How to Get Rid of Acne Hyperpigmentation
Spot Be Gone! 10 Products That Lighten Acne-Caused Hyperpigmentation
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Is that old red spot from last month's pimple still showing up in all your selfies? You're not alone. Whiteheads, blackheads, and especially cystic bumps can create hyperpigmentation that seems to last for ages after the acne itself has gone away.
"Treating acne-related hyperpigmented scarring can be very frustrating," said Los Angeles-based esthetician Gina Mari. "Using creams containing retinol can be very effective to reduce the appearance of scarring. In addition, using products with hydroquinone (a lightening agent) can be quite useful." If you prefer a more natural approach, she suggests ingredients like licorice and vitamin C.
Before you get ready to shop our list of 10 products that will help you achieve your best selfie-self much faster, there's one thing to keep in mind when combating those stubborn dark spots: "If you are using any type of lightening agent, it's really important to use sunscreen daily," noted Mari. "Lightening and exfoliating products leave the skin more vulnerable to the environment, and protecting your skin is a must." Reach for your favorite and apply it just before you put on your foundation or BB Cream. And, yep, you need to apply sunscreen even if your makeup already has SPF in it! One of our faves is Tarte Tarteguard Vegan Sunscreen SPF 30 ($32).
1 Too Cool For School Xakziuza Cleansing Water
Let's start at the top of your skincare regimen: cleanser. Too Cool For School Xakziuza Cleansing Water ($24) utilizes naturally-derived daisy flower extract to brighten and minimize hyperpigmentation. Lemon verbena tones and soothes the skin while raspberry and blueberry extract join forces to protect and nourish.
2 Shiseido White Lucent MicroTargeting Spot Corrector
Though it'll cost you a pretty penny, Shiseido White Lucent MicroTargeting Spot Corrector ($132) is worth saving up for. Its sole purpose is to reduce dark spots and hyperpigmentation and to create a complexion that's smooth, radiant, and refined. It does so with unique technology that targets these spots and prevents new spots from developing.
3 The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
For a product that's easier on the wallet, try The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% ($8), which is now available at Sephora. As the name denotes, the star ingredient is azelaic acid, which notably brightens and evens skin complexion and texture, including blemishes. Reviewers swear it's a godsend for acne-related hyperpigmentation, and that it even reduces breakouts.
4 Korres Wild Rose Brightening Targeted Tone Corrector
Korres Wild Rose Brightening Targeted Tone Corrector ($43) aggressively targets hyperpigmentation and corrects overall tone via cold-pressed wild rose oil (which smells amazing) and super C, a stabilized, fatty version of vitamin C that brightens and protects. Two interesting ingredients in this product are sand lily and sea fern extracts, which affect melanin formation by decreasing excess pigmentation production, and by minimizing existing spots.
5 Verso Dark Spot Fix
David Pirrotta Verso Dark Spot Fix ($150) is another splurge-y buy, but again, it has proven itself effective. The star ingredient is retinol, which as our expert noted is one of the best ingredients you can use for reducing acne-related hyperpigmentation. Its concentrated dose of Retinol 8 complex noticeably reduces stubborn spots.
6 Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum
Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum ($90) is a great tool to keep in your skincare arsenal. It's a 12 percent blend of alpha and beta hydroxy acids, making it ideal for acne-prone skin. Apply it after cleansing and toning, and before applying a cream, to really double down on your "Operation: Hyperpigmentation" regimen.
7 Mario Badescu Whitening Mask
Mario Badescu is a treasure for their affordable prices, no-fuss packaging, and truly effective products. Their Whitening Mask ($24) is loaded with antioxidant-rich ingredients, including kojic acid, licorice root, mulberry, and grapeseed oil, to reduce hyperpigmentation and even overall complexion.
8 ACWELL Anti-Mark Gel Cream
K-Beauty fans will find a winner in ACWELL Anti-Mark Gel Cream ($30). It harnesses the power of licorice root and niacinamide to brighten your complexion, reduce redness, and impressively fade hyperpigmentation. It also contains soothing aloe vera, which is a major bonus for anyone dealing with sensitive, acne-prone skin.
9 MD Complete Citrus-C Healthy Complexion
MD Complete Citrus-C Healthy Complexion ($25) is another retinol-doused product that corrects hyperpigmentation. This serum also boasts the inclusion of vitamin C, which further refines and brightens.
10 Murad Rapid Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Serum
Hydroquinone, Hexapeptide 2, and glycolic acid work brilliantly together in Murad Rapid Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Serum ($69). Hydroquinone, an ingredient our expert noted as a winner, is a lightening agent that reduces existing hyperpigmentation. Hexapeptide does more of the same, while glycolic acid exfoliates and allows the other two star ingredients to work more effectively. Note that hydroquinone should not be used if you're pregnant.
