The Best Ingredients for Treating Hyperpigmentation

• Vitamin C: Vitamin C blocks melanin, making your skin look brighter. It is an antioxidant that protects skin cells from further damage, whether from the sun or external pollutants, and combats free radicals. A study showed that using a form of Vitamin C for 16 weeks reduced hyperpigmentation for 62.5% of participants.
• Azelaic Acid: It has anti-inflammatory properties and can suppress melanin production in the skin. Azelaic acid is milder than some other acids and is safe to use during pregnancy, unlike retinoids. It is excellent for melasma, a form of hyperpigmentation, during pregnancy due to hormonal changes.
• Retinol: Retinol, a form of Vitamin A, is highly effective in brightening hyperpigmentation by speeding up cell turnover, bringing healthier, newer skin cells to the surface while exfoliating older, darker ones. Retinol is very strong and is not recommended for sensitive skin, and it can also cause dryness.
• Mandelic Acid: A 2019 study showed that a weekly chemical peel with mandelic acid reduced post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation more effectively than other ingredients like glycolic acid or phytic acid.
• Niacinamide: Vitamin B3 is a brightening ingredient that prevents signs of aging, reduces acne, and interrupts the process of cell pigmentation, thereby brightening the skin. It can also be used to treat acne, which may help prevent future hyperpigmentation or scarring.