Last week following my story on the best skincare ingredients by skin type, I ran an Instagram poll on hyperpigmentation. Of the folks who answered, 83% shared that hyperpigmentation is something they struggle with, which didn’t surprise me in the slightest. Given the abundance of melanin-producing cells in our skin, black people are more susceptible to dark marks than anyone else. And according to some black dermatologists, it’s one of the top concerns they treat when meeting with clients of color.
Although we can’t slow our skin’s ability to reproduce melanin, some dark marks–with patience and consistency, can be treated. The key is in finding the right products that help to protect and correct your skin along the way. Now, I will say that the most effective products for hyperpigmentation can a bit pricey. But if you’ve been struggling with it for some time now, they’re absolutely worth the investment.
Here’s a guide on some of the best on the market for 2019:
Cleansers
These products help to not only brighten the skin where dark marks appear but penetrate deeply to help prevent future blemishes and breakouts. Often times dark marks are a result of acne scars that never left, and these cleansers work hard to stop acne at the source.
CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser ($13.99)
Mario Badescu Glycolic Foaming Cleanser ($16)
La Roche-Posay Pigmentclar Cleanser ($24.99)
SkinCeuticals LHA Cleanser Gel ($41) *often sold out, because it’s the absolute best!
Serums + Spot Treatments/Correctors
These serums help to rebalance the skin’s pH while also correcting and brightening dark marks to even out skin tones. Using ingredients like tranexamic acid, niacinamide ad kojic acid, or hydroquinone these products fade the appearance of dark marks over time.
Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair Dark Spot Corrector ($17.99)
Paula’s Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster ($36)
SkinMedica Lytera 2.0 Pigment Correcting Serum ($154)
Ambi Skincare Fade Cream ($4.73)
Cane + Austin Miracle Pad 20% Glycolic Facial Treatment ($78)
Clinique Even Better Clinical™ Dark Spot Corrector & Optimizer ($81)
SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense ($98)
iS Clinical Pro-Heal Serum Advance Plus ($148)
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic ($166)
SPF
Sun exposure is one of the main catalysts of hyperpigmentation because it speeds up the darkening process. And despite how bright it is or isn’t out, SPF on a daily basis is absolutely necessary, especially if you’re concerned about dark marks. These products contain UV protecting properties without that awful white cast that makes skin look ashy.
CeraVe AM Face Moisturizer with Sunscreen SPF 30 ($12.84)
Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins Mega-Bright SPF 30 Skin Tone ($59)
TIZO 3 Tinted Face Mineral SPF40 Sunscreen ($41.99)
EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 ($35)