The Top 6 Products for Fading Pigmentation
My name is Iain and I've worked in the Beauty Industry for 8 years now. I've been on the front line in store helping people navigate the world of skin, as well as worked in education, artistry and marketing. When I'm not writing about skincare, you can find me over at Instagram talking about beauty or working on my PhD.
Somebody once compared pigmentation to a bad ex: it loves to stick around and often needs a stern talking-to before it’ll move on.
Thankfully, finding new skincare is way more fun than having to talk to your ex!
Confused about what pigmentation is? It’s just areas of darker skin that result from excess melanin production.
The causes of pigmentation are varied and range from acne scarring to sun damage to hormonal fluctuations.
This is my ultimate guide to lightening the look of dark spots. I’ll tell you exactly what to use for pigmentation and what the best products are to help fade the appearance of pigmentation.
First, I think it’s important to note that there’s nothing actually wrong with pigmentation. You don’t have to lighten pigmentation on your face or anywhere else if you don’t want to.
While you’ll never get rid of it completely using topical products, there are definitely things you can use to help reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation on the face or anywhere you experience it.
Pigmentation FAQs
I often get asked a few specific questions about hyperpigmentation.
- Does vitamin C help fade pigmentation? Yes! Vitamin C is a powerful inhibitor of the enzyme responsible for pigmentation.
- How to fade the look of hyperpigmentation scars and how to lighten the appearance of face pigmentation?As with all things, prevention is better than cure. First, ensure you’re wearing SPF every day. Then, incorporate some of the products below into your routine to help with the appearance of pigmentation.
- How to remove the appearance of skin discolouration on you legs? There’s now a host of products dedicated to evening skin tone all over the body—one of which I’ll chat through here.
- How to lighten the look of hyperpigmentation on dark skin? Thankfully, skincare regimens for pigmentation are roughly the same regardless of your skin colour. Regular SPF usage, gentle exfoliation, and antioxidants work a treat.
1. Because SPF Really Is Your Skin’s BFF.
What it is: If you’re asking yourself what to use for pigmentation, you best believe a SPF like the Ultra Violette Supreme Screen SPF 50+ Hydrating Facial Sunscreen 75ml is your top weapon.
Even if your pigmentation hasn’t been caused by the sun, UV rays will absolutely darken your skin over time unless you protect yourself.
Why it’s so good: Thankfully, the team at Ultra Violette have created an incredible range of what they dub ‘SkinScreens’: SPF with skincare benefits.
Supreme Screen is lightweight, glowy without being greasy, just hydrating enough, and perfect under makeup.
It really is the MVP to reduce the look of hyperpigmentation on the face. And because it’s Australian-made, Supreme Screen SPF 50+ offers the ultimate protection while also being cruelty-free.
2. Lighten the Look of Pigmentation on Sensitive Skin.
What it is: Hailing all the way from Korea,Laneige Radian C Cream 30mlis one of the newer offerings from Laneige.
This hypoallergenic facial moisturiser is formulated with the aim of fading the appearance of pigmentation and dark spots.
It features a Vitamin C derivative that’s gentler on the skin while still giving maximum results. And there’s Vitamin E for extra antioxidant protection.
Why it’s so good: Not only will Radian-C brighten your skin and lighten the look of pigmentation on the face, but this face cream is also intensely hydrating.
After all, hydration is what the brand is known for in Korea! This brightening moisturiser from Laneige is a game changer for you if you want to tackle stubborn pigmentation on your sensitive skin.
3. Secret Weapon to Fading the Appearance of Scars.
What it is: You may have heard that Retinol is the gold standard in anti-ageing ingredients. But did you know Retinol is also incredibly effective when you want to fade pigmentation?
PCA Skin Intensive Age Refining Treatment 29.5gfeatures 0.5% Retinol to speed up skin-cell turnover and thus help fade the look of that pigmentation over time.
A boost from Niacinamide serves to strengthen skin, reduce inflammation, and also further target hyperpigmentation.
Why it’s so good: Now, if Retinol is new for you, I recommend following the advice in our beginner’s guide to Retinol.
But once you’ve added this godsend ingredient to your routine, you’ll understand why I recommend it when asked what to use for pigmentation.
Bonus: all PCA Skin products are cruelty-free!
4. Fade Pigmentation That’s Not on Your Face.
What it is: Sometimes, pigmentation appears on your body. (Freckled shoulders, anyone?)
Thankfully, Aspect has transformed its cult-favourite Pigment Punch serum into a body cream to tackle dark spots and patches wherever they may appear.
The Aspect Pigment Punch Body 220ml combines the brand’s Tyrostat-11 complex with Lactic Acid to gently but effectively help fade pigmentation.
Why it’s so good: If you’re looking for a product to help remove skin discolouration on legs, Pigment Punch Body is exactly where to start.
The formula also features Shea Butter to deeply hydrate and smooth your legs and other body parts while it works over time to even things out.
Pigment Punch is also Australian-made and cruelty-free.
5. Fade Pigmentation While You Cleanse.
What it is: Cleansers can truly make or break a skincare routine. Although they seem basic, some facial cleansers work hard to help you achieve your skincare goals.
The Dermalist Ultra Hydrating Lactic Cleanser 200ml is high in Lactic Acid, which dissolves dead skin cells and paves the way for fresh, new ones to surface. Increasing skin-cell turnover can help the look of pigmentation fade faster.
Why it’s so good: By using a gentle exfoliating cleanser once every day or two, you’ll supercharge any other brightening treatments you use.
In short, Ultra Hydrating Lactic Cleanser is an essential product when you want to know what to use for pigmentation that’s vegan and cruelty-free.
6. The Gold-Standard Vitamin C for Pigmentation.
What it is: When it comes to Vitamin C serums, nobody does them quite like SkinCeuticals. This brand wrote the book on Vitamin C.
Seriously, this formula is patented. What makes SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum - 30ml unique is its ratio of 15% Ascorbic Acid (pure Vitamin C), 1% Vitamin E, and 0.5% Ferulic Acid at the perfect pH.
Why it’s so good: This ideal ratio of active ingredients results in a product that fiercely defends your skin against free radicals, helps fade the appearance of pigmentation over time, and stimulates collagen production to boot.
C E Ferulic is the ultimate multitasker and one of the best investments you can make in the future look and health of your skin.
At the end of the day, the decision to treat pigmentation is yours. However, if you’re going to incorporate some of these products in your routine, wear at least SPF 30+ broad-spectrum sunscreen every single day. Otherwise, you’re just negating all the hard work your brightening products are doing.
Also, remember that a good Vitamin C serum or cream is your other best friend. And make a point to exfoliate regularly so those younger skin cells can make it to the surface. Above all, remember to treat your skin with love! Still not sure? Take our skin care quiz to find the perfect exfoliator for you.
Brand and product inclusions are at the sole discretion of Adore Beauty. We do not seek or accept payment from brands or individuals listed in our guides.
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