Then I Met You…
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Then I Met You Teaser
Top 3 Skincare Ingredients for Hyperpigmentation
#1
Sunscreen
Let’s start here, because if you’re not wearing sunscreen, then all these other products are meaningless. While this isn’t actually one ingredient, but many, it is the most important part of your skin care routine.
Applying sunscreen (and re-applying every 2-3 hours) will protect your skin from sun damage. The sun can cause hyperpigmentation, darken areas of hyperpigmentation, accelerate the aging process, and most importantly lead to skin cancer.
Sound serious enough, yet?
So yes, it’s extremely important to wear enough sunscreen, every single day, RAIN OR SHINE.
We’ll talk more about this later.
#2
Mandelic Acid
Mandelic acid is an exfoliant that helps to resurface the dead skin cells and reveal the smooth skin beneath. This alpha-hydroxy-acid (AHA) has the benefit of being a larger molecular weight. This just means that it is more gentle on sensitive skin.
AHAs also work as humectants, adding hydration to the skin. So it’s good for the exfoliation and hydration step of your routine.
Typically, you’ll find mandelic acid in toners or serums (lightweight formulas).
Mandelic acid is not the strongest ingredient for hyperpigmentation, but that’s kind of the point. It is great for sensitive skin and more reactive skin, but you’ll still see results.
#3
Niacinamide
Niacinamide is another ingredient that suits sensitive skin, but provides skin brightening benefits. At 5% it packs a powerful punch when it comes to lightening hyperpigmentation.
What’s nice about this ingredient is that you also get some added benefits like reduction in oil production. That’s especially helpful for anyone with oily, acne-prone skin.
It also soothes the skin and is able to reduce any redness or irritation.
And ultimately, niacinamide will address our hyperpigmentation, evening out our skin tone and brightening (not lightening!) our complexion.
Honorable mentions…
Vitamin C is a great antioxidant.
I’ll do a full post to address all the benefits and optimal percentages for this ingredient.
I list this one last because I believe that there is the greatest potential for irritation based on the product’s formulation and the percentage of Vitamin C used.
Notable mentions to Azelaic Acid & Alpha-Arbutin, as well.
I feel like these are also important ingredients for fighting hyperpigmentation that deserve their own post.
Healthy reminder: Not all of these ingredients are needed to lessen hyperpigmentation. Remember that you can see results just by incorporating one of these ingredients.
Stay tuned for product recommendations. 😉