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The Hyperpigmentation Products I Swear By For Dark Skin — all At Sephora

05/06/2020 - 09:45 PM

Hyperpigmentation is the proper name for the splotchy dark spots I've been blessed with all my life (and I won't share the not-so-holy name I call them in private). Even if I haven't picked my pimples [1], I still get dots on my face after they settle down and, hell, even the area on my nose where my glasses rest has turned noticeably darker in the past.

This is actually very common for people of colour and happens because of an increase in melanin production [2], which then results in visible darkness in the affected area. Sure, I can cover the little spots and larger patches with concealers, but I'd rather have something that isn't just hiding the problem spots [3] until I wash my face [4] again.

I'm hyper-cautious of products that promise to fade dark spots [5] — which immediately makes me fear skin lightening — and always do a smaller spot test before slathering anything on my face (and would recommend this for any product, especially if you're sensitive [6]). I've tried dozens of treatments over the years and culled this group of skin saviors that have evened out my complexion [7], no matter how big (or small) the danger zone is.

The most important thing I've learned is that most of these items take time to work [8] and must be applied regularly. There have been some that I dismissed after a week or two because I didn't see a change . . . to then only see amazing results when used consistently for more than a month. Ahead are nine top products from Sephora to treat hyperpigmentation, acne scarring, and other dark spots on darker skin.

Peter Thomas Roth Potent-C Vitamin C Targeted Spot Brightener

When I have an acne scar or bump I want to fade fast, I always reach for this Peter Thomas Roth Potent-C Vitamin C Targeted Spot Brightener [9] ($58). Not only does it include 10 percent THD ascorbate (which can be up to 50 times more powerful than traditional vitamin C), there's also an active algae extract inside (gwennis) to add to that skin-clearing power. I find this works best to lighten newer marks and improve overall skin texture (vs. other products I'd use for dark spots that have already faded a bit).

Kiehl's Since 1851 Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution

The Kiehl's Since 1851 Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution [10] ($54-$138) uses activated vitamin C to tackle older, deep-set dark spots while white birch extract helps with evening overall tone. This is the product I pick when I have more stubborn hyperpigmentation. I use it twice a day for at least a month as a spot treatment to notice real results. (The key here is patience and consistency as it will lighten my acne scars that haven't yet faded with other products and doesn't leave dry patches . . . but takes time to do so.)

The Ordinary Pycnogenol 5%

While The Ordinary Pycnogenol 5% [11] ($10) isn't as potent as pure vitamin C at lightening dark spots, it actually helps recycle vitamin C in the skin and enhance the antioxidant effectiveness of products that include vitamin C. So, there's texture improvement when used as a serum (and it supports skin's collagen and elastin), but when mixed with vitamin C, it makes that skin-brightening ingredient even more powerful.

Philosophy Turbo Booster C Powder

Adding this Philosophy Turbo Booster C Powder [12] ($39) to a serum like The Ordinary Pycnogenol, is one of my favourite powerful, all-over treatments for hyperpigmentation. This vitamin C powder [13] can technically be added to any serum, moisturiser, or regular eye cream to give skin a brightening boost. (I would avoid combining it with anything including niacinamide which can make vitamin C less effective and potentially irritate sensitive skin.)

Tatcha Violet-C Radiance Mask

This Tatcha Violet-C Radiance Mask [14] ($68) is in my regular mask rotation [15] because it has two types of brightening vitamin C inside to take on hyperpigmentation. There's a water-soluble one that absorbs (and works) quickly and then an oil-soluble one that helps my complexion become more even and less red over time. It also helps with any dryness, thanks to a 10-percent AHA-blend to eliminate dead skin cells on the surface.

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Extra Strength Daily Peel

The Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Extra Strength Daily Peel [16] ($17-$150) is actually a two-step process where each wipe is applied to skin with a two-minute pause in between. The first one packs in AHAs and BHAs like mandelic and salicylic acids to take on acne scars and dark spots, while the second one features retinol [17] and resveratrol to plump in fine lines and reduce redness. The individual pads also make it easy to travel with, and to not worry about a liquid losing potency in a bottle over time. (There are also more than 4,000 5-star reviews so I'm not alone in my fandom.)

Drunk Elephant C-Firma Vitamin C Day Serum

I have some of my quickest, all-over results with this Drunk Elephant C-Firma Vitamin C Day Serum [18] ($80). It has 15-percent l-ascorbic acid plus ferulic acid and vitamin E which fades dark patches and leaves my skin more luminous overall. (I store it in the fridge to make sure it stays potent and apply it in the morning right after I use my ice roller [19] from the freezer.)

Olehenriksen Truth Serum Mini

Not only is this the best-smelling hyperpigmentation-tackling product I use, a small amount of this gel-like Olehenriksen Truth Serum Mini [20] ($24) goes a long way. It's best for brightening up all-over unevenness (versus a spot treatment) and, not only does the aloe inside leave skin soft, I especially love the way makeup slides on after I've let this dry on my face.

Sunday Riley C.E.O Glow Vitamin C + Turmeric Face Oil

I love a good face oil [21] and this Sunday Riley C.E.O Glow Vitamin C + Turmeric Face Oil [22] ($40-$80) takes a product I'd want to use normally and adds vitamin C and golden turmeric to tackle redness and discoloration. This is one of my favourites to add at night as it's super moisturising to hydrate dry skin while sleeping.


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