Everything You Need to Know About Getting Rid of Hyperpigmentation

What is Pigmentation?

Dark spots and skin discolouration are common at every age. To understand it better, it is classified as pigmentation and hyperpigmentation. What is pigmentation, you may ask. In simple words, it refers to the colour of our skin. This is determined by the amount and type of melanin present in our skin. Changes in melanin production can cause pigment disorders, such as hyperpigmentation (dark spots), hypopigmentation (light spots), or depigmentation (white spots or patches). From finding out which pigmentation serum to use and the best creams for pigmentation to removing them from the face permanently, here’s how you can address this skin concern.

In this article

What is Hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation is a specific skin concern. It refers to the darkening of certain areas of the skin compared to the surrounding skin due to an excess of melanin production. It’s actually really easy to trigger - factors like sun exposure, hormonal changes, skin injuries, and inflammation, can all lead to it. What differentiates pigmentation and hyperpigmentation is the amount of melanin production. In the case of pigmentation, melanin production is in balance, leading to an even and natural skin tone. Hyperpigmentation, on the other hand, is due to an overproduction of melanin in specific areas, resulting in darker patches or spots.

How To Reduce Hyperpigmentation on Face?

In matters of the skin, it’s best to consult your dermatologist first. That’s a given. Beyond this, there are some universal practices that you can follow to prevent hyperpigmentation or control it before it gets worse.

Avoid the sun and use a sunscreen

UV rays are harmful in more ways than one. Not just hyperpigmentation, they can cause many other skin concerns. If you already have mild to moderate hyperpigmentation, it’s best to avoid the sun. It is advisable to use sunscreen even when you’re indoors and especially when you’re stepping out. Pond’s Sun Miracle SPF 50 PA+++ is a lightweight sunscreen, perfect for pigmented skin. This brightening sunscreen has niacinamide-C serum, along with SPF 55, and PA++, ideal for preventing sun damage and fading dark spots both at the same time.

Home Remedies for Pigmentation Concerns

Our home and kitchen are the best places to find most cures. In our culture, the way we cook our food is rooted in Ayurveda. Walk into any Indian home in the morning and you’ll smell cinnamon, bay leaf, turmeric, cow’s ghee and all things aromatic, coming from the kitchen. It’s not a surprise that some of our skin and haircare secrets are hidden in our spice box. Do It Yourself masks are the easiest route to take for weekly skin pampering. For instance, a DIY mask with lentils, turmeric and milk is a known magic bullet for treating hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone. Aloe vera too is known for treating skin concerns with its miraculous benefits. Simply apply aloe vera on the pigmented areas and leave it overnight. You will see the results on consistent usage. Other common household cures include applying papaya extract, lemon, yoghurt, sandalwood, turmeric and even apple cider vinegar. The easiest way is to make a paste of yoghurt, turmeric, honey and a few drops of apple cider vinegar. Take all these contents in small quantities; when adding turmeric it’s best to remember that a little goes a long way. So make sure to use only a pinch. Use a brush to apply this mask on the face and wash it after 10 mins. This Indian kitchen secret works wonderfully to achieve glowing skin, thereby reducing pigmentation. You can even substitute apple cider vinegar for a few drops of lemon juice. I’d say, use these effective home remedies in combination with skincare products with ingredients that are targeted to address your specific concern.

What Ingredients Should You Look For in Products to Treat Hyperpigmentation?

When it comes to treating hyperpigmentation, it’s best to look for lightening agents such as liquorice extract, mushroom extract, vitamin C and retinol. A particularly trending ingredient on TikTok – Kojic Acid is also an ingredient to look for in face products to reduce hyperpigmentation. Our skin needs extra protection in the day time, so it’s a good idea to include such ingredients in your day cream or serum. Paula’s Choice Discoloration Repair Serum is an award-winning potent serum that targets brown and grey patches while helping prevent new discolouration from forming. It contains tranexamic complex with bakuchiol and niacinamide. Serums tend to penetrate deeper into the skin so they can really make a difference to your skin in a given amount of time. Pond’s Anti-Pigmentation Serum with 12% Gluta-Niacinamide Complex for Flawless Radiance is induced with niacinamide that enhances your skin tone evidently. Its key ingredients are Vitamin B3, Hyaluronic acid and Gluta-boost-C, all of which work at enhancing skin’s elasticity, hydration and complexion.

A sunscreen that can pull off double duty is Pond’s Sun Miracle SPF 50 PA+++ Light Sunscreen - Protect & Bright, With 3% Active Niacinamide. It’s a brightening sunscreen that has niacinamide-C serum, SPF 55, and PA++ to guard the skin against harsh sun rays and leave the skin brighter and even-toned. Niacinamide-C is often used to fade tan and dark patches, improve skin texture, minimize fine lines and wrinkles, and boost collagen production, all while moisturising the skin. You can look for glycolic acid as well as it works at exfoliating the skin. Dermalogica’s Daily Glycolic Cleanser exfoliates with glycolic acid, along with balancing ingredients like calendula extract that refreshes tired skin and Jojoba seed oil that moisturizes the skin. To address hyperpigmentation completely, you can go for Novology’s Bi-Phasic Hyperpigmentation Serum. It has Hexyl resorcinol that reduces melanin, niacinamide that inhibits melanin transfer to the top layer of skin and retinyl propionate that works at improving skin cell renewal.

Ready to Fade Those Dark Spots? Discover the best ingredients and products to brighten and reduce hyperpigmentation.