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If you’ve been squinting at your mirror, wondering why that one dark spot just won’t budge, you’re not alone. Hyperpigmentation happens when excess melanin clusters up due to sun exposure, acne scars, inflammation, genetics or hormonal shifts. Dealing with it can feel like an endless cycle—one minute you’re slathering on every brightening serum in sight, the next, it looks even darker (sigh). While there’s no poof-it’s-gone overnight fix (imagine), the right ingredients can speed up the process—fading, brightening and evening things out over time. But let’s be honest, decoding skincare labels can be a lot.
So, to cut through the noise, we sat down with one of our expert panellists and board-certified dermat Dr Jaishree Sharad, who treats hyperpigmentation on the daily. Here’s what she had to tell us.
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This antioxidant ensures a brightening effect by slowing down melanin production and speeding up cell turnover, while also shielding your skin from free radicals. “While vitamin C can be potent,” Dr Sharad shares, “many gentle formulations of the ingredient are available for sensitive skin.” So if you’re worried about irritation, there’s a chance you can have all the glow with none of the drama.
This vitamin B3 derivative stops hyperpigmentation before it even starts. By blocking melanin transfer, it evens out dark spots at the source. Bonus? Its anti-inflammatory properties calm post-breakout marks while strengthening the skin barrier, making it ideal for sensitive skin, according to Dr Sharad.
Dr Sharad recommends adding retinoids to your skincare routine. The ingredient accelerates cell renewal to fade hyperpigmentation and dark spots with precision. By stimulating collagen production, they also refine texture and restore even skin tone. Over time, skin may appear smoother and clearer.
With a slow-release mechanism, this active ingredient works overtime to even out skin tone—tackling everything from sunspots to post-acne marks. If you prefer gentler options, Dr Sharad says, “Alpha Arbutin is a safer alternative to hydroquinone and it’s well-tolerated by sensitive skin.”
We all love collagen for giving us plump, bouncy skin, but here’s something you might not know: it can also help with hyperpigmentation. “While collagen doesn’t directly target hyperpigmentation,” Dr Sharad says, “it can help improve the overall appearance of skin, boosting skin elasticity and reducing the appearance of fine lines.” In simpler words, the plumper your skin, the less noticeable your pigmentation. So yes, those collagen gummies? Do pop them occasionally.
Now that we know what ingredients to watch out for, it’s also important to know how to layer them effectively.
According to Dr Sharad, “If you want to use both AHAs and BHAs, alternate their use, ie, AHA on one day to exfoliate and brighten; and BHA on another day to manage pores and avoid irritation and acne.”
However, when you’re using either, it’s safe to pair it with tranexamic acid. “This ingredient reduces pigmentation, but doesn’t interfere with exfoliation. Apply it on alternate nights, if you have sensitive skin,” she tells us.
Dr Sharad shares that our skin may see reduced inflammation and pigmentation with red and blue LED light therapy. “Simultaneously, microneedling may help in penetration of brightening ingredients,” she shares. “And when microneedling is combined with Platelet-Rich Plasma treatment, these brightening ingredients can be better absorbed, helping fade pigmentation and improve skin texture.”
In addition, she advises, “Chemical peels and laser treatments exfoliate the skin and break down melanin, allowing for better absorption of pigmentation-fighting ingredients.”
Let’s clear this up: Sunscreen isn’t optional during hyperpigmentation treatments. As Dr Sharad warns, “UV exposure can worsen pigmentation, undoing any progress made with the treatments.” And if you’re wondering which type to go for, physical sunscreens are great for immediate protection with fewer irritants, while chemical sunscreens blend better for daily wear.
If you’re constantly switching products hoping for a quick fix, you might be slowing things down. “People have a misconception that treatments work instantly but, in reality, it takes time for hyperpigmentation to fade—often weeks or even months, depending on the severity and type of treatment,” the expert says. “Understanding the underlying cause of your pigmentation helps in choosing the right treatment.” That means no one product can erase all pigmentation, no two treatments are the same and nothing can offer an overnight fix. But if you commit to the process, you’ll start seeing the glow you’re after.
This antioxidant ensures a brightening effect by slowing down melanin production and speeding up cell turnover, while also shielding your skin from free radicals. “While vitamin C can be potent,” Dr Sharad shares, “many gentle formulations of the ingredient are available for sensitive skin.” So if you’re worried about irritation, there’s a chance you can have all the glow with none of the drama.
This vitamin B3 derivative stops hyperpigmentation before it even starts. By blocking melanin transfer, it evens out dark spots at the source. Bonus? Its anti-inflammatory properties calm post-breakout marks while strengthening the skin barrier, making it ideal for sensitive skin, according to Dr Sharad.
Dr Sharad recommends adding retinoids to your skincare routine. The ingredient accelerates cell renewal to fade hyperpigmentation and dark spots with precision. By stimulating collagen production, they also refine texture and restore even skin tone. Over time, skin may appear smoother and clearer.
With a slow-release mechanism, this active ingredient works overtime to even out skin tone—tackling everything from sunspots to post-acne marks. If you prefer gentler options, Dr Sharad says, “Alpha Arbutin is a safer alternative to hydroquinone and it’s well-tolerated by sensitive skin.”
We all love collagen for giving us plump, bouncy skin, but here’s something you might not know: it can also help with hyperpigmentation. “While collagen doesn’t directly target hyperpigmentation,” Dr Sharad says, “it can help improve the overall appearance of skin, boosting skin elasticity and reducing the appearance of fine lines.” In simpler words, the plumper your skin, the less noticeable your pigmentation. So yes, those collagen gummies? Do pop them occasionally.
Now that we know what ingredients to watch out for, it’s also important to know how to layer them effectively.
According to Dr Sharad, “If you want to use both AHAs and BHAs, alternate their use, ie, AHA on one day to exfoliate and brighten; and BHA on another day to manage pores and avoid irritation and acne.”
However, when you’re using either, it’s safe to pair it with tranexamic acid. “This ingredient reduces pigmentation, but doesn’t interfere with exfoliation. Apply it on alternate nights, if you have sensitive skin,” she tells us.
Dr Sharad shares that our skin may see reduced inflammation and pigmentation with red and blue LED light therapy. “Simultaneously, microneedling may help in penetration of brightening ingredients,” she shares. “And when microneedling is combined with Platelet-Rich Plasma treatment, these brightening ingredients can be better absorbed, helping fade pigmentation and improve skin texture.”
In addition, she advises, “Chemical peels and laser treatments exfoliate the skin and break down melanin, allowing for better absorption of pigmentation-fighting ingredients.”
Let’s clear this up: Sunscreen isn’t optional during hyperpigmentation treatments. As Dr Sharad warns, “UV exposure can worsen pigmentation, undoing any progress made with the treatments.” And if you’re wondering which type to go for, physical sunscreens are great for immediate protection with fewer irritants, while chemical sunscreens blend better for daily wear.
If you’re constantly switching products hoping for a quick fix, you might be slowing things down. “People have a misconception that treatments work instantly but, in reality, it takes time for hyperpigmentation to fade—often weeks or even months, depending on the severity and type of treatment,” the expert says. “Understanding the underlying cause of your pigmentation helps in choosing the right treatment.” That means no one product can erase all pigmentation, no two treatments are the same and nothing can offer an overnight fix. But if you commit to the process, you’ll start seeing the glow you’re after.
This antioxidant ensures a brightening effect by slowing down melanin production and speeding up cell turnover, while also shielding your skin from free radicals. “While vitamin C can be potent,” Dr Sharad shares, “many gentle formulations of the ingredient are available for sensitive skin.” So if you’re worried about irritation, there’s a chance you can have all the glow with none of the drama.
This vitamin B3 derivative stops hyperpigmentation before it even starts. By blocking melanin transfer, it evens out dark spots at the source. Bonus? Its anti-inflammatory properties calm post-breakout marks while strengthening the skin barrier, making it ideal for sensitive skin, according to Dr Sharad.
Dr Sharad recommends adding retinoids to your skincare routine. The ingredient accelerates cell renewal to fade hyperpigmentation and dark spots with precision. By stimulating collagen production, they also refine texture and restore even skin tone. Over time, skin may appear smoother and clearer.
With a slow-release mechanism, this active ingredient works overtime to even out skin tone—tackling everything from sunspots to post-acne marks. If you prefer gentler options, Dr Sharad says, “Alpha Arbutin is a safer alternative to hydroquinone and it’s well-tolerated by sensitive skin.”
We all love collagen for giving us plump, bouncy skin, but here’s something you might not know: it can also help with hyperpigmentation. “While collagen doesn’t directly target hyperpigmentation,” Dr Sharad says, “it can help improve the overall appearance of skin, boosting skin elasticity and reducing the appearance of fine lines.” In simpler words, the plumper your skin, the less noticeable your pigmentation. So yes, those collagen gummies? Do pop them occasionally.
Now that we know what ingredients to watch out for, it’s also important to know how to layer them effectively.
According to Dr Sharad, “If you want to use both AHAs and BHAs, alternate their use, ie, AHA on one day to exfoliate and brighten; and BHA on another day to manage pores and avoid irritation and acne.”
However, when you’re using either, it’s safe to pair it with tranexamic acid. “This ingredient reduces pigmentation, but doesn’t interfere with exfoliation. Apply it on alternate nights, if you have sensitive skin,” she tells us.
Dr Sharad shares that our skin may see reduced inflammation and pigmentation with red and blue LED light therapy. “Simultaneously, microneedling may help in penetration of brightening ingredients,” she shares. “And when microneedling is combined with Platelet-Rich Plasma treatment, these brightening ingredients can be better absorbed, helping fade pigmentation and improve skin texture.”
In addition, she advises, “Chemical peels and laser treatments exfoliate the skin and break down melanin, allowing for better absorption of pigmentation-fighting ingredients.”
Let’s clear this up: Sunscreen isn’t optional during hyperpigmentation treatments. As Dr Sharad warns, “UV exposure can worsen pigmentation, undoing any progress made with the treatments.” And if you’re wondering which type to go for, physical sunscreens are great for immediate protection with fewer irritants, while chemical sunscreens blend better for daily wear.
If you’re constantly switching products hoping for a quick fix, you might be slowing things down. “People have a misconception that treatments work instantly but, in reality, it takes time for hyperpigmentation to fade—often weeks or even months, depending on the severity and type of treatment,” the expert says. “Understanding the underlying cause of your pigmentation helps in choosing the right treatment.” That means no one product can erase all pigmentation, no two treatments are the same and nothing can offer an overnight fix. But if you commit to the process, you’ll start seeing the glow you’re after.
