All About Hyperpigmentation: Types, Tips, and Recommendations

With summer underway, we’re more likely to spend more time outdoors. After a year in self-isolation, this back-to-normal lifestyle is more than welcome. Unfortunately, exposure to sunlight, though at a certain point is healthy, can often lead to hyperpigmentation.
To add, we are still encouraged to follow health precautions like wearing a mask, which can cause the much dreaded “maskne” or the inevitable post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation—more commonly known as acne scars. Without the aid of a good product, or two, this can often trigger months-long unwanted blemishes.

Whether it’s caused by sun damage, hormone-induced melasma, or post-breakout blemishes, skin hyperpigmentation is real. This is mainly caused by the depositing of excess pigment in the deeper layers of skin, which forms uneven discoloration. Fret not! Fortunately, there are skincare ingredients that reverse the damage.

Look out for products with the following superstar ingredients to brighten pesky discoloration and scarring: Vitamin C, Glycolic Acid, and Fermented Rice Water.
Vitamin C treats UV exposure photo-damage on skin, aids in the skin’s regeneration process, and even helps boost the collagen level. Glycolic Acid, on the other hand, is considered as the workhorse of exfoliating acids, which powerfully tackles hyperpigmentation, dullness, and signs of skin aging. Let’s not forget about fermented rice water, best known for its skin-illuminating properties, but it is also considered as an anti-aging ingredient, and even reduces the appearance of pores.

If spending on lavish laser treatments seems far-fetched—and impractical—here are more feasible product options that tackle dark spots and pigmentation to add to your daily routine.
The By Wishtrend Pure Vitamin C 21.5% Advanced Serum is a high concentration vitamin ampoule formulated with 70% Vitamin Tree Water and 21.5% Pure Vitamin C. It’s a holy grail for K-beauty enthusiasts all over for its skin-boosting properties: brightening one’s complexion while also removing dead skin cells, and let’s not forget increasing collagen production!

Another serum to add to your arsenal of products is the Some By Mi Galactomyces Pure Vitamin C Glow Serum, which contains 3% pure ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) and 75% Galactomyces ferment filtrate. On top of its skin-brightening benefits, Galactomyces provides powerful hydrating and anti-aging properties while soothing skin irritation and boosting elasticity. What a knock-out product to try!

With naturally fermented ingredients, the Neogen Real Ferment Micro Essence delivers moisture and skin-plumping benefits, giving skin that coveted “honey skin” look. It’s incredibly lightweight, almost water-like, thus it’s the best to layer on skin. Formulated with fermented ingredients, this essence also contains 17% of birch juice for extra hydration and 9% rice extract to effectively brighten skin.

The cult favorite Neogen Bio-Peel Gauze Peeling Lemon contains 30 single-use pads for a gentle exfoliation. It’s best for those who prefer a chemical or manual exfoliation. Enriched with Lemon extract and Vitamin C, it helps fade hyperpigmentation—dark spots and acne scars—while invigorating dull skin. Manual exfoliation pads combined with chemical peeling help remove dead skin cells, excess sebum, and clogged pores while purifying the skin.

Finish off your routine with a sheet mask from the Brightening Sheet Mask Set, curated especially for those who are struggling with dull skin and an uneven skin tone. Here’s a perfect mix of sheet masks from top Korean brands to help brighten and invigorate skin! Use it during a pamper night or even share with your BFFs!

Pesky hyperpigmentation can definitely put a damper on one’s spirits, but with the right combination of products, you’ll have bright, glowing skin in no time!