Background: Multiple agents are available for the treatment of hyperpigmentation, a cosmetically important condition seen most often in middle-aged and elderly individuals and resulting from exposure to ultraviolet light, certain drugs or chemicals, or the existence of disease. Many skin-lightening agents cause skin irritation and require months of use before results appear, and some agents are only partly effective.
Objective: To help dermatologists make an informed decision when choosing a depigmenting agent.
Methods: A review of all depigmenting agents used alone and in combination, including its natural properties and information about safety, efficacy, and optimal dosing.
Conclusions: The speed of efficacy and type and extent of side effects vary greatly among depigmenting agents. Knowing the properties associated with each agent enables a physician to choose a product that will best meet a patient's expectations and minimize adverse reactions.