How to Get Rid of Hyperpigmentation: The Best Go-to Guide!

Hyperpigmentation is a common skincare concern that can affect anyone, including myself, where it’ll leave behind dark spots, discoloration and uneven skin tone. Acne scars, sun damage or hormonal changes, treating Hyperpigmentation requires right combination of products, consistency and a lot of patience.

In this post I will guide you, from very long years of personal experiences and research, through how to treat it safely with the best dermatologist-tested products to fade your dark spots fast!

Disclaimer: The information shared in this post is based on personal experience and research and is intended for educational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed dermatologist or skincare professional before starting any new skincare products or treatments, especially if you have sensitive skin or existing skin conditions.

What is Hyperpigmentation?

Research shows that Hyperpigmentation is the overproduction of melanin in certain areas of the skin, resulting in dark patches or spots. Common types include:

• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) – Caused by acne, cuts, or other skin injuries.
• Melasma – Often triggered by hormonal changes or pregnancy.
• Sunspots (solar lentigines) – Caused by prolonged sun exposure.

How-to Treat Hyperpigmentation Effectively…

Clinically Proven active ingredients to look for in the products you’re using your regular skincare routine should be the following:

Vitamin C – Brightens and evens out skin tone.

Niacinamide – Will reduce your inflammation and help with minimizing your pores to prevent future flare ups from happening

Alpha Arbutin – A ingredient Very gentle yet effective, when it comes to skin brightening and fixing uneven texture.

Kojic Acid – An enzyme that will help with melanin production

Azelaic Acid – Combats acne and brightens hyperpigmentation.

Retinoids – Promotes cell turnover and fade dark spots over time.

Glycolic Acid – Exfoliates and improves your skin texture for better absorption of other serums you might use in your current routine.

Turmeric – Brightens your skin complexion, while fighting acne-causing bacteria and reduce inflammation.

Lactic Acid – Exfoliates the skin, promoting cell turnover and improving skin texture and tone

Mandelic Acid – targets discoloration.

The Top Products That’ll Rid All of Those Scars!(In the order of your routine)

Step 1: Cleanser

Removing dirt, oil, and leftover makeup without stripping your skin of moisture is a must. It’ll also set the foundation for every product that follows. Here’s some products that have those active ingredients to help fade those scars:

Skinfix – Azelaic Acid BHA/AHA Cleanser

Key Ingredients

• Glycolic Acid: Removes surface debris and reduces the look of pores.
• 2% Niacinamide: Minimizes the appearance of pores and absorbs excess sebum.
• 1% Azelaic Acid: Reduces the appearances of blemishes and visibly improves uneven skin tone.

Best for: Oily, Combo and Normal Skin types

Tatcha – The Matcha Cleanse Daily Clarifying Gel Cleanser

Key Ingredients

• Glycolic Acid: Removes surface debris and reduces the look of pores.
• Japanese Kyo-Matcha: Rich in antioxidants known to calm visible redness.
• BHA Botanical Alternatives: Willow bark and coix seed decongest pores, visibly smooth skin, and rebalance oil.
• Japanese Mugwort: Acts like a ceramide to support the skin barrier.

Best for: Oily, Combo and Normal skin types

Plantifique – Kojic Acid & Turmeric Soap *Definitely Underrated*

Key Ingredients

• Vitamin C: Removes surface debris and reduces the look of pores.
• Turmeric: brighten your skin complexion, while fighting acne-causing bacteria and reduce inflammation.
• Kojic Acid: will help with melanin production
• Hyaluronic Acid: Hydrates your skin.

Best for: All skin types

Step 2: Toner

This is not a step to skip-over – A toner preps your skin to absorb serums and moisturizers more effectively while refining pores and balancing oil production. These products will have the extra boost in brightening your skin:

The Ordinary – Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating and Brightening Daily Toner

Key Ingredients

• Glycolic Acid: An alpha hydroxy acid that exfoliates the skin.
• Tasmanian Pepperberry Derivative: Helps reduce irritation associated with acid use.
• Ginseng Root and Aloe Vera: Offer both visible radiance and soothing benefits.

Best for: Oily,Combo and Normal skin types

Paula’s Choice – 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid AHA Liquid Exfoliant

Key Ingredients

• 6% Mandelic Acid: The gentlest AHA; targets discoloration and wrinkles.
• 2% Lactic Acid: A time-released AHA that hydrates and visibly smooths.
• Yarrow Root Extract: Supports and soothes skin’s moisture barrier and microbiome.

Best for: Oily, Dry, Combo and Normal skin types

innisfree – Volcanic PHA Pore Refining Toner

Key Ingredients

• Volcanic Clusters and Silica: Absorb excess sebum.
• AHAs (Lactic and Glycolic Acids) and PHA (Gluconolactone): Gently exfoliate.

Best for: Oily, Combo skin types

Step 3: Serums

Serums are the pinnacle of your routine without these powerhouses – those scars won’t fully heal. Make sure invest in the formulas that deliver visible results especially those with proven ingredients such as the ones I mentioned earlier in this post Alpha Arbutin, Retinol, or Niacinamide:

The Ordinary – Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum

Key Ingredients

• Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) : Reduces the appearance of skin blemishes and signs of congestion, visibly brightens skin tone.
• Zinc PCA : Visibly regulates excess sebum activity.

Best for: Oily, Dry, Combo and Normal skin types

The Ordinary –  Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2% High-Strength Exfoliating Serum

Key Ingredients

• Tasmanian Pepperberry: Reduces visible signs of inflammation and sensitivity that are often associated with exfoliation.
• Lactic Acid: Exfoliates the skin.

Best for: Oily, Dry, Combo and Normal skin types

The Ordinary – Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution Gentle Exfoliating Serum

Key Ingredients

• Salicylic Acid: Decongests and exfoliates. Will prevent any bumps from forming that would have developed potential scaring.
• 4-T-Butylcyclohexanol: Soothes.

Best for: Oily, Combo and Normal skin types

The Ordinary – Alpha Arbutin 2% + Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Key Ingredients

• 2% Alpha-burtin: Visibly brightens skin tone and will fix uneven skin tone.
• Hyaluronic Acid : Hydrates the skin

Best for: Oily, Dry, Combo and Normal skin types

The Ordinary – Retinol 0.2% in Squalane Serum

Key Ingredients

• Retinol 0.2%: Helps retain the skin’s youthful appearance.
• Squalane: Will hydrate and repair the skin barrier

Best for: Oily, Dry, Combo and Normal skin types

Step 4: Moisturizer

Time to lock it all in! Seal in your previous skincare steps with a nourishing moisturizer that I will recommend as these also have the active ingredients to help heal your skin barrier and rid those scars for good:

The Ordinary – Natural Moisturizing Factors + Beta Glucan Lightweight Gel Moisturizer

Key Ingredients

• Beta Glucan: Is a polysaccharide derived from reishi mushroom that supports the skin barrier.
• Natural Moisturizing Factors: Mimic water-loving, hydrating compounds found in skin’s natural moisture barrier.

Best for: Oily, Combo and Normal skin types *Especially sensitive skin*

belif – The True Cream Aqua Bomb with Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide

Key Ingredients

• Hyaluronic Acid: Delivers intense hydration.
• Niacinamide: Gently exfoliates dead skin cells.

Best for: Oily, Combo and Normal skin types *Especially sensitive skin*

innisfree – Green Tea Seed Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Cream

Key Ingredients

• Squalane: Will hydrate and repair the skin barrier
• Hyaluronic Acid : Hydrates the skin
• Lactic Acid: Exfoliates and smooths as it addresses uneven texture

Best for: Normal skin types

Step 5: SPF(Sun Protection) – A VERY IMPORTANT STEP!

Now last but not least, your daily SPF is essential for preventing premature aging, HYPERPIGMENTATION and skin cancer—even on cloudy days. The recommended products down below are perfect as they will not leave a white cast on your face or clog those pores, most importantly their broad spectrum is SPF 30+ which will block out 97% of UVA/UVB rays throughout your day:

SEPHORA COLLECTION – Daily Mineral Sunscreen Cream SPF 30

Key Ingredients

• Zinc Oxide: Creates physical mineral sunscreen  protection from UVA/UVB rays.     

Best for: Oily, Combo and Normal skin types

Supergoop! – Unseen Sunscreen Invisible Broad Spectrum SPF 40 PA +++

Key Ingredients

• Complex Derived from Meadowfoam Seed: Increases hydration levels, resulting in a more even skin texture.
• Red Algae: Helps protect against blue light emitted by electronic devices.
• Frankincense: Provides a soothing effect.    

Best for: Normal, Dry, Combination and Oily skin types

Sun Bum – Premium Sunscreen Face Stick SPF 30 Broad Spectrum

Key Ingredients

• Vitamin e : Offers hydration, antioxidant protection, and potentially reduced signs of aging

Best for: Normal, Dry, Combination, Oily and Sensitive skin types

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them—at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I truly love and believe will bring value to your beauty routine. Thank you for supporting this blog!

Final Thoughts

Hyperpigmentation can be frustrating but with the right knowledge, a well-curated routine, and a little patience, you can take control of your skin’s clarity and confidence. Remember, consistency is key. No single product works overnight, but when used correctly, ingredients like Vitamin C, Alpha Arbutin, and Retinoids can truly transform your complexion.

Everyone’s skin is different, so don’t be discouraged if it takes some trial and error to find what works best for you, from my personal experience it took me years to figure out which products worked best for me and that patience through the times of was worth it all. Be gentle with your skin, protect it with SPF daily, and stay committed to your journey.

Hopefully you found this guide helpful! There’ll definitely be more to come, skincare routines and product reviews tailored to your unique skin goals in the near future.

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