Hyperpigmentation is one of the most difficult skin concerns to manage as it comes in different forms and resides in different layers of the skin, sometimes the deepest layers. From melasma and liver spots to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, it can be overwhelming to find a solution to help you. Hyperpigmentation is a long term management skin concern that fluctuates (goes darker and lighter) depending on circumstances such as cosmetic ingredients, weather and hormones. Let’s take a look at ingredients that can help with this concern. It’s important to remember that these ingredients work when formulated at ideal concentrations.
Retinoids
Retinoids are a vitamin A derivative that treat hyperpigmentation by speeding up the natural skin cell turnover rate to encourage a more even complexion. This do-it-all, multitasking powerhouse ingredient is a key product for managing pigmentation with an added benefit of anti-ageing properties! SKIN functional has a range of retinoids to choose from at various strengths.
Products to try:
- Oil Based Vitamin A with 0,3% Retinol – from R240
- Vitamin A Serum with 0,5% Retinol – from R65
- The Powerful Vitamin A with 0,1% Retinaldehyde – from R75
- Oil Based Vitamin A with 1% Retinol – from R285
Alpha Arbutin
Arbutin is derived from bearberry (uva-ursi), and works as a powerful and natural skin lightening agent to treat hyperpigmentation. Alpha Arbutin stops any extra production of melanin, which means less pigment and dark spots.
Product to try:
L-Ascorbic Acid
L- Ascorbic Acid is the strongest vitamin C and is an antioxidant-rich serum that helps to combat free radicals such as UV rays, which can damage skin and cause dark spots. Vitamin C serum indirectly addresses hyperpigmentation by brightening and lightening the appearance of existing dark spots.
Product to try:
Beta Hydroxy Acids and Alpha Hydroxy Acids
Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) like Salicylic Acid, and Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) like Glycolic and Lactic, are typically found in skincare products for acne, but they can also help to fade hyperpigmentation marks. BHA is best for oily and acne-prone skin types; however, you can alternate using BHA and AHA in your skincare routine. Here is a list of products that contain AHA and BHA.
Products to try:
- Gentle Exfoliating Tonic with 6% Mandelic Tonic – from R250
- Exfoliating Facial with 10% Lactic Acid + 3% B5 – from R50
- Salicylic Acid Cleansing Complex – from R160
- Texture and Blemish Tonic with 2% BHA – from R250
- Exfoliating Facial 2 with 30% Amino Hydroxy complex – from R290
Mandelic Acid
Known to have great results on sensitive skin and dry skin types as well as darker skin tones due to the large molecule size of Mandelic Acid, which allows for very slow controlled penetration of the ingredient into the skin. This AHA works as an exfoliant to remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover to reveal a brighter complexion and more even skin tone.
Product to try:
- Gentle Exfoliating Tonic with 6% Mandelic Acid – from R250
Glycolic Acid
Glycolic Acid is another AHA that works to target stubborn dark spots and exfoliate the skin to reveal lighter and brighter skin underneath.
Product to try:
- Exfoliating Glow Tonic with 6% Glycolic Acid – from R250
- Exfoliating Facial 2 with 30% Amino Hydroxy complex – from R290
Azelaic Acid
Like Alpha Arbutin, Azelaic Acid is another tyrosinase inhibitor, meaning it can prevent and treat sun spots and melasma because it interferes with melanin production and blocks the production of abnormal pigmentation. If you’re prone to getting dark spots and marks after pimples and breakouts, this is the ideal product to add to your skincare routine.
Product to try:
- Multi-tasking Fixer with 10% Azelaic Acid – from R60
Spot Treatments
Breakouts and acne can cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, so nip those spots in the bud while you can. Also, never (ever, ever!) squeeze your pimples. We know it’s oh-so tempting, but this just causes even more swelling, redness or worse – dark marks and scars.
Product to try:
- Blemish Corrector with 10% Niacinamide – from R50
Sunscreen SPF 50
Sunscreen protects against harmful UVA and UVB rays. This lightweight sunscreen provides protection against harmful free radicals as well as antioxidant and anti-ageing benefits.
Product to try:
- Sunscreen SPF50 – from R150
