The Best Products for Preventing and Healing Hyperpigmentation, According to Experts
Save this article to read it later.
Find this story in your account’s‘Saved for Later’section.
Comment
Hyperpigmentation can be caused by pretty much anything — whether it’s a festering pimple,a bad bout of eczema,the sun, genetics, hormones, or just a cut. It’s a skin reaction that can be triggered by inflammation of any kind, and leaves an often challenging-to-get-rid-of dark mark behind. One of the biggest hyperpigmentation triggers is UV light, which stimulates melanin production. Every dermatologist we spoke to stressed the importance of protecting the skin from UV light withsunscreen, whether you’re treating spots or trying to prevent new ones altogether. Tinted sunscreens are particularly helpful for this thanks to iron oxides, which protects the skin from visible light — a known trigger of resistant forms of hyperpigmentation. Asides from sunscreen, most recommended products formulated with pigment-production-blocking ingredients, namely antioxidants likevitamin C(it helps to block tyrosinase, an important enzyme in pigment production), and prescription topicals like retinoids, hydroquinone, and Cyspera.
But before we proceed, a note about retinoids and their over-the-counter sibling,retinol. When it comes to pretty much any skin woe (fine lines, wrinkles, acne, hyperpigmentation …t he list goes on), the vitamin A–derived topical is considered the gold standard in getting you quickly on your way to glowy, unfiltered skin. And while all of this is true, people with dark skin should be cautious, and check with a dermatologist before working it into their routine. ”Prescription-strength retinoids are great fading marks,” says Miami-based dermatologist Laura Scott, “but for many of my patients with darker skin, too much too fast can cause inflammation and potentially lead to more hyperpigmentation.” To combat this, she always prescribes the lowest strength and sees if skin can tolerate it before prescribing something stronger.
Best Sunscreens for Hyperpigmentation
New! You can now save this product for later.
CeraVe Ultra Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
“Sunscreen is most important thing for both preventing and treatinghyperpigmentation, so I recommend those that are broad spectrum and at least SPF 30,” says dermatologist Tiffany Clay. She particularly likes this moisturizing oil-free option, which is packed with ceramides (fatty acids) that help protect skin against environmental aggressors that can lead to hyperpigmentation. “It is very good for sensitive-skin types, and blends into any skin type well without leaving a white cast,” says Clay.
New! You can now save this product for later.
This sunscreen has also topped ourBest Sunscreens for Dark Skinlist, for its efficacious ingredients (including niacinamide and lactic acid, which both aid in treating uneven complexions) and a truly sheer finish. “The niacinamide and lactic acid are great for helping clear dark spots even faster,” Scott says.
Best Serums for Hyperpigmentation
New! You can now save this product for later.
One of the best ways to combat hyperpigmentation is to use topical antioxidants like vitamin C, says Caroline Robinson, a dermatologist and founder of Tone Dermatology, a practice that specializes in ethnic skin dermatology. “It’s a potent antioxidant that can help to block tyrosinase (the key enzyme in excess pigment production), and therefore has a correcting and brightening effect.” Her top recommendation is the Revision C+ Correcting Complex 30, a lightweight, nonirritatingserumthat has a potent form of vitamin C along with vitamin E and other antioxidants to target hyperpigmentation from multiple angles. Clay recommends it too, noting that this formulation also protects skin from ultraviolet rays and high-energy visible light (the technical term for the lights emanating from our screens).
New! You can now save this product for later.
Robinson also likes PCA Intensive Brightening Treatment, which is specifically formulated fordiscoloration. “This nighttime serum has a blend of 0.5 percent pure retinol, resveratrol, hexylresorcinol, and niacinamide,” she says, “which together wards off pigment-triggering inflammation and directly address discoloration while you sleep.”
New! You can now save this product for later.
“I regularly recommend this,” says Clay, “because it is affordable and works well to reduce hyperpigmentation without causing irritation. It also doubles as an anti-inflammatory, so for those withacne, this is a good dual agent product.” The genius is in the inclusion of azelaic acid, a pigment reducer that naturally occurs in skin and blocks the production of excess melanin in the skin.
New! You can now save this product for later.
The active ingredient in this super-concentrated ampoule is ascorbic acid, a natural form ofvitamin C. While ultra-effective, it’s also a fairly unstable ingredient (meaning it tends to go bad quickly when exposed to air), but ISDINCEUTICS Flavo-C Ultraglican utilizes single-use sealed glass ampoules to ensure you get the freshest, most stable form upon use. Robinson particularly likes the delivery system, noting that ampoules are already very popular in Europe (ISDIN was founded in Spain).
Best Serums for Sensitive Skin
New! You can now save this product for later.
Scott likes mandelic acid forsensitive-skin types, noting that this is her go-to for patients who can’t tolerate stronger acids but still struggle with hyperpigmentation. “The molecule is larger than others, so it penetrates more slowly,” she says, adding that it’s also great for treating mild acne.
Best Serums for Dry, Sensitive Skin
New! You can now save this product for later.
If you’re both sensitive and dry, Scott recommends lactic acid, a gentle acid that moisturizes while it brightens andexfoliates. She likes Good Genes by Sunday Riley for this reason, an AHA treatment that uses purified lactic acid along with licorice and lemongrass to brighten the skin.
Best Topical for Hyperpigmentation
New! You can now save this product for later.
A new innovation in the hyperpigmentation treatment space, Cyspera’s star ingredient is cysteamine hydrochloride, an ingredient our cells naturally make. Four derms we spoke to mentioned this potent formula because it blocks several pathways in melanin-producing cells and stops them from producing excess pigment, as well as acting as a powerfulantioxidant. Robinson, however, recommends speaking with a dermatologist before jumping in headfirst: “Since this topical agent has been only been studied on specific types of hyperpigmentation and with specific durations of use, I recommend that patients speak with a physician prior to starting.” Another important note: Cyspera is currently only available through authorized retailers, including some dermatologists’ offices.
The Strategistis designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the bestacne treatments,rolling luggage,pillows for side sleepers,natural anxiety remedies, andbath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
