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Additional products to consider when building out your routine:
What Causes Hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation happens when your skin makes extra melanin (the pigment that gives your skin colour). The common causes for this includes:
Acne scars: Breakouts have a tendency to leave a little shadow in their wake. These spots, called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), form when skin produces extra pigment as it heals from inflammation. They can take weeks (sometimes months) to fade, especially on sensitive skin.
Hormones: Hormonal shifts caused by pregnancy, birth control, or even stress can cause pigmentation. (Hello, melasma). It usually appears as larger, blotchy patches of pigmentation across the cheeks, forehead, or upper lip. And it tends to get worse with sun exposure.
Sun exposure: UV rays are the fastest way to supercharge melanin production, which is why pigmentation often shows up in areas that get the most sun (face, chest, hands). In Australia, where the UV index is basically never not extreme, sun exposure tends to be the leading cause of pigmentation.
The Best Skincare Routine for Hyperpigmentation
Ditching hyperpigmentation doesn’t require every brightening product under the sun. You just need a few good steps, used regularly. We recommend:
In The AM:
- Gentle cleanse (Properly Clean or Juicy Gel)
- Brightening serum (Much Brighter Skin)
- Moisturiser (Very Useful Face Cream or Very Lightweight Moisturiser)
- SPF (Nifty Fifty SPF 50)
In The PM:
- Double cleanse with Fancy Face and Properly Clean or Juicy Gel
- Exfoliate 2–3 times per week (Glow Exfoliator or Gentle Exfoliator)
- Hydrating serum (Much Plumper Skin)
- Barrier-loving oil (Face Hero)
- Moisturiser (Very Luxe Face Cream)
The Best Products for Hyperpigmentation
We’ve mindfully formulated a few of our products to help handle hyperpigmentation. Our favourites include:
Much Brighter Skin, our brightening vitamin C serum, for hydration, antioxidants, and your daily dose of radiance. Designed to target hyperpigmentation, Much Brighter Skin brightens dark spots caused by acne, post-inflammatory pigmentation, (‘pimple scars’), UV damage or hormonal changes.
Very Amazing Retinal, our soothing vitamin A serum, a powerful but gentle retinal serum clinically proven* to reduce pigmentation by up to 70%. Retinal helps to regulate melanin while fading dark spots.
Nifty Fifty SPF 50, our hydrating daily SPF 50 broad spectrum sunscreen for UVA/UVB protection. SPF is your first and most important step in banishing pigmentation before it’s even started. Daily sunscreen helps to stop your existing pigmentation from deepening and new dark spots from forming.
How to Choose Skincare for Hyperpigmentation
When curating a skincare routine to target pigmentation, keep an eye out for a few of these ingredients and products.
Brightening antioxidants (like vitamin C and niacinamide) help fade existing dark spots, even out your overall tone, and defend against new pigmentation triggered by free radicals and UV exposure.
Gentle exfoliants (like AHAs or PHAs) help your skin to shed pigmented cells more quickly and bring fresh, even-toned skin to the surface. They’re far less irritating (and more effective) than physical scrubs.
Hydration heroes (like hyaluronic acid and provitamin B5) help fight dryness and dehydrated skin—which can make your pigmentation look patchier and more obvious.
SPF 50 every morning. (No excuse!) Sunscreen is the single most important step to tackling pigmentation. Without it, even the best brightening products won’t deliver long-term results.
Can Exfoliation Help Hyperpigmentation?
Yes. But! Only when it’s done right. Exfoliator removes the dead skin cells sitting on top, letting fresher, brighter skin shine through. It also helps your serums and moisturisers absorb better (and get to work banishing the pigmentation).
Over-exfoliation, however, can damage your barrier and cause more pigmentation. Stick to 2–3 times per week with our Glow Exfoliator or Gentle Exfoliator.
FAQs
What is the best skincare routine for hyperpigmentation?
A consistent routine with daily SPF, a vitamin C serum, gentle exfoliation, and nourishing hydration.
What are the most effective skincare products for hyperpigmentation?
Much Brighter Skin, Glow Exfoliator or Gentle Exfoliator, and Nifty Fifty SPF 50 are our top picks.
How do I choose the best skincare for hyperpigmentation?
Look for vitamin C, niacinamide, AHAs, and SPF and always: Avoid anything harsh or stripping.
What ingredients target hyperpigmentation?
Vitamin C, niacinamide, glycolic acid, lactic acid, and SPF. You’ll find a few of these in Much Brighter Skin, Glow Exfoliator, Gentle Exfoliator, and Nifty Fifty SPF.
Can exfoliation help fade pigmentation?
Absolutely! Not only does exfoliation help with cell turnover, it also makes sure those hardworking serums can actually penetrate the skin. Just be sure to stick to 2–3 times a week with a chemical exfoliant to avoid overdoing it.
What are the best skincare products for treating hyperpigmentation?
A brightening serum (Much Brighter Skin), a gentle exfoliant (Glow Exfoliator or Gentle Exfoliator), barrier support (Face Hero), and daily SPF (Nifty Fifty).