What is Hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation refers to skin that appears darker. It can be easily distinguished from the term itself where “Hyper” means increased and pigment means colour. Hyperpigmentation can occur in small patches, cover large areas and in serious cases affect the entire body. It is a condition resulting from the increase in melanin, the substance in the body that is responsible for colour.
Types of Hyperpigmentation
Melasma
Also know as the “mask of pregnancy”, this condition usually affects pregnant women who are undergoing hormonal changes. The hyperpigmentation occurs mostly on the face and stomach.
Age spots/ Sun spots
A common condition that occurs as a result of extended sun exposure. These spots are more common on areas exposed to the sun such as the face and hands.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
After an inflammatory condition like acne or eczema, dark patches appear. This type of hyperpigmentation can occur anywhere on the body.
Causes of Hyperpigmentation
Sun Damage
Prolong exposure to UV rays harm your skin. In fact, they are responsible for up to 80% of the signs of premature aging including impaired pigmentation and photoaging.
Blue Light from Screens and Devices
Blue light contributes to brown spots on the skin and hyperpigmentation such as melasma, and possibly to photoaging and the breakdown of collagen, which leads to wrinkles and skin laxity. In a study published by the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, it is shown that exposure to blue light is more problematic for skin of colour.
Medical Conditions or Reactions to Drug Use
Certain medical conditions such as the Addison’s disease and hemochromatosis cause hyperpigmentation. In other cases, medications that treat malaria and depression can lead to patches of skin turning grey.
Hormonal Changes
Pregnancy hormones can affect melanin production in women.
Skin Inflammation
People with darker skin are more likely to develop post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Injury to the skin arising from acne, eczema, allergic reactions or trauma causes the release of inflammatory cells that cause melanocytes (pigment cells) to produce more pigment in the skin.
Treatment and Prevention
It is not always possible to completely prevent hyperpigmentation. However, there are some ways you can adopt to reduce instances of hyperpigmentation.
- Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF.
- Avoid direct sunlight especially from 10am – 2pm where the sun is the strongest.
- Limit touching your skin. As you scratch or pick on an acne or a mosquito bite, you are aggravating the site of inflammation which may result in darker pigmentation.
- Regulate existing pigmentation with over-the-counter products. Both orally consumed and skincare are available to reduce pigmentation.
Effective Ingredients That Target Hyperpigmentation
4-Butylresorcinol is very effective in reducing melanin production. With an excellent safety profile, it rarely results in skin sensitivity and can even be used during pregnancy. In a study conducted, 4-butylresorcinol is proven to be a highly effective inhibitor of tyrosinase, an enzyme responsible for melanin synthesis. When compared to Kojic Acid, Arbutin and Hydroquinone, 4-Butylresorcinol showed superior tyrosinase inhibition. View product Natori Lumisome RC.
Examples of products containing 4-Butylresorcinol
Ourself - Daily Dark Spot Intercept
Water/Aqua/Eau, Propylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cholesterol, Niacinamide, Lauroyl Lysine, Linoleamidopropyl PG-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate, Glycerin, Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate, Dipeptide-58 D-Phenylalanyl Arginyl D-Tryptophyl Tetrapeptide-90 Amide, Tocopheryl Acetate, 4-Butylresorcinol, Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil, Dimethicone, Cetyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Isostearyl Isostearate, Myristyl Myristate, Synthetic Beeswax, Polysorbate 80, Sorbitan Palmitate, Oleth-2, Caprylyl Glycol, Caprylhydroxamic Acid.
Holika Holika Gold Kiwi Vita C+ Brightening Serum
Actinidia Chinensis (Kiwi) Fruit Extract, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Water, Arbutin, Niacinamide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ascorbic Acid, Actinidia Chinensis (Kiwi) Seed Oil, Carnitine, 4-Butylresorcinol, Aleuritic Acid, Yeast Extract, Glycoproteins, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Biotin, Panthenol, Thiamine Hcl, Cyanocobalamin, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine, Folic Acid, Menadione, Bioflavonoids, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glutathione, Betaine, Polyquaternium-51, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Lecithin, Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate, PPG-13-Decyltetradeceth-24, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cyamopsis Tetragonoloba (Guar) Gum, Agar, Xanthan Gum, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Tromethamine, Allantoin, Chitosan, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Adenosine, Fragrance, Limonene.
Kojic Acid is chemically derived from mushrooms or produced during the sake brewing process from fermented rice. Kojic acid is better tolerated by the skin compared to other kinds of acids and hydroquinone. With the ability to penetrate the layers of the skin, it can reduce hyperpigmentation while providing anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties.
Examples of products containing Kojic Acid
Skinceuticals - Discoloration Defense Serum
Aqua / Water, Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid, Glycerin, Tranexamic Acid, Propylene Glycol, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Kojic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Allantoin, Chlorphenesin, Xanthan Gum, Disodium Edta.
La Roche Posay - Glycolic B5 Serum Dark Spot Corrector
Aqua / Water, Alcohol Denat, Glycolic Acid, Propylene Glycol, Potassium Hydroxide, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Tranexamic Acid, Kojic Acid, C12-13 Alkyl Lactate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Panthenol, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Disodium Edta. Butyl Ene G Ly Col, Tocopherol, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum / Fragrance.
Arbutin is a molecule extracted from the bearberry plant. On the skin, Arbutin is broken down slowly to release hydroquinone. Hence, it is a much safer option having the effects of hydroquinone and does not carry the same risk of side effects. It has lower toxicity levels but is also less effective than hydroquinone itself.
Examples of products containing Arbutin
Minimalist - Alpha Arbutin 2%
Aqua, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Ethoxydiglycol, Alpha Arbutin, Lactic Acid, Pentylene Glycol, Ferulic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, 4-n-Butylresorcinol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Triethanolamine, PEG/PPG-17/6 Copolymer, Isoceteth-20, Xanthan Gum, Lecithin, Sclerotium Gum, Pullulan, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate.
The Ordinary - Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA
Aqua (Water), Alpha Arbutin, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Propanediol, PPG-26-Buteth-26, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Lactic Acid, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Ethoxydiglycol, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin.
Also known as Vitamin B3 or Nicotinamide is a water-soluble vitamin that is effective in improving skin tone and reducing discolorations of the skin due to sun damage. This vitamin is not directly synthesised by the body and to receive its benefits it can be orally ingested or topically applied. Adding on, Niacinamide is not just a brightener, it can also prevent skin aging and reduce acne. Its versatility and functionality contributed to its popularity amongst dermatologists and consumers in the recent years.
Examples of products containing Niacinamide
Peter Thomas Roth - Prostrength Niacinamide Discoloration Treatment
Water/Aqua/Eau, Niacinamide, Isononyl Isononanoate, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Tranexamic Acid, Dimethicone, Propanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides, Alpha-Arbutin, Glyceryl Stearate, C9-12 Alkane, Cetyl Alcohol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Citric Acid, Kojic Acid, Morus Alba (White Mulberry) Root Extract, Resveratrol, Scutellaria Lateriflora Extract, Hydrangea Arborescens Root Extract, Squalane, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Phenoxyethanol, Peg-100 Stearate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Peg-75 Stearate, Ceteareth-20, Steareth-20, Silica, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Dimethiconol, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Titanium Dioxide, Sodium Phytate, Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Polysorbate 60, Polysorbate 20, T-Butyl Alcohol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Sorbitan Isostearate.
First Aid Beauty - Eye Duty Niacinamide Brightening Eye Cream
Aqua (Water, Eau), Dimethicone, Glycerin, Maris Aqua (Sea Water, Eau De Mer), Bu-Tylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Polysilicone-11, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Mica, Pan-Thenol, Gigartina Stellata/Kappaphycus Alvarezii Extract, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Coffea Arabica (Coffee) Seed Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Caffeine, Cucurbita Pepo (Pumpkin) Seed Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Chrysanthemum Parthenium (Feverfew) Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Tocopherol, Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Hydroxyacetophenone, Glyceryl Polyacrylate, Squalane, Hydrogenated Polycyclopentadiene, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Lecithin, Hydroxyethyl Acry-Late/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Caprylyl Glycol, Linoleic Acid, Phytosteryl Canola Glycerides, Silica, Hexylene Glycol, Palmitic Acid, Oleic Acid, Stearic Acid, Sorbitan Isostearate, Polysorbate 60, Triolein, T-Butyl Alcohol, Phenoxy-Ethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid, Ci 77891 (Titanium Diox-Ide), Ci 77491 (Iron Oxides).
It is proven that Vitamin C has significant effect in depigmentation due to its ability to directly impact melanogenesis. Not only that, this essential vitamin is required for the growth and repair of tissues in all parts of the body including the skin. When applied, it helps protect the skin against environmental stressors, promotes collagen synthesis and lightens dark spots. All in all, vitamin C is a great ingredient with multiple benefits. However, using it can be tricky due to its instability and possibility to cause irritation at high concentrations. As such, many vitamin C derivatives have been developed to increase stability, efficacy and safety.
Examples of products containing Vitamin C
Belif - Aqua Bomb Brightening Vitamin C Cream
Water, Dimethicone, Propanediol, Glycerin, Diglycerin, Trehalose, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Panthenol, Sodium Chloride, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Serine, Sorbitol, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Pistacia Lentiscus (Mastic) Gum, Lecithin, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Tocopherol, Ascorbic Acid, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Beta-Carotene, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Oil, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Extract, Salicornia Herbacea Extract, Stellaria Media (Chickweed) Extract, Alchemilla Vulgaris Leaf Extract, Equisetum Arvense Leaf Extract, Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Leaf Extract, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Nepeta Cataria Extract, Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Leaf Extract, Baptisia Tinctoria Root Extract, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone/Phenyl Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Sodium Citrate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Alcohol, Alcohol Denat., Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Limonene, Citronellol, Geraniol, Citral, Linalool.
Laneige - Lip Sleeping Mask Intense Hydration with Vitamin C
Diisostearyl Malate, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Phytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Polybutene, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), Microcrystalline Wax / Cera Microcristallina / Cire Microcristalline, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Synthetic Wax, Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer, Sucrose Tetrastearate Triacetate, Mica, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax / Euphorbia Cerifera Cera / Cire De Candelilla, Candelilla Wax Esters, Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter, Fragrance / Parfum, Glyceryl Caprylate, Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax / Copernicia Cerifera Cera / Cire De Carnauba, Eugenol, Cinnamal, Methicone, Iron Oxides (Ci 77492), Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Iron Oxides (Ci 77491), Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Polyglyceryl-2 Diisostearate, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Benzyl Benzoate, Iron Oxides (Ci 77499), Ascorbic Acid, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Water / Aqua / Eau, Glycerin, Propanediol, Bht, Punica Granatum Fruit Juice, Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Juice, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Juice.
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