Noticed dark spots on your face that are bugging you? Sun spots, post-acne marks, patches that look a few shades darker than your skin tone are all signs of hyperpigmentation. In fact, hyperpigmentation can occur anywhere on the body and can afflict any skin type, across ages and races. While these are usually harmless, hyperpigmentation can become bothersome when it begins affecting one’s self-confidence about how they look. To tackle this, let’s first find out what causes it.
Hyperpigmentation 101
Dr. Geetika Gupta Mittal, Founder and Medical Director of ISAAC Luxe says, “Dark spots and pigmentation can happen with overexposure to the sun which causes photodamage. The pigmentation increases melanin protection which in turn actually helps in protecting our skin but also gives us pigmentation owing to certain hormonal changes. Environmental conditions can also contribute to pigmentation and hyperpigmentation issues.”
To prevent hyperpigmentation and further darkening of already pigmented spots, she suggests, “Before stepping out in the sun, it’s very important to start preparing your skin against the harsh UV rays. First and foremost, invest in good sunblock (within the range of SPF 30 -50) that has to be applied 15 minutes before stepping out and reapplied every 2-3 hours when out in the sun. If sunblock is not applied every few hours, then prolonged exposure to the sun can worsen dark spots and pigmentation.” She also opines that tinted sunscreens work great for Indian skin because they not only prevent excess sun damage but are also more effective.
Other Useful Tips
She says, “Additionally, one should give importance to hydrating the skin well.” Lack of moisture in the skin tends to aggravate pigmentation and also make it look much worse than it is. “Also, wearing wide-brimmed hats, full-sleeved clothes, and sunglasses can further help in protecting the skin from sun damage. And avoid going out in the sun in the peak sun hours which is between noon and 3pm in the daytime,” says Dr Geetika. While the expert has let us in on how to keep hyperpigmentation and sun spots at bay, there are skincare ingredients that can help tackle existing dark spots & pigmentation. These include azelaicacid, kojic acid, tranexamic acid, mandelic acid, niacinamide, vitamin C, alpha arbutin, among a few others.
Product Recommendations
We take a look at some skincare products that can help tackle existing dark spots & pigmentation:
1. Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution
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A popular choice for many when it comes to fading dark spots, this formulation contains activated C (a stabilized form of Vitamin C), buffered salicylic acid, and peony extract. It is a targeted serum that helps visibly reduce the appearance a variety of discolouration including dark spots, hyperpigmentation and post-acne marks, while boosting overall radiance.
2. Paula’s Choice Clinical Discoloration Repair Serum
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A potent formula with 3% tranexamic, 5% niacinamide and 0.5% bakuchiol, it treats and rectifies discolouration, post acne marks, dark spots, blemishes and suntans. One can expect visible results after 8-12 weeks of consistent use, along with brighter, more radiant skin.
3. Clinique Even Better Clinical Radical Dark Spot Corrector + Interrupter
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Clinique users swear by this ‘damage eraser’ serum with vitamin C, salicylic acid, and glucosamine, that helps visibly improve discoloration, such as acne marks, while interrupting the look of future dark spots. The powerful serum delivers dramatic brightening results, yet it is gentle enough for all skin types.
4. Murad Rapid Dark Spot Correcting Serum
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This intensive dark spot corrector promotes surface cell turnover for brighter, more even skin. Patented resorcinol technology, exclusive to Murad, visibly reduces the intensity of the look of dark spots, discolouration and uneven tone. It is suited to all skin types as well.
5. Dr G B3 Super Serum Niacinamide And Zinc
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Another powerful serum, this is formulated with a blend of niacinamide (vitamin B3) and zinc extract. It protects the skin from environmental stressors, helps minimise enlarged pores, improves uneven skin tone, and fights dullness. Niacinamide also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce redness and irritation in the skin.
6. Bioderma Pigmentbio Foaming Cream
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Add this brightening cleanser to your skincare routine for targeting dark spots and pigmentation. It contains a patented combination of active ingredients which regulates the biological mechanisms that cause dark spots. It helps fade dark spots and keeps them from reappearing. Additionally, AHAs (citric acid) and micro-beads gently exfoliate and remove impurities.
7. Dermalogica Powerbright Dark Spot Serum
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This potent serum has niacinamide and hexylresorcinol that help fade dark spots, while shiitake mushroom (rich in beta glucans) brightens skin, and adaptogenic ashwagandha smoothes and delivers antioxidant benefits. Simultaneously, black currant oil and peony flower help boost skin’s natural luminosity, all together leading to healthy and radiant-looking skin.
8. 1% Kojic + Arbutin Night Repair Face Serum-Gel
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A great night-time solution for pigmentation is this serum-gel which has kojic acid and alpha arbutin, known to reduce dark spots while controlling melanin production. Its matte texture blends well into the skin leaving no residue, so you don’t have to worry about stained pillowcases. The best part? It is fragrance-free and can be layered easily with other active-based products.
