Skin pigmentation, which is one of the common skin problems around, happens as we age. It can also appear in the form of dark spots, acne scars, as well as uneven patches of skin tone. Thankfully, there are numerous products on the market that can help prevent or reduce pigmentation on the skin.
To help you narrow down your search, we rounded up some of the best products for hyperpigmentation. Before we reveal our top 16 picks, however, let’s get to know pigmentation a little better.
What is pigmentation?
Skin pigmentation refers to areas of your skin that become darker than the skin surrounding it. Hyperpigmentation happens when the skin produces more melanin – a pigment that gives skin its colour. As a result, dark spots or patches of skin can appear darker than the other areas of the skin.
There are several types of hyperpigmentation, such as melasma, sunspots and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, a few of the most common types.
- Melasma: Melasma is a type of hyperpigmentation that is caused during or after pregnancy as it involves hormonal changes. It’s almost similar in appearance to age spots, but it affects larger areas of skin.
- Sunspots: If your skin is exposed to the sun without proper sun protection, sunspots can develop on certain areas, such as on your face and hands.
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation: This occurs when there is an injury or inflammation to the skin, such as scars left from breakouts.
How to prevent and get rid of pigmentation
If you’re looking to prevent pigmentation from forming, try avoiding excessive sun exposure. When you have to be under the sun, use a sunscreen of at least SPF30 and above, and make sure you reapply it every two hours. If you’re prone to blemishes and acne, the best way to prevent pigmentation is to avoid picking at spots and scabs. Instead, place a pimple patch over it to keep it clean and sop up the pus.
As mentioned, there are several ways you can get rid of pigmentation on your skin. One of them is to apply topical creams that you can purchase from over the counter. The key is to use them consistently for optimal results. Now, let’s take a look at the best 16 products that can help you lighten pigmentation.
16 best products to help you lighten pigmentation
Eucerin Anti-Pigment Night Cream
A great cream to apply at night would be the Eucerine Anti-Pigment Night Cream. It uses panthenol, which is an ingredient known to support the regeneration of skin cells. In addition, the cream is infused with thiamidol to reduce dark spots effectively.
Eucerine Anti-Pigment Night Cream (50ml) retails for RM146.74 at Care To Beauty.
Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum Complexion Correcting
We all know vitamin C is essential for lightening dark spots, but a key ingredient that works more effectively would be Viniferine. The Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum Complexion Correcting contains patented Viniferine that is 62 times more effective than vitamin C when it comes to boosting radiance!
It effectively reduces any type of pigmentation and prevents them from reappearing more than your regular vitamin C serum.
Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum Complexion Correcting (50ml) retails for RM365 at Sephora.
NANO WHITE Dark Spot Corrective Serum
The Nano White Dark Spot Corrective Serum uses three powerful brightening components: nanotechnology, Omega White-C, and natural extracts that can penetrate deeply into the skin to lighten your dark spots.
Aside from reducing pigmentation, it also evens out your skin tone and eliminates acne scars. Another great perk about this serum is its light texture that doesn’t leave a sticky feeling after application.
NANO WHITE Dark Spot Corrective Serum (30ml) retails for RM55.36 at Watsons.
Dr.Jart+ V7 Toning Light
The Dr.Jart+ V7 Toning Light is suitable for most skin types thanks to the light texture, which doesn’t leave your skin feeling oily as well. Infused with up to seven different multivitamins, such as B3, B5, and C, this moisturiser hydrates and brightens your skin at the same time.
Dr.Jart+ V7 Toning Light (50ml) retails for RM235 at Sephora.
Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution
Formulated with Activated C (a stabilized form of vitamin C), buffered salicylic acid, and peony extract, this serum helps to effectively reduce dark spots and hyperpigmentation caused by sun exposure and acne. Users shared that it managed to reduce their scars and dark spots within just two weeks!
Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution (30ml) retails for RM245 at Kiehl’s Online Store.
Clinique Even Better Clinical™ Radical Dark Spot Corrector + Interruptor
This powerful brightening serum from Clinique targets dark spots for a more even skin tone and brighter skin. It is formulated with patented CL302 Equalizer Technology, which has two times the brightening dose, powerful enough to give you the dramatic results you desire.
It improves the look of dark spots, age spots, as well as blemish marks, and even works to prevent future spots from forming.
Clinique Even Better Clinical™ Radical Dark Spot Corrector + Interruptor (50ml) retails for RM382 at Clinique’s Online Store.
COSMODERM Luminous Pearl Dark Spot Corrector
This anti-pigmentation cream by Cosmoderm contains natural antioxidants and plant-based active ingredients to help reduce the appearance of dark spots and age spots. It is formulated with Active-G, a balanced cocktail of natural whitening agents that promote cell renewal. Your skin tone will become more even after using this cream!
COSMODERM Luminous Pearl Dark Spot Corrector (30ml) retails for RM40.72 at Watsons.
The Ordinary Azelaic Acid 10% Suspension
With a 10% concentration of high purity azelaic acid, this product from The Ordinary helps brighten and even out your skin tone while also reducing blemish marks on your skin. This cream-gel system also contains antioxidants that protect your skin against harmful free radicals. By adding this to your skincare routine, your skin will look visibly brightened and more radiant.
The Ordinary Azelaic Acid 10% Suspension (30ml)retails for RM45 at Threebs.
Axis-Y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum
Looking for a serum that brightens and moisturises your skin? The Axis-Y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum will fit the bill. Infused with squalene, papaya, sea buckthorn, rice bran, allantoin, and calendula, the formula helps your skin glow and stay healthy. It also contains niacinamide, which improves uneven skin tone and dullness.
Axis-Y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum (50ml) retails for RM65 at Threebs.
The INKEY List Alpha Arbutin Serum
If you are worried about having hyperpigmentation, consider getting The INKEY List’s serum! This product contains alpha arbutin from bearberry, which prevents hyperpigmentation and reduces the appearance of dark spots. It’s also formulated with squalene to bump up your skin’s hydration levels.
The INKEY List Alpha Arbutin Serum (30ml) retails for RM70 at Threebs.
Sephora Targeted Dark Spots Serum
Sephora’s Targeted Dark Spots Serum contains 98% natural ingredients that include enzymes and kombucha to target dark spots effectively. In just 28 days, you can see a reduction in the size and colour of your dark spots.
Sephora Targeted Dark Spots Serum (30ml) retails for RM99 at Sephora.
PIXI Vitamin C-Caviar Balm Brightening Leave-On Mask
Looking to reduce pigmentation and even out your skin tone? Add this brightening leave-on mask to your skincare routine. It features all-natural skin-loving ingredients, including caviar balm and vitamin C to encourage collagen production as it boosts moisture and brightens your complexion all at once.
PIXI Vitamin C-Caviar Balm Brightening Leave-On Mask (45ml) retails for RM120 at Sephora.
Clarins White Plus Pure Translucency Targeted Spot Brightener
Thanks to the two power ingredients, vitamin C and glycyrrhizate, this dark spot corrector from Clarins effectively targets dark spots while offering a comfortable, smooth experience when applied. It has a lightweight gel texture that dries down fast, so you can wear this during the day under makeup.
Clarins White Plus Pure Translucency Targeted Spot Brightener (7ml) retails for RM148 at Clarins Online Store.
Bioderma Pigmentbio Dailycare SPF50+
Besides reducing the appearance of dark spots and preventing new ones from forming, this muti-purpose day cream by Bioderma offers sun protection of SPF50+ and prevents visible signs of premature ageing. Plus, it creates a smooth makeup base so you can skip the primer.
Bioderma Pigmentbio Dailycare SPF50+ (40ml) retails for RM145.84 at Care To Beauty.
Dermalogica Biolumin C-Serum
The Biolumin C-Serum by Dermalogica contains a high-performance vitamin C complex that firms the skin and reduces fine lines and wrinkles. It is also infused with lactic acid, which hydrates and gently exfoliates the skin while lightening pigmentation.
Dermalogica Biolumin C-Serum (30ml) retails for RM544 at Dermalogica Online Store.
Tatcha Violet-C Brightening Serum
The Tatcha Violet-C Brightening Serum contains two forms of vitamin C that act as powerful antioxidants to defend the skin against pollutants and irritants. It is also infused with AHA from seven superfruits that promote brighter and uneven skin tone and Japanese angelica root extract, which reduces the appearance of hyperpigmentation, spots, and skin discolouration.
Tatcha Violet-C Brightening Serum (30ml) retails for RM390 at Sephora.
Featured image credit: xFrame.io
