Hyperpigmentation — dark spots, melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) — is one of the most common and frustrating skin concerns. Understanding the type of pigmentation you have is the first step to choosing the right treatment.
Types of Hyperpigmentation
Sun spots (solar lentigines): Flat, brown spots from cumulative UV exposure. Most common on face, hands, and chest.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH): Dark marks left by acne, eczema, or other skin injuries. Very common in darker skin tones.
Melasma: Larger, symmetrical patches of discoloration, often triggered by hormones (pregnancy, birth control) and worsened by heat and UV.
Proven Ingredients That Fade Dark Spots
- Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid) — inhibits tyrosinase, the enzyme that makes melanin. Use daily.
- Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) — prevents melanin transfer to skin cells. Gentle and well-tolerated.
- Alpha Arbutin — blocks tyrosinase without the risks of hydroquinone. Use 2x daily.
- Azelaic Acid — anti-inflammatory plus melanin-inhibiting. Great for acne-related PIH and melasma.
- Retinol — accelerates cell turnover, fading spots faster. Use at night.
- Tranexamic Acid — inhibits melanin production; particularly effective for melasma.
- Kojic Acid — natural melanin inhibitor from fungi. Effective but can irritate.
Best Products for Hyperpigmentation
Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum
Tranexamic acid, niacinamide, and four other brightening agents target dark spots from every angle. Gentle enough for daily use and suitable for all skin tones. Incredible value.
Naturium Tranexamic Acid Topical Acid 5%
5% tranexamic acid combined with kojic acid, niacinamide, and licorice root for comprehensive melasma treatment. Water-light texture absorbs instantly.
Your Anti-Pigmentation Routine
Morning: Gentle cleanser → Vitamin C serum → Moisturizer → SPF 50 (this is NON-NEGOTIABLE)
Evening: Cleanser → Alpha arbutin or tranexamic acid → Retinol (2-3x/week) → Moisturizer
Critical Rules for Treating Hyperpigmentation
- SPF is mandatory — even one day without sunscreen can undo weeks of progress
- Be patient — dark spots take 3-6 months to visibly fade
- Don't over-treat — too many actives → irritation → MORE pigmentation (especially in darker skin tones)
- Avoid lemon juice, baking soda, and "natural" whitening remedies — they cause more harm than good
💡 Bottom Line
Fading dark spots is a marathon, not a sprint. Consistent use of proven ingredients + daily SPF 50 will get you there. The biggest mistake is getting impatient and adding too many actives at once.
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