All people have melanin in their skin; the more melanin present, the darker the skin. Melanin is the pigment that protects the skin from the cancer-causing ultraviolet rays of the sun. It also slows down the aging process, keeping people with darker skin looking younger than white skinned people.  Recent studies have pointed to the potential dangers in using hydroquinone, such as irreversible lightening years after application. A South African study concluded that hydroquinone continues to work 10 years after a person stops using it, causing tremendous skin damage.

Irregular Pigmentation

As dark skinned people age, their skin often becomes irregularly pigmented. This shows up as dark patches on the skin. Irregular pigmentation can also be caused by inflammation. If an area of the skin becomes inflamed or red from an insect bite or from an acne pimple, a brown area can be left behind as the redness or inflammation subsides.

Causes of Irregular Pigmentation:

• Sun exposure
• Pregnancy
• Birth control pills and hormone treatment with estrogen
• Inflammation from insect bites, acne, or trauma.

Treatment of Irregular Pigmentation:

• Do not use skin lighteners or bleaching cream containing steroids.  These can cause permanent skin damage including permanent redness, thinning and blood vessel streaks.  Also avoid skin lighteners or bleaching creams containing mercury as this is a poison.
• Trans-retinoic-acid applied daily for many months will treat irregular pigmentation.
• Daily use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen at least SPF30 or more will help prevent irregular pigmentation form occurring.
• Products which contain lightening agents will lighten dark areas.