Hyperpigmentation, in which parts of the skin get darker than the rest of the skin, can be unsightly, particularly on the face. Often, it is caused by sun damage, acne or is just heredity, but it can have other causes. Topical treatment is the least invasive and most affordable way of treating this condition. The most popular topical treatment for hyperpigmentation is via skin bleaching creams. Hydroquinone is the most common ingredient in bleaching products, but an alternative is kojic acid is also a popular choice. Indeed in Japan, kojic acid products are preferred for treating hyperpigmentation

Kojic acid skin care tips.

See a dermatologist about your skin hyperpigmentation first. In some rare cases, hyperpigmentation can be a symptom of another underlying disease or disorder that should be properly diagnosed. Providing a medical history should help your doctor determine what is causing your hyperpigmentation and what treatments may work best for you. You could also question the doctor on kojic acid applications and its effect on the skin.

1. Treat your skin with the products that contain kojic acid. The most common formulations are kojic acid cream and soaps. There are also some kojic acid lotions. Which one to choose is down to individual preference. The easiest places to find kojic acid products are in the skin-care section of many department stores, drug stores or pharmacy’s. You can also purchase many kojic acid products online but make sure to do your research on suitable brands and products first.
2. Clean the skin before applying the kojic acid product. It’s best to use a sensitive gentle cleanser, as skin irritation can exacerbate hyperpigmentation.
3. Apply the kojic acid product to just the darkened areas of the skin that you want lightened. Kojic acid inhibits tyrosinase, which regulates production of melanin. By using the product on other non affected areas will cause undesirable lightening, termed hypopigmentation.
4. Allow the product to soak into the skin before using any other skin products in the area. This will serve to ensure maximum effectiveness.
5. It is recommended to use a strong sunscreen and wear protective clothing while using kojic acid as it reduces the skins natural sun protection effectiveness.
6. Continue to use the product for several months before evaluating the final results. Skin bleachers and lighteners act gradually; usually you should see results in 3 months. However, it may take as long as 6 months for the area to be lightened to your satisfaction.
7. Once desired result has been achieved discontinue kojic acid use on the skin. Long term use can cause significant skin damage and make you more susceptible to sun damage and the relative diseases associated such as skin cancer