As far as skin concerns go, hyperpigmentation is tough to beat as it’s anything but temporary. Many skin concerns are only really a concern for a few days, and then by the end of the week, you respectfully part ways just in time for FriYAY. Got a pimple? Zit patches. Dry skin? Slap on a hydrating face mask. Hyperpigmentation? Um, well, it’s complicated. Like a clingy ex type of complicated. 

Hyperpigmentation is caused by a deep cellular reaction rather than eating one too many chocolate bars or neglecting your moisturiser, so it’s going to take a little more work to ghost hyperpigmentation. But not impossible, which is probably what it feels like after trying to move on with more skincare products for hyperpigmentation than you can count. Get ready for closure as we’ve got your back with skincare saviours that’ll lighten skin hyperpigmentation and get you the heck outta there. 

What Causes Skin Hyperpigmentation?

Skin hyperpigmentation is caused by the overproduction of melanin, which is most commonly brought on by sun exposure. Sunlight triggers melanin production as the body’s first line of defence against sun damage. Melanin helps to absorb and re-distribute UV rays, acting as a shield to protect the inner layers of skin. 

But when we overexpose the skin to sunlight, it can disturb the process and cause the skin to produce too much melanin, which clusters together and appears as dark patches, otherwise known as hyperpigmentation. 

Pigmentation Vs Hyperpigmentation

Many people think we can switch up the use of pigmentation and hyperpigmentation depending on how we’re feeling in the moment as they’re the same thing, when actually they have two different meanings. So, before you update the group chat on your skin, you might want to hold off a sec to check you’re using the right word.

Pigmentation refers to the colouring of our skin, which is produced by a pigment called melanin. Most of us produce a healthy amount of melanin, but certain factors can cause the skin to produce more melanin. This uneven, darker pigmentation that appears from the overproduction of melanin, often in small patches, is described as hyperpigmentation. Now you can send that message.

Our Most Recommended Skincare Products for Treating Hyperpigmentation:

If you have stubborn skin hyperpigmentation that follows you around like a lockdown puppy (shoutout to mine winning a stare-off with me rn), SkinCeuticals Advanced Pigment Corrector will sort you right out. It’s a daily treatment in the form of a lightweight lotion that helps to correct and prevent skin hyperpigmentation on the face, because when you’ve got rid of it, we doubt you’ll want it back. Formulated with hydroxyphenoxy propionic, ellagic, and salicylic acid, it gently exfoliates the skin to lighten hyperpigmentation and restore natural radiance. 

Retinol is found in most skincare products for hyperpigmentation as it helps to encourage skin cell turnover, lightening the dark patches of melanin. But if your skin demands sensitive skin-friendly ingredients, retinol may be a little harsh. Brightalive by ZO Skin Health is a retinol-free formula that naturally encourages cell renewal with papain, a natural enzymatic exfoliant found in papaya. If it’s good enough to eat, it’s good enough to put on your sensitive skin. 

IMAGE Skincare Iluma Intense Facial Illuminator - £64

A potent hyperpigmentation lightening serum featuring a high concentration of vitamin C, tranexamic acid, and niacinamide whose entire existence is dedicated to evening out skin tone. It’s also hot on hydration which intensifies radiance and improves elasticity from your days in the sun pre-sunscreen obsession. 

Dermaceutic Mela Cream - £93.60

Loaded with arbutin, liquorice extract, salicylic, kojic, phytic, and mandelic acids, this skin hyperpigmentation treatment will help to clear up dark patches and minimise melanin production. But for it to really control melanin, you can’t be sloppy with the application. Start off with a couple of times a week to avoid sensitivity and gradually increase to nightly to make the most of your bucks.

iS Clinical White Lightening Serum - £66

What about a fast-absorbing hyperpigmentation lightening serum for those short on time? Say no more (as you’re probably already running late). Botanical ingredients including mushroom extract, alpha-arbutin, and Norwegian kelp extract brighten the skin whilst a natural exfoliant, sugar cane extract, lightly buffs away dead skin cells and encourages cell turnover. 

SkinCeuticals Advanced Brightening UV Defense SPF50 40ML - £45

This 2-in-1 sunscreen by SkinCeuticals doubles up as a skin hyperpigmentation treatment that works to improve discolouration with tranexamic acid and niacinamide, whilst shielding your skin from UV rays. It’s super lightweight with a barely-there feel so you won’t suspect a thing. Known to see a 25% improvement in skin brightness, 26% in discolouration, and 22% in skin clarity and texture, we’re all out of reasons why it shouldn’t be a summer staple.