Hyperpigmentation are dark patches on the skin that develop when there’s an increased production of melanin in the skin, which then gets deposited in the form of patches on the surface of the skin. Melanin is the pigment that imparts dark color to our hair, eyes, and skin. Hyperpigmentation is the darkening of an area on skin caused by increased melanin production. Excess production of melanin can be triggered by various factors such as exposure to harsh rays from sun, inflammation, hormonal imbalance, excessive sugar in the blood stream. It’s relatively difficult to get rid of hyperpigmentation, but we are here to help. Hydroquinone, is widely used as a skin bleaching agent to treat hyperpigmentation, but once you stop using hydroquinone, hyperpigmentation returns, and there are strong side effects with continued use of hydroquinone, such as appearance of blue-black patches called as ochronosis. That’s why it’s best to avoid hydroquinone and look for safer and skin-friendly ingredients to treat this condition. In this post, we list out 8 best ingredients to reduce hyperpigmentation and dark spots without major side effects.

1. Azelaic acid: Azelaic acid is an under-rated skin lightening agent. Azelaic acid in a percentage up to 20% not only clears up acne, it can work on reducing hyperpigmented skin. Our Recommendation: The Ordinary 10% Azelaic Acid Serum, Sesderma Azelac Ru Facial Serum, Aziderm 10% ointment.

2. Niacinamide: Vitamin B3, also called as niacinamide, is popularly used in skin brightening creams to treat hyperpigmentation. Our Recommendations: The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, Cerave Moisturizing Cream, and over-the-counter ointments.

3. Alpha arbutin: This occurs naturally in plants, most commonly bearberry plants. It brightens up skin and fades hyperpigmentation marks without any side effects. Our Recommendation: The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% Serum and some over-the-counter ointments as well.

4. Kojic acid dipalmitate: Kojic acid dipalmitate is the most commonly used depigmenting agent that works effectively to reduce the appearance of pigmented spots.

5. Mandelic Acid: Mandelic acid helps to exfoliate the outer layer of skin, and is much gentler than other alpha hydroxy acids, such as glycolic acid. It helps to make the texture of the skin even and clear up blemishes.

6. Mulberry Extract: The leaves of mulberry are widely used in ointments, creams, and serums for its skin lightening and brightening properties. Our recommendation: Kojivit Plus.

7. Rosehip oil: Rosehip oil contains retinoid acid which improves the appearance of dark patches. Our recommendations: Palmer’s Formula Skin Therapy Oil with Vitamin E, Forest Essentials Soundarya Luminous Beauty Oil.

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