Skin pigmentation, or your skin’s tendency to develop dark spots, is caused by a tendency to form excess melanin. As we age, the pigment in our skin can start to look darker or more uneven. These dark spots are called melasma, while hyperpigmentation is caused by trauma to the skin (insect bites, scratches, razor burns, and even acne).

There are many options for treating hyperpigmentation: laser therapy, chemical peels, and microdermabrasion. They work by removing or resurfacing the top layers of the skin, patients experience brighter, clearer looking skin.

For those looking for a less expensive option, skin lighteners can help. Over-the-counter pigment change products work as follows:

* Decrease or stop the production of melanin in the skin.

* Elimination of existing melanin cells in the epidermis.

* Prevent the transfer of melanin cells to the upper layer of the epidermis.

Topical agents such as trentinoin (also known as Retin-A) and alpha-hydroxy acids, as well as organic kojic acid and licorice extract have shown some results in lightening dark spots on the skin.

When looking for lightening products, be sure to look for some of these common lightening ingredients: hydroquinone, mequinol, monobenzene, soy milk, niacinamide, cucumber, kojic acid, calcium pantethine sulfonate, azelaic acid, arbutryn, and hydroquinone.

Melasma

To treat Melasma (the darkening of the upper layer of the skin), use: Rosehip Oil; soy milk; mandelic acid; or a Lactid Acid Peel.

freckles and age spots

To lighten freckles and age spots, try this: Imedeen Time Perfection Pills and/or Sunblock.

hyperpigmentation

In the treatment of any type of hyperpigmentation, use any of the products mentioned above, as well as: Lactid Acid Cream.

dark circles under the eyes

Give your face and eyes the resplendent glow of youth with: Vitamin K and Cucumber.

It doesn’t matter what type of hyperpigmentation you’re trying to treat: freckles; age spots; melasma and more, try this basic home treatment. It’s easy and effective:

Squeeze the juice out of several lemons, making sure to squeeze as much of the rind as you can. Next, peel, chop and puree a cucumber (with the seeds) in a blender. Pass the puree through cheesecloth, squeezing out excess juice. Finally, mix equal parts of the lemon juice with the puree, apply on the skin for 30 minutes. Rinse. hydrate
Another valuable resource http://www.treatmentforpigmentation.com