Do you want an even brighter complexion? Well, who doesn’t want it? But the biggest obstacle to obtaining clear and bright skin is dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Various factors can contribute to these unwanted guests, like hormonal disbalance, age, sun exposure, etc. But don’t worry, no problem in the world does not have a solution. So here we are with a perfect skincare routine for dark spots and hyperpigmentation that you can follow to get that even and bright complexion.
We will not only provide you with a skincare routine but help you to build yourself one with proper knowledge and awareness. So get ready to dive deeper into the skincare concern- dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
How To Fade Dark Spots And Hyperpigmentation With A Skincare Routine?
If you are wondering about what is the best skincare routine for hyperpigmentation and dark spots and if skincare can help to get rid of dark spots and hyperpigmentation, then let us answer this question in three words- YES!
You can improve your dark spots for hyperpigmentation with a proper skincare routine. Before we spill some secrets of the Korean skincare routine for hyperpigmentation, let us understand more about dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
As we begin our journey to finding the best skincare routine for dark spots and hyperpigmentation, we are likely to come across these three terms- pigmentation, hyperpigmentation, and dark spots. Let us first understand them one by one and learn how they are the same and different.
Pigmentation
The word pigmentation refers to the natural colour of the hair’s skin and eyes. It is determined by the melanin present in the skin. Melon is produced by melanocytes, specialized cells located below the epidermis layer. They are responsible for different skin tones, eye colours and hair colours.
Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation is a skin condition where a part of the skin is darker than the surrounding skin due to excess production of melanin. There can be several causes behind this, like sun exposure, hormonal changes, skin injuries, age, etc.
Dark Spots
Dark spots are a broader term that includes both hyperpigmentation and other skin colour discolourations. There are many cases behind it, including excess melanin production. Other causes are skin allergies, genetics, ageing, underlying medical conditions, etc.
How Does Hyperpigmentation Occur?
So our skin is made up of different layers- Epidermis, dermis and hypodermis. Hyperpigmentation occurs due to the excess production of melanin. It is produced by melanocytes.
Melanocytes are located in the lower part of the epidermal layer. These melanocytes produce a protein called Tyrosine. When the skin gets stimulated due to UV rays. Tyrosine enzymes oxidize and this oxidized tyrosine turns into melanin as it comes to the skin surface.
It takes almost 30 days for melanin to show on the skin’s surface.
What Are The Causes Of Dark Spots And Hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is a common problem occurring in several age groups. It can occur on a small spot on your body or face, which we identify as dark spots. Or it can occur on a large part or the whole body. There are various causes for it:
- Sun Exposure
- Hormonal Changes
- Skin Trauma
- Acne Scars
- Aging
- Medications
- Skin Conditions
Best 10-Step Korean Skincare Routine For Dark Spots And Hyperpigmentation
So the question is what is the best skincare routine for dark spots and hyperpigmentation? Well, do you remember how melanin is produced? We are going to build our skincare based on the same.
We are going to discuss 10-step korean skincare routine for hyperpigmentation. We will also cover skin ingredients that can help to take care of melanin internally and how to fade dark spots if it has already shown on the skin’s surface.
Cleanser
Cleanser is the first step of every skincare routine. You need to wash your face thoroughly to get rid of dirt, germs and sebum. It helps you to prevent acne and clogged pores.
On normal days you can use a simple face wash but on other days, when you apply makeup and sunscreen, double cleansing is important. Want to know how to properly wash your face to avoid acne? Here is a perfect guide for you-
We recommend you include salicylic acid, kojic acid or other AHA/BHA cleanser.
Toner
Toner is the second step of skincare. It helps to restore the pH level of the skin and preps it for the next skincare step. It helps our skin to absorb the serum better. We recommend you use a hydrating toner free from any fragrance, alcohol or harsh ingredients.
Serum
The next time is serum. The serum is a lightweight water-like substance with active skincare ingredients like vitamin C, alpha-arbutin, niacinamide, etc.
Alpha-arbutin
Alpha-arbutin is a derivative of hydroquinone. Hydroquinone is a skin-lightening agent that bleaches your skin. It was regarded as safe to use back but now there is much research that proves that there are several side effects of hydroquinone. Alpha-arbutin is a safe derivative of the same but with zero side effects.
Alpha-arbutin interferes with melanin production and prevents hyperpigmentation. With continuous use, you can notice a lighter skin tone. Also, your dark spots will fade away with time. It can also be helpful to deal with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and melasma.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is another great brightening ingredient that can help you to fight hyperpigmentation. It has antioxidant properties and hence protects the skin from sun damage and environmental pollution. It can help to brighten the complexion, reduce the appearance of dark spots and even out the skin tone.
Vitamin C also interferes with the production of melanin by preventing the tyrosinase enzyme from activating. Hence, it helps in fading out existing dark spots and also prevents new ones from forming.
There are two forms of vitamin C available in the market- Ascorbic acid and Sodium ascorbyl phosphate.
- Ascorbic acid is a purified form of vitamin C and has a strong brightening and antioxidant effect. It is unstable to heat & UV rays and should be used in nighttime skincare routines.
- On the other hand, sodium ascorbyl phosphate is a stabilized derivative of vitamin C that is less effective than the former but is safer to use for sensitive skin.
Vitamin C has lots of benefits including antioxidant protection, collagen production, brightening effect, etc. But often people wonder how to use Vitamin C serum. And how to include it in your skincare routine without any issues? So here we have a perfect guide for you that would help you to resolve all the queries and build a skincare routine that suits your skin concerns perfectly- How To Include Vitamin C Serum In Your Skincare Routine?
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is another powerful antioxidant that can help you to address dark spots and hyperpigmentation. It works on hyperpigmentation by interfering in melanin production by preventing tyrosine from oxidizing.
Vitamin E has no dramatic effects on dark spots like other ingredients mentioned in the list but it has multiple benefits. For example, it strengthens the skin barrier and protects the skin from sun exposure & pollution, also by combining it with other ingredients like vitamin C and niacinamide you can increase their benefits and fade your dark spots faster.
Niacinamide
Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B23, is a popular skincare ingredient to treat hyperpigmentation and dark spots. It suppresses the production of melanin production and can improve your skin tone.
Niacinamide also has anti-inflammatory properties that can calm down your irritated skin and also reduce redness. It is also helpful to treat post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation that occurs after acne breaks out or skin injuries.
Niacinamide can also interfere with sebum production, which is hugely beneficial for those with oily or acne-prone skin types. It reduces excess oil production and prevents clogged pores and frequent breakouts.
Dealing with acne-prone skin requires lots of patience and knowledge. It is not easy to choose a skincare product to apply to your skin without breaking out. Trying out new products can be intimidating. But as we said with proper knowledge, you can solve any problem on the earth and it is just a skincare routine for acne-prone skin. Here we have a perfect article to help you out- Effective Skincare Routine for Acne-Prone Skin. Don’t forget to check out this for a perfect skincare routine.
Also, if you have oily skin and want to do something with that oil factory, here is a perfect skincare routine for oily skin. It will not only help you to build a skincare routine but also help you to reduce breakouts and clogged pores. So do check it out- Complete AM and PM Skincare Routine for Oily Skin.
Retinol
Retinol is another popular skincare ingredient that can help you to deal with dark spots and hyperpigmentation. It is a derivative of vitamin A and is popularly known for its anti-ageing properties. But it has several other benefits too, including this one.
Retinols suppress melanin production and are a great product to reduce hyperpigmentation caused by skin ageing. As we age, melanocytes in our skin reduce but it increases in size. And that is why, we notice age spots on our faces. They are most stubborn to deal with but luckily we have retinol to reduce.
Retinol can also increase the rate of cell turnover and help the skin shed pigmented cells more quickly than normal. It means that it will help you to fade present dark spots and also prevent future ones from forming.
Retinols are a market favorite for a reason. It stimulates collagen production giving you youthful and plump skin. Want to know how to use it safely? Well, check out this article- How To Use Retinol Serum For Beginners?
How To Layer Brightening Serum Together?
Now that we have gone through all the different brightening serums that can help you to fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation, let us know how you can layer different brightening serums for better results.
There are two things you need to understand about how to layer serums- pH level and water-oil properties.
But first, the most obvious step is to layer thinner consistency and then thick consistency products.
PH Level
The pH level of every skincare ingredient is different and you have to consider it while layering it with other skincare ingredients with different pH levels. You can only layer products that have one to two pH level differences together safely.
Here is a table for the pH level of different skincare ingredients:-
| Serum | pH level |
| Alpha Arbutin | 4-6 |
| Vitamin C | 3-4 |
| Vitamin E | 4-6 |
| Niacinamide | 5-7 |
| Hyaluronic acid | 4.5-6.5 |
| Retinol | 4-6 |
| Salicylic acid | 2-4 |
| Glycolic acid | 3-4 |
Note: Remember that the pH level of a serum can vary depending on the brand and its formulation so it is always better to check the product label to determine the pH level of a product before you buy it.
Water-oil Properties
Now you have to understand that different serums have different properties. Some are water based while others are oil based. You cannot layer a water-based serum over oil-based serums. Why?
Think of your school days, when we were taught the density of different matters. Do you remember that our teachers taught us that oil is denser than water and always floats above water? Now think of an oil spill over the sea that blocks the oxygen supply of living creatures in the sea causing their death.
It simply means that if you have applied oil on your face you cannot apply the water-based product over it. So first layer the water-based skincare ingredients and then apply oil-based skincare ingredients.
So here is a table to understand what serum is water-based and what is oil-based.
| Serum | Its Properties |
| Vitamin C | Water-based |
| Vitamin E | Oil-based |
| Niacinamide | Water-based |
| Retinol | Water-based |
| Hyaluronic acid | Water-based |
| Alpha-arbutin | Mostly Water-based |
| Peptides | Mostly Oil-based |
| Salicylic acid | Oil-based |
Now that we have understood all the basics, let us give you a trick sheet to layer various serums together without any difficulty.
Moisturizer
The next step is to apply moisturizer. Moisturizer locks the skin care products you have applied previously to your skin. It is the most important skincare step as it locks the hydration in your skin. It is also the last step of the nighttime skincare routine.
Sun Protection
In the daytime, you cannot complete your skincare routine without sunblock. It is the most important step to prevent dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
How?
UV rays can damage your skin and stimulate melanocytes, a gland that produces melanin. Excess melanin production causes hyperpigmentation and dark spots. So wearing sunscreen can protect your skin from the sun and prevent UV rays from penetrating your skin.
Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and look for a sunscreen labelled as broad spectrum as it protects you against UVA and UVB rays. Also if you have oily or acne bronze skin you can choose a sunscreen that is oil-free and non-comedogenic to prevent pores from clogging. Also before stepping outside after applying sunscreen make sure to wait for at least 20 minutes.
Expert Tips On How To Lighten Spots And Hyperpigmentation
Now that we have discussed the best skincare routine for dark spots and hyperpigmentation, let us discuss some expert tips to fade dark spots faster.
Exfoliation
How to deal with dark spots that have already appeared on your skin? Well, till now we were discussing how to prevent dark spots and hyperpigmentation. But now let’s talk about those that are already on your skin.
The simple answer to removing dark spots fast from your face is exfoliation. Exfoliation removes the dead skin cell from the surface of the skin and can help to reduce the appearance of dark spots.
It eliminates hyperpigmentation by speeding up the turnover of the epidermis. There are two main types of exfoliation: physical exfoliation and chemical exfoliation. We have already discussed them in this blog, so do check it out-An Ultimate Exfoliation Guide On Physical And Chemical Exfoliators
Here are some chemical explorers that can help you to remove dead skin and fade dark spots faster than physical exfoliators.
AHA
AHA stands for Alpha hydroxy acid. It is a water-soluble acid and exfoliates the surface of your skin revealing smooth and plump skin. The two popular AHA in the market that you can use are- Glycolic acid and Mandelic acid.
Glycolic acid has the smallest molecules of all AHA and can penetrate the skin to improve skin texture and wrinkles. It is a good option to remove acne scars.
Mandelic acid is the most gentle form of AHA. It is best for sensitive skin and acne-prone skin.
BHA
BHA stands for beta hydroxy acid. It is oil-soluble acid and can penetrate deeper into your skin to dissolve the dirt from your pores. It is best for people suffering from blackheads and whiteheads, as it can dissolve the gunk from your pores without damaging the skin barrier.
The most popular form of BHA is salicylic acid. We have already discussed about salicylic acid here so check it out right now-How To Use Salicylic Acid On Face?
There are also two other alternatives of AHA and BHA- PHA and LHA. They are a gentle version of both and are ideal for sensitive skin.
PHA is the gentle version of AHA and LHA is the gentle version of BHA. Read more about them in this article- Beginner-Friendly Guide On How To Use AHA and BHA For Exfoliation?
Sheet Masks
Once or twice every week, you can use sheet masks to hydrate your skin. Dark spots on dehydrated skin appear more pronounced than that on hydrated skin.
You can also choose the sheet mask that contains brightening ingredients such as Vitamin C, liquorice extract, and niacinamide to fade your dark spots and make your skin appear even toned.
Brightening Mask
Brightening masks can help you to reduce dark spots and hyperpigmentation. They contain ingredients that can exfoliate your skin cells, increase cell turnover rate and reduce melanin production. You can choose a brightening mass containing ingredients like glycolic acid or salicylic acid to remove dead skin cells from your skin surface.
Or choose a brightness mask containing vitamin C or niacinamide that can fade dark spots and reduce hyperpigmentation.
You can look for a brightening mask with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid niacinamide to hydrate your skin and strengthen your skin barrier.
Hydration
As already discussed, proper hydration is important to reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation. It is not only important to hydrate your skin externally but also internally. Drink at least 64 ounces of water daily to hydrate your body and skin. You can also add lemon slices to it to increase its efficiency and increase vitamin C intake.
Exercise
Exercising is important to get rid of toxins in your body. Every exercise we sweat and our body releases the toxins out of the blood. It is also good for blood circulation. It also helps in increasing collagen production, reducing stress and improving our sleep cycle.
We recommend you do cardio exercise. But you can choose any form of exercise that you enjoy and stick to it.
Also remember to stay hydrated before, during and after your workout and protect your skin from sunrise even on cloudy days.
Reduce Sugar Intake
Another way to improve your dark spots and hyperpigmentation is to reduce your sugar intake. Excess sugar can promote inflammation in your body that can contribute to hyperpigmentation.
Also, do you know that sugar can damage the collagen and elastin in your skin? And this is why it is recommended to use less sugar. It is also not good for your skin’s natural barrier as it makes it more susceptible to sun damage and other environmental factors.
We are not asking you to avoid sugar intake totally but you can look for alternatives or use less sugar.
Daily Vitamins
Apart from applying vitamins to your skin, you can also take some vitamins additionally. While you can take it as a pill, it is always better to eat them as your food. Have a balanced diet and make sure to have enough vegetables and fruit.
There are some vitamins that you can take to help with hyperpigmentation:-
- Vitamin C- protects your skin from sun damage and environmental factors.
- Vitamin E- Reduces inflammation and protects your skin from sun damage and environmental pollutants.
- Vitamin A- It can increase cellular turnover rate.
- Vitamin B3- It can help to brighten up your complexion and reduce the appearance of dark spots.
Final Words
These were some tips that you can follow to reduce the dark spots and hyperpigmentation on your face. Do follow this korean skincare routine for hyperpigmentation to improve your skin and get rid of those dark spots. Also, do let us know in the common section if you have any doubts regarding any other skin care ingredients mentioned in the article. We will meet you next time till then we take our leaves.
