Retin-A

Over the counter treatments for hyperpigmentation are:
- Hydroquinone is a bleaching agent that blocks melanin by decreasing the manufacturing of melanin and assisting in the breakdown of melanin in the skin. Weaker concentrations of hydroquinone (2-4%) may be obtained over the counter.
- Alpha hydroxy acids, such as 8 percent glycolic acid, are water soluble acids which work by renewing skin cells and correcting the darkened skin.
- Beta hydroxy acids (such as salicylic acid) are exfoliants which cause flaking off of the skin.
- Kinerase is a C8 peptide containing kinetin which increases cell division, thereby the darker skin cells are eliminated.

Prescription treatments are:
- Higher doses of hydroquinone.
- Topical retinoid (derived from Vitamin A), is called Retin-A. It is an exfoliating agent which speeds up new skin growth, diminishing dark skin pigmentation. Prescription products of stronger concentrations are: Retin-A, Renova, Avita, etc.
- A combination prescription product called Tri-Luma contains both hydroquinone and Retin-A Cream (fluocinolone acetonide 0.01%, hydroquinone 4%, tretinoin 0.05%)

Chemical peels which are skin pigmentation treatments may also be considered. The different products are: alpha hydroxy acid peels, beta hydroxy acid peels, Jessner's peel, retinoic acid peel, trichloroacetic acid peels, phenol peels. Over the counter treatments for hyperpigmentation are:
- Hydroquinone is a bleaching agent that blocks melanin by decreasing the manufacturing of melanin and assisting in the breakdown of melanin in the skin. Weaker concentrations of hydroquinone (2-4%) may be obtained over the counter.
- Alpha hydroxy acids, such as 8 percent glycolic acid, are water soluble acids which work by renewing skin cells and correcting the darkened skin.
- Beta hydroxy acids (such as salicylic acid) are exfoliants which cause flaking off of the skin.
- Kinerase is a C8 peptide containing kinetin which increases cell division, thereby the darker skin cells are eliminated.

Prescription treatments are:
- Higher doses of hydroquinone.
- Topical retinoid (derived from Vitamin A), is called Retin-A. It is an exfoliating agent which speeds up new skin growth, diminishing dark skin pigmentation. Prescription products of stronger concentrations are: Retin-A, Renova, Avita, etc.
- A combination prescription product called Tri-Luma contains both hydroquinone and Retin-A Cream (fluocinolone acetonide 0.01%, hydroquinone 4%, tretinoin 0.05%)

Chemical peels which are skin pigmentation treatments may also be considered. The different products are: alpha hydroxy acid peels, beta hydroxy acid peels, Jessner's peel, retinoic acid peel, trichloroacetic acid peels, phenol peels.