Hyperpigmentation treatment with prescription solutions
Consultation price: $59
Response time: 1-2 working days
Request a prescription with an online dermatologist for the most common types of hyperpigmentation and get access to medications that give results.
Are you a board-certified dermatologist? Start providing care online with Miiskin.
Common types of hyperpigmentation
Melasma/Chloasma
Melasma is characterized by dark, irregular patches of hyperpigmentation, often on the face, and is commonly triggered by hormonal changes, such as pregnancy or hormonal birth control.
Post-inflammatory pigmentation
Post-inflammatory pigmentation occurs after inflammation or injury to the skin, such as acne, burns, cuts, or other skin traumas. It leaves behind darker spots that can take time to fade.
Solar lentigines (sun or age spots)
These are flat, tan to dark brown spots that appear on sun-exposed areas, especially in older individuals. They’re caused by UV exposure over time.
Freckles
Freckles are small, concentrated areas of hyperpigmentation often seen on individuals with fair skin. They result from an uneven distribution of melanin in response to sun exposure1.
What is hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is a common skin condition characterized by areas of the skin becoming darker than the surrounding skin due to an excess production of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color. It can occur in various forms and patterns, ranging from small patches to larger areas, and is often influenced by factors such as genetics, sun exposure, hormonal changes, inflammation, and skin trauma.
Causes of hyperpigmentation
Sun exposure
Sun exposure is the leading cause of hyperpigmentation, as it triggers the production of melanin.
Hormonal factors
Hormonal changes in women can lead to superficial or deeper hyperpigmentation.
Genetics
Genetics can influence skin color variations, as well as melanocyte function leading to the development of localized patches.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)
Skin inflammation after acne, psoriasis, and dermatitis can lead to hyperpigmentation after the injury has healed.
Medication-induced
Some medications such as antibiotics, birth control pills, antimalarials and some antidepressants, may cause hyperpigmentation.
Cosmetic procedures
Hyperpigmentation may occur as a consequence of laser or other cosmetic procedures if you have a darker skin tone.
What is hypopigmentation?
Hypopigmentation, on the other hand, refers to areas of the skin that are lighter than the surrounding skin due to a decreased production of melanin. This can occur due to factors like genetic conditions, skin disorders, damage to melanocytes (cells that produce melanin), or certain medical treatments. Conditions like vitiligo, albinism, and tinea versicolor can result in hypopigmented areas on the skin. Hypopigmentation usually manifests as white or lighter patches, spots, or areas on the skin.
What medications can you get?
An experienced dermatology provider will work closely with you to offer the best dermatology care. This can include prescribing medications that you’re interested in, if they are a safe and optimal fit for your condition. Learn more about the most used ingredients for hyperpigmentation.
Tretinoin (Retin-A / Altreno)
Hydroquinone (Tri Luma)
Azelaic acid
Tazarotene (Tazorac)
Tranexamic acid
How to prevent hyperpigmentation and melasma?
Although you cannot fully prevent the development of hyperpigmentation on your skin you can do three things to reduce the chance of developing or worsening it.
Protect your skin from the sun
Minimize sun exposure between the hours of 10am-2pm, wear protective clothing, and always apply sunscreen with a broad spectrum SPF of 50 and reply often when outdoors.
Switch birth control method
Consider an alternative birth control method if you are susceptible to melasma, as conventional birth control pills may worsen your hyperpigmentation.
Keep your acne under control
Acne can lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation after the skin has healed, to prevent this from happening get acne treatment for a blemish and more radiant skin.
Clinical trials show that 77% of patients applying Tri Luma were almost clear of pigmentation by week 82.
Research shows that 72% of patients with melasma who used hydroquinone for 4 months saw an overall improvement3.
Patients using azelaic acid over a 24-week treatment period, showed that it significantly reduced the intensity of pigmentation4.
Request hyperpigmentation treatment today with three simple steps
- Start consultation to request your prescription for hyperpigmentation
- A dermatologist will create prescription treatment plan, if medically appropriate
- Go to the pharmacy to buy your treatment and wait for results
Why get hyperpigmentation treatment with a Miiskin-affiliated* dermatologist?
You only pay $59 for a one-time online consultation
You get access to branded or generic hyperpigmentation medications available
You can pick up your medication at the pharmacy the same day you get an answer
You can complement your hyperpigmentation treatment with products you love
*The Miiskin-affiliated dermatologists are independent healthcare providers. Miiskin does not interfer with their practice of medicine.
EXPLORE ARTICLES
References:
1https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/freckles-skin-spots
2https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16901182/
3https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12709008/
4https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0149291898800763