App Exclusive: 25% Off Selected! Use Code: FLASH25
FREE UK Delivery on orders over £25 Dermatological Skincare Refer a Friend & Get £10 Each 12 Months Free Delivery - Only £9.90! Join LF Beauty Plus+
ADVICE

Best creams and treatments for hyperpigmentation on your face

Hyperpigmentation is the term used for any uneven patches of skin, usually darker than your natural skin tone. Commonly known as dark spots or scars, hyperpigmentation can appear as a range of different shades depending on your skin tone and can be a pain to cover! Thankfully, these stubborn spots can be treated and reduced with the right skincare products.

What causes hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation is a result of excess melanin in the skin that is usually produced due to inflammation from a blemish or cut which causes the skin to produce more of the pigment to protect the skin from UV rays as it heals; this is why it's common in people who have had acne. Due to higher levels of melanin naturally occurring in the skin, those with darker skin tones are more prone to hyperpigmentation, as well as pregnant women due to hormones and becomes more common as we age. Naturally, sun exposure can cause more discolouration to these dark spots, so avoiding prolonged exposure and wearing a high factor SPF is key in preventing dark spots from forming.

What are the best ingredients for hyperpigmentation?

Vitamin C

High in antioxidants, Vitamin C helps to not only protect the skin to recover and protects against environmental aggressors, but also can reduce the amount of melanin produced in the skin. Known best for it's brightening benefits, Vitamin C helps to lighten dark spots and even out the skin tone all over.

Glycolic Acid

A type of AHA, Glycolic acid works as an exfoliant which helps to remove dead and rough skin cells from the complexion which contributes to a more even and brighter finish. It's also known to suppress melanin production, making it an effective ingredients when it comes to reducing and preventing dark spots.

Retinol

Not only useful for combatting wrinkles, Retinol is a type of Vitamin A that promotes cell turnover, helping to shed damaged skin, including dark spots, to reveal a healthier, glowing layer. The powerful ingredient reaches not only the surface layer of the skin, but deeper into the complexion, making it highly effective in reducing discoloration.

Niacinamide

Niacinamide is another ingredient that helps to suppress melanin production, reducing dark spots. The multi-benefit ingredient also protects the skin from types of damage caused by UV rays*, helping to prevent hyperpigmentation.

*Niacinamide is not an alternative to SPF.

Azelaic Acid

Naturally occurring in plants, Azelaic acid is safe to use for pregnant women who commonly suffer from hyperpigmentation due to hormone changes. The more gentle acid offers anti-inflammatory benefits and helps to reduce excess production of melanin.

Salicylic Acid

A staple skincare ingredient for anyone with acne or oily skin, Salicylic acid helps to reduce sebum production which causes blemishes that can often form into hyperpigmentation in UV exposure. This exfoliating acid is also effective in shedding the dead and discoloured skin at surface level to leave you with a brighter and clearer complexion.

What are the best creams and treatments for hyperpigmentation?

1. Murad Vita-C Triple Exfoliating Facial

12

RRP: £88.00Current price: £66.00

A triple threat blend of physical, chemical and enzymatic exfoliants mixed with Vitamin C, the Murad Vita-C Triple Exfoliating Facial buffs away dark spots and dead skin to reveal a brighter and more even complexion.

2. REN Clean Skincare Overnight Glow Dark Spot Sleeping Cream 50ml

30

RRP: £53.00Current price: £45.05

Clinically proven to lighten the appearance of dark spots, the REN Clean Skincare Overnight Glow Dark Spot Sleeping Cream uses a 94% naturally derived formula that works whilst you sleep. Using their unique complex, the cream targets dark spots and melanin production to even the skin tone.

3. SkinCeuticals Advanced Brightening UV Defense SPF50 Sunscreen 40ml

Formulated with 2% Niacinamide and broad spectrum SPF 50, the SkinCeuticals Advanced Brightening UV Defense SPF50 Moisturiser helps to reduce existing dark spots and scarring on the skin, whilst keeping it shielded from any further hyperpigmentation. The lightweight moisturiser can be used everyday and keeps the skin supported and hydrated.

4. La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C10 Serum 30ml

Suitable for all types of skin, the La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C10 Serum helps to smooth, brighten and correct hyperpigmentation. A blend of pure Vitamin C, Salicylic Acid and Hyaluronic Acid, the Serum plumps, protects and polishes away dead skin to leave the complexion looking more uniform in tone and texture.

5. CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser with Salicylic Acid for Dry, Rough & Bumpy Skin 236ml

A true must-have for those with acne-prone or oily skin, the CeraVe Smoothing Cleanser contains a 0.5% concentration of Salicylic Acid blended with Hyaluronic Acid that gentle exfoliates the skin to remove dead skin and reveal a smoother, brighter surface. Reaching deep into the pores, the cleanser removes dirt and oil build up, preventing any further blemishes from forming.

6. Medik8 Blemish Sos 15ml

59

£25.00

A blend of Niacinamide, Salicylic Acid and Azelaic Acid, the Medik8 Blemish Sos treatment is a powerhouse formula of hyperpigmentation targetting ingredients that work to reduce the appearance of dark spots and breakouts in just 24 hours.

7. Kiehl's Clearly Corrective™ Dark Spot Solution (Various Sizes)

37

RRP: £55.00Current price: £44.00

Designed specifically to treat dark spots, the Kiehl's Clearly Corrective™ Dark Spot Solution reduces discolouration and brightens the skin to promote a brighter and even finish. The solution both exfoliates and smooths to leave the skin glowing and refined and helps to prevent further discolouration.

8. Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10

244

£89.00

Enriched with Retinol, Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin and Vitamin E, the Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10 helps to promote healthy cell turnover in the skin, restoring the complexion and helping to reveal a more youthful and even complexion. The Vitamin E in the formula keeps the skin protected from external damage, helping to prevent future hyperpigmentation.

9. Murad Vita-C Glycolic Brightening Serum 30ml

50

RRP: £88.00Current price: £66.00

Designed to target oxidative stress, dullness and hyperpigmentation, the Murad Vita-C Glycolic Brightening Serum balances the complexion. Made with anti-oxidant rich Vitamin C and Glycolic Acid, the formula helps to suppress melanin, reducing the appearance of sun spots, age spots and discolouration.

10. Caudalie Vinoperfect Dark Spot Correcting Moisturiser 50ml

Using 97% natural ingredients, the Caudalie Vinoperfect Dark Spot Correcting Moisturiser harnesses the power of nature to combat dark spots and hyperpigmentation. The formula hydrates and corrects the skin using Hyaluronic Acid and Squalane and has a fresh aroma of Mandarin, Cucumber and Fresh Mint.
Holly James
Holly James Beauty Writer

Working with brands at LOOKFANTASTIC for over two years I have developed my knowledge of all things beauty from key skincare concerns to niche makeup tricks and haircare hacks. I have a major passion for finding effective solutions that are easily accessible to everyone so that we can all achieve our best, glowing complexion.

Related Posts