Hyperpigmentation is among the biggest skin issues we face, and everyone is on the hunt for the best product to correct the issue. Pigmentation is a problem for everyone, no matter what the cause, but it’s particularly challenging for men and women of dark skin. This includes black people, Latinos, Indians and Asians to name a few. The reason for this is because people who are darker have skin cells that produce more melanin to protect their skin. This results in dark spots, which is practically the definition of melanin.
Even if you follow good skin care practices (don’t touch your face, don’t pick at your pimple and don’t pop the pimple) hyperpigmentation will most likely occur. Before you purchase any skin pigmentation product, do yourself a favor and buy a natural sunscreen. A good sunscreen that we love is Drunk Elephant’s Umbra Tinte. Not only does it provide UVA/UVB protection, it also makes your skin glow.
Sunscreen is very important when it comes to hyperpigmentation because every time we step out into the sun, our dark spots further darken. The sun can make these spots last for years on your skin.
Ingredients to Look out For
If you don’t look at your product ingredients, you really should start. This helps you identify the good ingredients from the bad. When on the market for a hyperpigmentation product, look for the following ingredients:
Hydroquinone
This is a chemical lightening agent that is most commonly used to treat dark spots. It can also treat freckles. Hydroquinone blocks the enzyme that is responsible for the creation of melanin. Make sure hydroquinone is high up on the list of ingredients for any hyperpigmentation product you purchase. You may experience irritation during use. You should use an extremely small amount onto the affected area. A beauty blogger once said that a pea size of a product infused with retinol is so concentrated, it can cover the entire face.
Kojic Acid
If hydroquinone causes too many skin irritations, try products that use kojic acid instead. It’s less effective, but can treat freckles, brown spots and melasma.
Retinoids
Retinoids are highly effective in the treatment of acne and the begrudging scars they leave behind. You can use a non-prescription product that contain retinoids or prescription. Just be careful when using this ingredient.
Glycolic Acid
A personal favorite, glycolic acid works by exfoliating the epidermis (the uppermost layer of the skin) and that includes dark spots.
Azelic Acid
This treatment works for people who have acne, rosacea, freckles and melasma. It combats post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation by generating skin cell turnover for the growth of new skin.
Vitamin C
If you’re looking for vitamins to clear your acne scars, vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can do the trick. Because it’s often found in fruits and vegetables, it can be used internally and topically. It slows down melanin production and treat acne pigmentation.
