Korean Skincare

Ultimate Guide: Hyperpigmentation Products For Your Skincare

Three circles zoom in on the hyperpigmentation on a woman's face

Have you ever felt bothered by those pesky dark spots or uneven skin tone? You’re definitely not alone. Whether you’re a beginner in Korean skincare or more advanced in the field, you know that finding the best hyperpigmentation products for your skin type is essential for clear, glowy skin.

This quick guide breaks down everything you need to know about discolouration and how to prevent and treat it. These gems not only aim to even out your skin tone but also work wonders in giving you that radiant glow we all desire.

Build the ultimate skincare starter kit with these essential hyperpigmentation products below.

How to Treat Hyperpigmentation

Dark marks can be a worrisome affair for some. Thankfully, nature has blessed us with incredible ingredients to combat this issue effectively. 

What Causes Discolouration and Dark Marks

Before diving into how to treat discolouration and uneven tone, let’s dive into what causes it first.

Hyperpigmentation occurs when there is an overproduction of melanin, a natural pigment that gives your skin, eyes, and hair their colour. There are a few causes for this, such as skin damage, medications, hormonal changes, and diseases. 

However, the most common cause is sun exposure. In small doses, sun exposure is vital for Vitamin D absorption, but too much exposes you to harmful UV radiation and the possibility of photoaging.

How to Prevent Hyperpigmentation?

You know what they say: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!” Well, the same goes for hyperpigmentation. Don’t wait until your skin looks like a patchwork quilt to do something.

1. Slather on Sunscreen Daily

Sunscreen isn’t just for beach days and tropical vacations. Sunscreen is your first line of defence in preventing hyperpigmentation and maintaining an even skin tone. It’s not just about avoiding sunburns. It’s also about preserving the health and radiance of your skin. So, slather that stuff on daily! Your skin will thank you by staying its glorious self. 

2. Stay Hydrated

Yes, drinking water isn’t just for quenching thirst but also for quenching your skin’s cry for moisture. Hydration plays a pivotal role in maintaining skin health, preventing hyperpigmentation, and promoting a radiant glow. Consuming an adequate amount of water daily can help balance the skin’s moisture levels, reducing the risk of dryness that could exacerbate hyperpigmentation.

3. Don’t be an overachiever when it comes to exfoliation

Too much of a good thing can lead to irritation and, you guessed it, hyperpigmentation. While it’s essential to exfoliate for healthy skin, over-exfoliating can strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation, and the dreaded hyperpigmentation. This is why it’s critical to understand your skin type and tailor your exfoliation routine accordingly, thus preventing hyperpigmentation. Incorporating gentle products and maintaining a consistent skincare regimen can help keep your skin radiant without causing any harm.

Best Ingredients for Hyperpigmentation

Let’s dive into the juicy topic of hyperpigmentation’s best pals and the ingredients that help kick it to the curb. Because there are a range of reasons for discolouration, there are a range of ingredients you can use to help battle it. Not only do these ingredients offer promising results for those battling hyperpigmentation, but they’re natural, too!

  • Vitamin C
  • Azelaic acid
  • Niacinamide
  • Kojic acid
  • Retinoids
  • Licorice extract
  • Hydroquinone
  • Salicylic acid
  • Arbutin
  • Glycolic acid
Vitamin C Image
vitamin c serum
glycolic acid serum

Products for Hyperpigmentation on Face

By incorporating these products, you’re well on your way to building the best skincare routine for hyperpigmentation.

Sunscreen

Nothing beats basking in the glow of summer and relishing the sun’s warm kiss on your skin. Well, nothing except doing so under the sweet veil of a protective SPF. A protective layer of sunscreen is the unsung hero of summer tales that shields your skin from the harsh UV rays. 

A high-quality SPF sunscreen protects you from both UVA and UVB rays, providing a comprehensive shield against the elements. Remember, while sunscreen may not directly improve existing dark spots or melasma, consistent use can certainly help prevent further discolouration and damage.

Like any skincare product, you’ll need to match your sunscreen with your skin type. To battle discolouration, look for a broad-spectrum cream. This helpful sunscreen guide breaks it all down.

Hyperpigmentation Cream

Serums are good for targeting problem areas, but creams add the additional benefit of providing moisture and hydration to parched skin. If you have dry skin, consider a facial cream instead.

It’s no secret that dry skin is prone to various issues, such as dullness, flakiness, and premature ageing. But add stubborn dark marks to the mix, and you have a cocktail of skin concerns that affect not only your complexion but also your confidence.

Consider using COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All-in-One Cream or the Goodal Green Tangerine Dark Spot Care Cream to help clear your appearance. Both products focus on hydration and improving brightness. 

For dark under eyes, use the Mary May Tranexamic Acid+ Glutathion Eye Cream. This elixir in a tube works by blocking melanin production and brightening the under eye. The added Vitamin C also improves blemishes and helps collagen production.

Woman applying serum to the face on her hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation Serums

Serums are like magical potions in sleek bottles, promising a world devoid of dark spots and uneven skin tones. These ingredients are key for glowing skin

If you have hyperpigmentation look for serums like The Ordinary’s Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA or the Beauty of Joseon’s Glow Deep Serum. Both include Arbutin which helps suppress melanin production to give you an even skin tone. 

Adding to the repertoire of these wonder-workers, face serums boasting blends of hydroquinone, vitamin C, glycolic acid, and retinoids can serve as a powerful antidote to dark marks. 

Retinoid-infused serums like The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane are also worth considering, as they boost cell turnover and reduce melanin formation, bestowing upon your skin a radiant glow.

Chemical Peel for Hyperpigmentation

Battling with uneven skin tone? Say hello to chemical peels! These wonder treatments are designed to minimise the appearance of unwanted pigment on your skin by gently exfoliating the surface to allow fresh, evenly-toned skin to shine through. 

Believe it or not, chemical peels aren’t as scary as they sound. They are done using safe, dermatologist-approved chemicals. The most common chemical peel for discolouration is a Glycolic Acid Peel, which comes in different levels depending on your skin needs. Typically, these take about 14 days to heal and may need multiple sessions.

Other chemical peels include ingredients like lactic acid, salicylic acid, and retinol peels. Each active ingredient offers its own benefits but contributes massively to removing signs of dark and even skin

FAQs

How Do You Know If You Have Hyperpigmentation?

You might start noticing patches of skin that are darker than your usual shade. And we’re not talking about the cute kind of freckle-like spots you’d want to connect with a pen. Colours can range from patches of brown, grey, red, or pink spots on the skin. They pop up anywhere — face, hands, shoulders, legs — basically any part of your body that loves sunbathing.

How to Reduce Hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation is a pain in the… face! But don’t despair. There are ways to fight back. Firstly, sunscreen is your new best friend. Like a loyal pet, it protects you from UV rays – the arch-nemesis of even skin tone. 

Secondly, over-the-counter creams with ingredients like hydroquinone or retinol can help. Think of them as the superheroes of skin care, always ready to save the day. 

Lastly, if you’re feeling fancy, laser treatments or chemical peels can be an option. But remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither will your perfect complexion be.

Which Ordinary Product Is Best for Hyperpigmentation?

The Ordinary has a not-so-ordinary solution for your hyperpigmentation woes. It’s the secret weapon called Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution. It’s like a magic eraser for your face that wipes away those pesky dark spots and gives you the smooth, even skin tone you’ve been dreaming of. 

Key Takeaway

Managing photoaging, dark marks, and uneven skin involves understanding its causes, such as sun exposure and overproduction of melanin, and actively incorporating skin care products that target this issue. Essential ingredients to look for in these products include vitamin C, azelaic acid, niacinamide, and retinoids, among others. 

Reclaim your skin’s flawless glow with the right hyperpigmentation products. These not only treat, but prevent hyperpigmentation by integrating sunscreen, creams, serums, and chemical peels into your skincare routine.

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