentation. This process utilizes a laser to eliminate damaged or wrinkled skin one layer at a time. The whole thing takes about one hour to complete.

The average person can expect to spend roughly $2,378 on a single laser skin resurfacing treatment. For most effective hyper-pigmentation removal, multiple treatments may be required. In which case you could spend nearly $5,000 or more to achieve maximum results. Potential complications could include everything from burning and scarring to skin discoloration. In rare situations, dormant viruses or infections can be triggered.

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is a fairly new cosmetic procedure that uses a special machine to remove layers of dead skin on the surface of the treated area(s). Microdermabrasion usually requires 8 to 10 weekly treatments to successfully fade hyper-pigmentation. For this reason, it can take two or more months to achieve the results you desire. Microdermabrasion only gets rid of a small amount of dead skin layers in spite of the fact that is administered of several weeks.

Each individual microdermabrasion could cost you between $75 to $150. Since six or more treatments may be needed for nominal hyper-pigmentation removal, you could end up spending $450 to $900 or more for minimal results.

Home Chemical Peels

For many individuals, home chemical peels are an affordable and effective way to fade hyper-pigmentation in a short amount of time. Many of these kits allow you to remove dead skin as much as four layers deep as opposed to more expensive methods that may still leave blemishes behind. Some kits, like Skin Culture Peel, claim to help users achieve maximum hyper-pigmentation removal in as little as six days. Depending on the level of treatment, the typical home chemical peel kit will cost you anywhere from $80 to $660.