Hyperpigmentation comes in several forms. There are the all-time problematic dark spots or liver spots, which develop on the skin of middle-aged individuals. They are also called age spots because they are associated with aging. Freckles are hereditary skin conditions that may appear as early as five years of age. Melasma is a more troublesome condition, which is characterized by dark patches on the skin, usually because of hormonal problems. Many other causes and types of hyperpigmentation problems may arise from different situations.
Nonetheless, these problems can only be solved by one thing, and that is the inhibition of melanin production. Since all forms of hyperpigmentation involve excessive melanin pigments, it can be said that preventing the pigment to develop can also stop the development of skin discoloration. For this matter, hyperpigmentation creams have been formulated.
Skin whitening and treatment of hyperpigmentation take only a single course, therefore the products used for them are quite similar. The creams used for skin whitening are the same creams used for treating hyperpigmentation. Although they are more advertised as skin lightening and rejuvenating creams, these are actually creams that prevent the development of melanin pigments, thus reducing the effects of hyperpigmentation.
Most creams for this purpose are made of whitening agents, tyrosinase inhibitors, and skin renewal substances. Whitening agents promote the exfoliation of the skin and prevention of melanin production. Tyrosinase inhibitors prevent the synthesis of melanin by preventing tyrosinase activity. Tyrosinase is an enzyme that is essential for producing melanin pigments. There are also skin renewal substances such as antioxidants and collagen regenerators which allow the formation of new skin cells and the production of collagen in the skin.
The most popular ingredients found in hyperpigmentation creams are kojic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, vitamins A, C, E, B3, licorice extract, mulberry extract, and alpha arbutin.