How to Fade Stubborn Dark Spots and Hyperpigmentation
How to Fade Stubborn Dark Spots and Hyperpigmentation
If your stubborn dark spots and hyperpigmentation can’t seem to be gotten rid of and you’ve hit a wall, you’ve come to the right place. There are many causes to hyperpigmentation, as well as actions you might not be aware of that could be contributing to the problem. Consider this your handy bite-sized guide to understanding dark spots, how to prevent them, and how to treat existing hyperpigmentation. Keep scrolling to get started.
What is hyperpigmentation and what causes it?
Hyperpigmentation comes as a result of an increase in melanin production, showing up on the skin’s surface as a darkened spot or patch. These blemishes are typically recognized as forms of sun spots, age spots, melasma, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. There are various causes for these dark spots, including sun exposure, aging, skin damage and hormonal influences.
Can hyperpigmentation be prevented?
In many cases, hyperpigmentation is due to exposure to sun rays. Without adequate protection, a pigment-darkening reaction occurs in the skin and forms sun spots. Consistent application of sunscreen makes a world of a difference in shielding the skin from sun damage and preventing more dark spots. However, not all causes of hyperpigmentation can be prevented and will rely on treatment methods to be reduced.
Can hyperpigmentation be treated?
Yes, there is a way to fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation to return to a blemish-free, radiant complexion. On their own, dark spots can take up to 6-12 months to fade; with the help of specific ingredients, this time is significantly reduced depending on the severity of it. Below are our top recommended ingredients for treating hyperpigmentation that fit right into your daily routine to get you glowing ASAP.
Tranexamic Acid
ANUA - Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Dark Spot Removing Serum
Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - ANUA
Tranexamic Acid works to fade dark spots by preventing melanin production, as well as blocking it from transferring to the outer layer of skin. It’s one of the key ingredients of the ANUA Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Dark Spot Removing Serum, and its name already gives an idea of what this booster does. With Niacinamide (more on that later), it absorbs seamlessly into the complexion to erase dark spots and balance the skin for enhanced clarity. All skin types are welcome to reach for this low-irritation serum.
Kojic Acid
medicube - Kojic Acid Turmeric Night Wrapping Mask
Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - medicube
Bow down to the medicube Kojic Acid Turmeric Night Wrapping Mask, your new favorite overnight treatment. Kojic Acid prevents the formation of tyrosinase within the skin, which is an enzyme that contributes to melanin. This ingredient pairs up with Turmeric to nourish and refresh the skin as you sleep, getting you waking up smoother, more even, and with an otherworldly glow. This dermatologist-tested mask is also designed to provide up to 24 hours of hydration and plump up fine lines and wrinkles.
Niacinamide
Mary&May - Rice Niacin 10% Triple Vitamin Serum
Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - Mary&May
With how many benefits multi-tasker Niacinamide offers the skin, is it any wonder that it also treats dark spots and hyperpigmentation? It breaks down existing melanin to improve the skin’s appearance and evens out skin tone over time. In the Mary&May Rice Niacin 10% Triple Vitamin Serum, Niacinamide is combined with Rice extract and 3 types of vitamins to fight off blemishes and tone up the complexion. Users love how it’s non-greasy and fresh without causing sensitivity, despite its potent formula.
Vitamin C
APLB - Ferulic Acid Vitamin C Ampoule Serum
Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - APLB
Vitamin C functions in a similar way to Kojic Acid, of which it inhibits the enzyme tyrosinase within the melanin formation process. The APLB Ferulic Acid Vitamin C Ampoule Serum gets our star antioxidant teaming up with Ferulic Acid and Centella Asiatica to form a brightening and calming booster. Formulation Technology ensures these active ingredients are safely absorbed by the skin without losing their efficacy. As a result, dull skin is recharged, dryness replenished with ample hydration and enlarged pores are taken care of for the bouncy, radiant complexion of your dreams.
Alpha Arbutin
BEAUTY OF JOSEON - Glow Deep Serum : Rice + Alpha Arbutin
Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - BEAUTY OF JOSEON
Joining the ingredients list of tyrosinase inhibitors is Alpha Arbutin, found in the BEAUTY OF JOSEON Glow Deep Serum : Rice + Alpha Arbutin. Specifically designed for users facing troubles of pigmentation and an uneven appearance, Rice Bran Water and Alpha Arbutin take charge to fade dark spots and boost overall skin health in the long term. What you get with this lightweight booster is a hydrated and illuminated complexion.
AHA/BHA
Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - medicube
Your classic acids, AHA and BHA, improve dark spots and hyperpigmentation through exfoliation: by sweeping away dead skin cells on the skin’s surface, revealing brighter, fresher skin underneath. The medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0 is the toner pad that deserves a spot in your daily routine, good for enhancing skin radiance, removing impurities embedded in the pores and controlling excess sebum with both AHA and BHA. Panthenol, Allantoin and Sodium Hyaluronate are added to make sure the skin is sufficiently hydrated as it gets exfoliated.
Which ingredient are you trying to tackle dark spots and hyperpigmentation? Make sure you’re following us on Instagram and Facebook, as well as keeping an eye on the VANA Blog, so you receive all the latest news, promos and information!
