With such an array of skin care products to choose from, how do you know which one is best for your skin? Which one is safe…? Getting rid of one skin problem just to create another is no-one’s idea of fun. If you’re looking to fade scars, fade brown spots, dark scars and uneven skin tone, there are several products on the market to consider
How to Fade Scars & Hyper-pigmentation – 3 Products to Use
Hydroquinone (HQ):
Hydroquinone can be very effective in fading dark scars and hyperpigmented skin blemishes. However, hydroquinone can lead to a condition called Ochronosis, even at its over-the-counter strength of 2%. Ochronosis is permanent hyperpigmentation with sooty darkening of the skin. Ochronosis may also cause loss of skin elasticity and impaired wound healing. Other side effects of hydroquinone include contact dermatitis (rash, redness, itching and flaking) and nail discoloration. The skin-lightening effects of hydroquinone also decrease with prolonged use and with sun exposure. Hydroquinone does not improve any other aspect of the scar other than the dark pigment. Some researchers have questioned whether hydroquinone may even cause cancer. As a result of these dangers, hydroquinone is only available by prescription in Europe and it is highly regulated in Asia and banned for sale altogether in some countries and US states.
Kojic Acid:
Like hydroquinone, kojic acid is effective in fading dark scars, brown spots and even melasma. Unfotunately, some studies suggest that skin exposed to kojic acid on a regular basis becomes more sensitive. Skin sensitization is bad because it can lead to allergic contact dermatitis. Like hydroquinone, kojic acid does not improve any other aspect of scarring other than the dark pigment. 3) Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) and vitamin C derivatives decrease melanin production by inhibiting tyrosinase and lighten skin hyperpigmentation. Vitamin C also improves scar healing through its action on collagen. Scar healing is typically associated with breakdown of the skin’s normal collagen and replacement with unorganized, haphazard collagen fibers. Vitamin C helps normalize new collagen production. Unfortunately, many vitamin C skin care products are unstable and become ineffective over time. L-ascorbic acid oxidizes on repeat exposure to air or moisture and turns dark yellow or brown. Many products containing vitamin C are colored dark yellow or brown to begin with to disguise this vitamin C degradation. Products containing STABLE vitamin C are usually white.
Licorice Extract:
Like vitamin C, licorice extract decreases tyrosinase function and helps fade dark pigment. There are reports that licorice also boosts the pigment-fading properties of vitamin C, so the two could be used together for the best possible results. Licorice extract also has strong anti-inflammatory and skin renewal properties, and it is successful in treating and preventing acne.
Guest post by:
InviCible is an advanced treatment for scars and hyperpigmentation. Developed by a leading plastic surgeon, InviCible contains only scientifically proven ingredients including two forms of vitamin C and licorice extract. InviCible contains NO hydroquinone or known skin irritants, is hypoallergenic and cruelty-free. You can find them on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.
lola says
Fantastic post!! This is very informative, thanks you!
Krystle(Baking Beauty) says
I Have a ton of acne scars, thanks for the tips!
meital says
These are great tips, but I would add that red (+amber) light therapy is very effective for hyperpigmentation and acne scars as well.
jatupon says
Thank you for information and sharing.
Ellen Mohnen says
Another ingredient to lighten acne marks worth mentioning, is arbutin. It’s usually found in many Japanese skin care brands such as Hada Labo.
Vair Clair says
The best treatment for acne is Benzoyl Peroxide 0.025. One of my friends was suffering from acne and the aftermaths of acne; after applying Benzoyl Peroxide her skin made quite a few people jealous. However check of the right composition before applying it.
sandie wilson says
Interesting post however i would avoide Hydroquinone and try and use more natural ingredients to lighten skin tones
Zavery says
Nice post. I’d like to share my experience as well. I had ugly scars from a surgery for which i tried a lot of products but none produced results and ended up either showing up nothing or making the scarring even worse. Considering my overly sensitive skin, a friend asked to me to go for hypoallergenic creams. I searched and found about invicible scars. I am using it for 6 weeks now, on my 7 year old scars and can actually see them lightening up. Glad to have known this invention. Anyone in need of treating scars on their extra ordinary sensitive skin? Go for invicible scars!
NestPillMart says
Hydroquinone most effective skin bleaching cream in existence today. It’s used by
many to treat and fade liver spots, melasma, freckles, acne scars and
other forms of skin discoloration.
NestPillMart says
Its always best to use products that do not contain hydroquinone 4 cream or kojic acid. Even arbutin upon application release hydroquinone. plenty of articles in the internet about arbutin, hydroquinone and kojic acid.
Abu Sayed says
Scar healing is typically associated with breakdown of the skin’s normal collagen and replacement with unorganized, haphazard collagen fibers.
To know more about Collagen Fibre visit –
Collagen Fibre
Halle says
Good suggestions. I have found that cocoa butter works really well at softening skin so it helps to face scars over time.
Rick says
I appreciate the suggestions, but for me, Aloe Vera, Cocoa Butter did the trick. Aloe faded the scar and Cocoa Butter made the scars disappear completely.
Hope it helps you too.
Thanks.
kam says
what about tretinoin cream, its great for hyperpigmentation