Thread by @MakeupForWOC

Treating hyperpigmentation (or “dark spots,” “acne marks”) ✨

There are other ingredients that are great for hyperpigmentation, but in this thread I’ll just be talking about these nine

Niacinamide: Treats hyperpigmentation by acting as a protease inhibitor by stopping melanosomes (melanin) from being transferred to keratinocytes (skin cells) which results in visible hyperpigmentation.

Niacinamide also improves barrier function and reduces oil production. Some people have poor reactions to niacin (flushing, breakouts)

Products I like with Niacinamide:
Paula’s Choice 10%
The Ordinary 10% Niacinamide + Zinc
Bliss Glow & Hydrate
Peach & Lilly Glass Serum
Dermalogica Age Bright Spot Fader
Most CeraVe & Cosrx products also contain Niacinamide already

Zinc glycinate: Stimulates formulation of an antioxidant protein that binds to copper, which inhibits melanin (pigment) formation. I recommend using Dermalogica Pure Night

Sunscreen: I’ve tweeted this so many times but you HAVE to wear SPF if you’re treating hyperpigmentation. All of your brightening serums are going to waste. SPF 30-50 and reapply every 2 hours. Even if indoors because UV rays penetrate through windows + blue light exists

Oligopeptides: Controls melanogensis by inhibiting the tyrosinase enzyme. Different oligopeptides can also boost one another. I like Dermalogica c-12 pure bright serum because it has multiple forms of oligopeptides

Hexylresorcinol: An antioxidant that helps with skin brightening. I recommend @PCASKIN C&E Advanced with Hexylresorcinol and Silymarin and @dermalogica age bright spot fader

Vitamin C: this is an antioxidant that brightens skin and promotes collagen production. @dermalogica multivitamin serum is great because it uses multiple forms of stable vitamin c

Retinol: disperses pigmented skin cells, reduces pigment transfer, & increases cell turnover. @cerave retinol serum is great and also contains the next ingredient...licorice

Licorice: An antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, melanin-degrading, tyrosinase inhibitor. Contains Liquirtitin, which removes excess melanin from keratinocytes in our epidermis. And glabridin, which reduces inflammation.

Lactic acid: this is a gentle AHA (exfoliant) that helps slough off dead skin, and increases cell turnover. It’s also hydrates the skin. This is great for beginner. I love @deciem 10% lactic acid

“How long can it take for hyperpigmentation to fade?”

It depends. There are different kinds of hyperpigmentation (superficial, post inflammatory, melasma). PIH and melasma can take at least 6 months to fade. Those with hyperpigmentation from eczema can be longer

Hyperpigmentation usually has a trigger that’s causing it. Acne, eczema, hormones, heat, friction (like in between thighs), UV rays.... if you don’t have these triggers under control, it can be even harder to treat hyperpigmentation

There are lots of other different ingredients for hyperpigmentation! Maybe I’ll do another thread on those later lol

Also, if you want faster results: seek professional treatments when able! Laser, microneedling, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and dermplaning can accelerate the process

You don’t have to buy all of these, but I recommend looking for a serum that has one or more of these ingredients

“Which ones are good for eczema?” Licorice and lactic acid!