ABSTRACT
The colour of the skin is a sum of the amount and distribution of melanin within the various layers of the skin and their effect on light absorption. Hyperpigmentation disorders include melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), and hyperpigmentation caused by drugs or systemic diseases, among others. The treatment of skin hyperpigmentation is based on three major pillars: sun protection, use of depigmenting formulations, and, finally, use of camouflage. This chapter discusses the topical depigmenting agents. The importance of sun protection as a prophylaxis in hyperpigmentation disorders cannot be overstated. Highly protective sunscreens should be used concomitantly with depigmenting agents and is imperative that they should be considered an indispensable tool, not only in prevention, but also in the treatment of hyperpigmentation. The principal ingredients in sunscreens are usually aromatic molecules conjugated with carbonyl groups. The chapter summarises FDA-allowable active ingredients in sunscreens.
