Hyperpigmentation include both congenital forms, with different outlines of inheritance, and acquired forms secondary to cutaneous or systemic problems. The huge majority of them are linked to modifications in the melanin pigment and can be categorised as epidermal, owing to an increase in the number of melanocytes or the production of melanin or dermal, either melanocytic or not.

 

They can be inherited, with different patterns of inheritance, or acquired in significance of skin problems, systemic diseases or secondary to environmental factors. 

 

 

A 20-year-old female came with a facial rash from last 2 years. Examination was notable for hyperpigmented macules found exclusively on her cheeks. She denied associated symptoms of pain, arthralgias, myalgia, fevers, or history of autoimmune disorders, but reported occasional mild pruritus. She was prescribed cream containing phytonutrients – Arbutin to be applied twice daily.

 

 

Treating hyperpigmentation can be challenging and an expanded arsenal is needed to aid in the improvement of topical treatments. 

 

Cosmeceuticals are topical cosmetic-pharmaceutical hybrids containing biologically active ingredients that may improve the appearance of skin and are increasingly popular alternatives to standard agents. Among cosmeceuticals, plant derived compounds, known as phytochemicals, have been shown to have a multitude of cellular actions for various dermatological diseases. 

 

Since the key enzyme tyrosinase is a regulator of melanogenesis, it is a prominent target to control melanin formation and improve age-related skin discoloration. Scientists have discovered that alpha-arbutin, a compound derived from the leaves of the bearberry plant, exhibits a strong inhibitory effect on tyrosinase. This helps explain why a human skin model treated with alpha-arbutin decreased melanin synthesis by 60% compared to a control.13

 

The ability of alpha-arbutin to dramatically decrease melanin production has translated into impressive findings in humans, with studies showing it has significantly faster skin-lightening effects than other commonly used agents. Topical application of alpha-arbutin increased skin lightness 60% over hydroquinone, and 25% over kojic acid. Both these results were observed after just one month.

 

 

Natural extracts represent a large repository of ingredients for skin-lightening cosmeceuticals. Further studies that integrate phytochemicals with standard therapies are needed for the treatment of hyperpigmentation. Dermatologists and primary-care physicians would benefit from familiarizing themselves with the evidence supporting or refuting the use of botanically derived products for hyperpigmentation treatment, as patients are becoming increasingly interested in natural alternatives.