7 Best Ingredients to Treat Hyperpigmentation That Really Work

• The Best Ingredients to Treat Hyperpigmentation

| Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a much loved, multi-tasking skincare ingredient which is beneficial for patients with hyperpigmentation. It works by brightening hyperpigmented spots on the skin, but not lightening normal skin. What's more, it can help to create the healthy, glowing skin you're after.

This powerful antioxidant is also brilliant at tackling signs of ageing in the skin as it helps to protect it from age-accelerating aggressors in the environment such as UV, cigarette smoke and pollution. 

The must-have product: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic

($166/30ml, up to 6% cashback at SkinCeuticals)

A bestseller and expert recommended, SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic features a synergistic antioxidant combination of ferulic acid and pure vitamin C and E to enhance your skin's protection against environmental damage caused by free radicals. In addition to antioxidant protective benefits, this formula improves signs of aging and photodamage to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles while firming and brightening your complexion. 

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| Niacinamide

Also known as pro-vitamin B3, niacinamide can be used to fade age spots and lighten discoloration of the skin. It's effective with hyperpigmentation because it decreases the number of melanin transferred to pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) to skin cells by more than half. It doesn't stop the production of melanin, but it reduces the amount that is transferred to the skin.

What's more, it is extremely stable and not affected by heat or light like other chemical ingredients. Niacinamide works even more effectively when paired with N-acetyl glucosamine.

The must-have product: The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% 

($6.40, up to 12% cashback at SkinStore)

Using advanced science and high concentrations of vitamins and minerals, the lightweight serum infuses skin with an intense dose of Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) that has been proven to minimise the look of blemishes and discolouration. A high 10% concentration of this vitamin is supported in the formula by zinc salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid to balance visible aspects of sebum activity.

| Hydroquinone

Hydroquinone is a skin-bleaching agent that is used to lighten areas of darkened skin such as freckles, melasma, age spots, and acne scars.

To date, hydroquinone is deemed safe in the United States. There isn’t any clinical evidenceTrusted Source currently to suggest that hydroquinone is harmful to humans. However, minor side effects are still possible. 

The must-have product: Murad Rapid Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Serum 

($72, up to 7% cashback at LOOKFANTASTIC US)

This formula combines the maximum levels available without a prescription of the gold standard in sun and age spot lightening.

Rapid Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Serum combines hydroquinone with hexapeptide-2, a powerful skin-brightening peptide that helps lighten dark spots and prevent the appearance of future damage for a more even, more radiant skin tone. Exfoliating glycolic acid lifts away dull, dead skin cells and allows active ingredients to penetrate more quickly, so you see spots fade faster and more radiant skin sooner.

| Kojic Acid

Usually made as a by-product of malted rice – what's used to make sake/rice wine, kojic acid is an all-natural lightening and brightening skincare active. It prohibits the production of melanin and penetrates the upper layers of the skin causing a lightening effect.

Unfortunately, it can cause some side effects like redness and irritation. Always use a low-dose (1 percent) version and test it on your skin first before use.

The must-have product: PCA Skin Pigment Gel HQ Free

($64, up to 12% cashback at SkinStore)

PCA Skin Pigment Gel HQ Free features a hydroquinone-free formula for those who are unable to tolerate hydroquinone. 

An exfoliating complex of lactic, kojic and azelaic acids refine and smooth the skin while diminishing hyperpigmentation. Glutathione and phenylethyl resorcinol inhibit melanin production to prevent new dark spots from forming. This product is an ideal choice for those with sensitive skin or those allergic to Hydroquinone. Suitable for all skin types.

| Tranexamic Acid

Tranexamic acid (TXA for short)  is a synthetic amino acid derived from lysine. In Skincare field, tranexamic acidis a relatively new ingredient to help reduce the look of hyperpigmentation.

Tranexamic acid slows the production of melanin by inhibiting a pathway known as the plasminogen/plasmin pathway. By doing so, it reduces the interactions between our pigment producing cells (melanocytes) and skin cells (keratinocytes) and this leads to a reduction in pigmentation, particularly in melasma.

The must-have product: The Inkey List Tranexamic Acid Night Treatment 

($14.99, up to 5% cashback at Sephora)

Designed to take effect as you sleep, this overnight treatment targets a multitude of skincare concerns, such as hyperpigmentation, uneven tone and dark spots. Formulated with 2% Tranexamic Acid, 2% Acai Berry extract to promote even skin tone, as well as 2% skin brightening hero Vitamin C, it also boosts overall skin brightness and evens skin tone.

| Alpha-arbutin

Alpha-arbutin is a natural form of hydroquinone derived from the bearberry plant. It is a safer and effective alternative to hydroquinone and is less cytotoxic to the melanocytes. Similarly to Kojic acid, alpha-arbutin works by inhibiting skin's tyrosinase enzymes.

The must-have product: The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA

($8.90, up to 5% cashback at Sephora)

Alpha Arbutin reduces the looks of spots and hyperpigmentation. It's used at a high two percent concentration versus a standard concentration of one percent and supported with a form of hyaluronic acid for enhanced delivery.

| Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs)

Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) are a group of plant and animal-derived acids which are usually used in cosmetics for exfoliation and hydration.  Alpha hydroxy acids include citric acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, and others.

AHAs like lactic acid and glycolic acid are best for treating skin concerns on the upper layers of the skin, such as sun damage, uneven texture, and pigmentation. 

The must-have product: Sunday Riley  Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment

($85/30ml, up to 5% cashback at Sephora)

A multi-purpose treatment, Good Genes works hard to un-do the damage caused by sunlight, acne, pollution and less-than-healthy lifestyle choices! 

The starring ingredient in this reformulated treatment are tiny glycolic acid molecules (which can sink deeper into the skin than other forms of alpha hydroxy acid) which break apart pore-clogging debris, gently exfoliating away dead, dulling cells to reveal the radiance beneath and minimise the signs of congestion, fine lines, wrinkles and dullness. Alongside this, lactic acid exfoliates further, prickly pear extract reduces irritation and lemongrass extract brightens and clarifies skin. 

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