Hyperpigmentation is the darkening of the skin due to reasons like sun damage, acne scars, or aging (known as age spots). These are areas where the skin becomes darker due to increased melanin production.
Hyperpigmentation is not easy to deal with. Once your skin develops hyperpigmentation, it can take a long time to fade so consistency is key.
In this article, we have curated a list of products that target hyperpigmentation.
Jump to
- Best Ingredients for hyperpigmentation
- Numbuzin no 5 goodbye blemish serum
- Goodal Green Tangerine Vita C Dark Spot Care Serum
- Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum
- Some BY MI Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum
- Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Dark Spot Correcting Serum
- FAQ
Best Ingredients for hyperpigmentation
Vitamin C, niacinamide, alpha arbutin, Kojic acid, retinoids, exfoliators like AHAs, BHAs, and azelaic acid work wonders for hyperpigmentation. Some are best used alone (such as retinoids, try avoiding using them with other actives to avoid sensitivity on the skin), and some work miraculously when used in a duo. Azelaic acid and niacinamide together have worked for me and sped up the whole process of getting rid of my acne scars.
Retinoids (retinols and tretinoin) increase cell turnover rate and lead to the shedding of dead pigmented cells, but they come with the added cost of sensitivity if used too much. Even for mature and used-to-tretinoin skin, they damage the skin barrier to some capacity once in a while.
Tip 1: Do not overdo actives such as tretinoin. I know it’s tempting to use them on a daily basis as we see those dull hyperpigmented scars fading away, but they will damage the skin. If you want to target hyperpigmentation with tretinoin, use it thrice a week in a pea-sized amount.
Vitamin C, azelaic acid, niacinamide, and Kojic acid are well-known all-rounders to target dull hyperpigmented skin. All these ingredients work at some level to target melanin production.
AHA and BHA are skin exfoliators. they increase cell turnover rate and might help hyperpigmentation, but I myself am not a very big fan of using AHA and BHA for my hyperpigmentation. Though they might work in the long run, I would want to stick to something that I can use daily and is solely used to target melanin.
Numbuzin no 5 goodbye blemish serum
Numbuzin No.5 Goodbye Blemish Serum lives up to its name. This serum contains vitamin C and sea buckthorn extract to fade areas of hyperpigmentation and brighten dull skin. With a blend of panthenol and allantoin to keep skin hydrated and Centella to minimize skin sensitivity, this lightweight gel serum is a holy grail for those dealing with areas of hyperpigmentation. It’s one of the best Korean products that help with hyperpigmentation.
Goodal Green Tangerine Vita C Dark Spot Care Serum
With 70% green Tangerine extract, 4% niacinamide, and alpha arbutin to fade dark spots, this one is my favorite powerhouse formula. Make sure you apply it on dry skin and give it some time to get absorbed before you apply your next serum. The reason behind that is that this way it will get absorbed in its concentrated form. Otherwise, you will be merely buffering it with the next serum if used right after.
Goodal Tangerine will not make your skin sensitive, as the formula is gentle enough. It is suitable for all skin types. It comes in a pumping bottle with a light citrus smell. Also, it will make your skin glow and your cheeks will shine, no kidding. I cannot think of anything that’s not good about this product. It’s a 10/10 for me.
(This product might not be for everyone, as it didn’t work for few others)
Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum
This gentle formula works on a level that is a tad bit slow. I have used quite a few bottles of BOJ Alpha Arbutin, and only then was I able to see some lightening effect. It contains 68% rice bran water and 2% alpha arbutin. It will make your skin glow and stay hydrated almost within a month of use, but tackling hyperpigmentation with this will require some patience. I recommend this for mild, less stubborn hyperpigmentation issues. 2-3 drops of this serum go a long way. The serum gives a dewy finish after application.
Some BY MI Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum
Retinol is an ingredient of choice to target hyperpigmentation, mainly by reducing melanin production. The percentage of retinol in Some By Mi is 0.1%, which is not irritating at all, so it can be used safely by sensitive and beginner skin. It also contains bakuchiol, which is a mild version of retinol. The combination of retinol, retinal, and bakuchiol makes it a perfect choice to tackle signs of aging and hyperpigmentation. The texture of this serum is milky-like, with a yellowish hue. It absorbs quickly.
Additionally, it contains licorice extract, another ingredient to reduce melanin pigmentation.
Tip 2: Always do a patch test (that is rule no 1 for any skin care product)
Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Dark Spot Correcting Serum
It is our favorite from Anua products. With TXA and niacinamide, this dark spot correcting serum has it all for hyperpigmentation concerns.
FAQ
Does sunscreen help hyperpigmentation?
Use of broad-spectrum sunscreen is crucial. UV rays stimulate pigment producing cells to produce more melanin, which eventually leads to new areas of hyperpigmentation or worsens existing hyperpigmentation.
How long does it take for hyperpigmentation to fade?
With consistent use of effective treatments, you may start seeing improvements in 4 to 6 weeks. Complete fading of dark spots can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months.
Is vitamin C effective for hyperpigmentation?
cIs vitamin C effective for hyperpigmentation? vitamin c is highly effective when it comes to dealing with hyperpigmentation, it is an antioxidant that brightens skin and suppress melanin production. P.S, it protects the skin from UV damage.
What can worsen hyperpigmentation?
Exposure to sun will worsen hyperpigmentation. so its best practice to use sunscreen daily.
Can I use retinol for hyperpigmentation?
Retinol is effective for treating hyperpigmentation. It works by increasing cell turnover, which helps to fade dark spots and even out skin tone.
