A light dusting of freckles might not worry you, but melasma or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is a different story. If you’re finding yourself slathering on cover-up in an effort to disguise stubborn dark patches of skin, AKA hyperpigmentation, this skincare routine is for you.
Excess pigmentation is the result of the way your body produces melanin, the thing that gives your skin its colour. Several things can cause your body to ramp up melanin production, including hormones or sun exposure. And it can be challenging to get rid of. You need the best products for hyperpigmentation so you can fade your spots and reveal your naturally radiant skin.
We’ve got you covered with a step-by-step daily skincare routine for pigmented skin at the end of this blog.
First, Let’s Talk Actives
Hyperpigmentation is a stubborn skin condition that can require a multi-action skincare regime. These active ingredients in your hyperpigmentation serums and creams tackle pigmentation in a few different ways.
Tyrosinase Inhibitors Active Ingredients
- Tyrosinase Inhibitors Vitamin A & C
- Tyrosinase Inhibitors break the body’s natural melanin production cycle. A concentrated area of melanin is pigmentation, so if your body creates less melanin, it follows you should have less pigmentation.
Niacinamide Active Ingredients
- Niacinamide (vitamin b3)
- Niacinamide doesn’t stop the production of melanin, but it does reduce the amount that’s transferred between cells in a process called “melanosome transfer”. Inhibiting this process has shown to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation.
Alpha-hydroxy Acids Active Ingredient
- Alpha-hydroxy Acids (AHAs)
The faster your skin sheds cells, and creates new ones, the quicker you’ll be rid of dark spots. We’re not talking about vigorous scrubbing—step away from the loofah. Instead, opt for products that act as a gentle chemical exfoliant. Alpha-hydroxy Acids (AHAs), in particular Lactic Acid and Vitamin A, break down dead skin cells and promote a more youthful complexion without compromising the skin.
SPF Active Ingredients
Even the best hyperpigmentation skincare products won’t help if you don’t also shield yourself from ultraviolet rays. Be sure to use a quality sunscreen and reapply throughout the day.
Hyperpigmentation Skincare Routine
Best Products For Pigmentation
Now you’ve got the background on why certain ingredients are so effective, let’s get you set up for an even complexion. Follow this simple 5-step skincare routine to brighten and lighten spots, including stubborn acne hyperpigmentation.
5 Step ASI Skincare Routine
- Cleanser – ASI Rejuvenating Foaming Cleanser (citric acid, vitamin c)
- Corrector / Serum – ASI Vitamin, ASI Vitamin B3 Complex, ASI Vitamin C ( Tyrosinase Inhibitors), ASI Pure Hydration Concerntrate (Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C)
- Moisturizer – ASI Rejuvenating Day Cream ( vitamin B3, hyaluronic acid, zinc oxide), ASI Rejuvenating Night Cream (vitamin a,b,c)
- ASI SPF BROAD SPECTRUM UVA & UVB PROTECTION 50+
- Exfoliation – ASI AHA Power Exfoliant – (aha, twice a week only)