Melasma and other forms of skin hyperpigmentation are extremely common. While these skin conditions aren’t serious health concerns, they can affect self-confidence. Even though many of those impacted by melasma and hyperpigmentation believe that hyperpigmentation is just something they have to live with, there are actually numerous, over-the-counter skincare products that diminish the appearance of melasma. In this blog, we’ll walk through what melasma is and discuss some of the most effective skincare products to treat melasma.

Understanding Melasma

Hyperpigmentation refers to a variety of skin conditions that cause excessive pigmentation. Sometimes, hyperpigmentation develops in small spots, but it can also affect larger areas of skin. Melasma is one of the most common types of skin hyperpigmentation that causes larger darkened spots. It occurs when hormonal fluctuations cause an increase in melanin production. Melanin is the pigment-producing part of skin cells. Melasma can occur at any time due to hormonal changes, but it’s most common during pregnancy and for people who take hormonal birth control, making this condition more common for women.

Top Skincare Products for Melasma and Hyperpigmentation

No skincare product is right for everyone. A dermatologist can help you find the right melasma skincare products and develop a skincare plan to improve overall skin tone. Below, we provide details about three of our most dermatologist-recommended products for melasma and hyperpigmentation.

Sente Cysteamine (Formerly Cyspera)

Sente Cysteamine, formerly known as Cyspera, is an innovative dark spot correcting serum. Formulated with heparan sulfate analog (HSA) and cysteamine HCI. HSA boosts skin’s immune response, reduces inflammation, and improves skin healing. This can significantly reduce the appearance of dark spots on its own, but the combination with cysteamine HCI makes it even more effective. This ingredient works to prevent and reduce hyperpigmentation by stopping and reversing oxidative damage that causes dark spots or makes them worse. Apply a thin layer to clean, dry skin morning or evening. Allow to set for about 15 minutes. Then, wash off with a gentle cleanser and finish your skincare routine.

Skinbetter Science Even Tone

With a lightweight, easily-absorbed formula, skinbetter Science Even Tone improves the appearance of sun-damaged skin, hyperpigmentation, melasma, and general skin discoloration. Free of parabens, dyes, and fragrances, skinbetter Science products are safe and effective for all skin types. Skinbetter Science Even Tone is also free of hydroquinone, which is a harsh ingredient frequently used in skin lightening. The skinbetter Science Even Tone uses diglucosyl gallic acid to improve skin tone, hexylresorcinol to brighten skin and prevent sun damage, alpha-arbutin to diminish the appearance of stubborn dark spots, and arginine PCA an amino acid that improves dull or yellowed complexion. Apply as part of the morning and evening skincare routine after cleansing skin. Use a small amount and apply a thin layer to the face and neck.

SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense

SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense has quickly become one of the go-to products for hyperpigmentation, including melasma and post-acne marks. Within 2 weeks of use, individuals start to see a dramatic improvement, and on average, people saw 60% improvement in the appearance of dark spots with regular usage. The key to success is the meticulous formulation that combines tranexamic, kojic, and sulfic acid with niacinamide to deliver gentle solution to diminish the appearance of dark spots and general improvement in skin tone. Apply 3 to 5 drops twice a day to the full face after cleansing skin. Minimize sun exposure and apply sunscreen when using this product. Free of fragrance and parabens, this product is safe for most skin types. However, the acid blend can be too strong for those with damaged or very sensitive skin. If irritation is noted, use should be discontinued.

How to Use These Products Effectively

Hyperpigmentation-reducing skincare products should be incorporated into the skincare routine as directed. In order to ensure efficacy, it’s important to follow all directions on the packaging and utilize the products consistently to allow them the opportunity to work well. Always apply serums to clean, dry skin. Use toner to open pores and prepare them to fully absorb the product. Make sure you wait for the dark spot correcting serums to be completely absorbed before finishing up your skincare routine with moisturizer and morning sunscreen.

Additional Tips for Managing Melasma and Hyperpigmentation

Melasma and hyperpigmentation are typically easy to diminish with a few tweaks to your daily skincare routine like adding one of the recommended products from this blog. In addition to changing your skincare routine, you may want to consider some of the following tips for managing melasma and hyperpigmentation:

• • Stay sun safe – sun damage accounts for most hyperpigmentation, so limiting sun exposure and applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily will help to prevent hyperpigmentation. It also improves the efficacy of melasma treatments.
• • Lead a healthy lifestyle – getting adequate sleep, staying hydrated, and eating a nutrient-dense diet can help to improve the appearance of skin. Ensuring whole-body health means there is adequate energy for skin cell turnover, repair, and replacement.
• • Chat with a dermatologist - if you’re still struggling with hyperpigmentation even after adding one of these products to your skincare routine, you can also consult with a professional. Dermatologists may be able to find a different product that works better for you, offer personalized skincare recommendations, or discuss more advanced options for treatment of hyperpigmentation and melasma like laser skin resurfacing.

Diminish the Appearance of Melasma

Melasma can be irritatingly persistent. It’s important to develop and consistently apply your skincare products. A dermatologist can help you find skincare products that promote even skin tone and texture, including improving the appearance of melasma. It’s easy to get frustrated and give up on skincare products to diminish the appearance of melasma because results take time, but with consistent care using effective products, melasma can improve.

Keep Exploring Our Skincare Products

Whether you’re working to diminish the appearance of melasma or trying to improve skin health, the dermatologist-recommended skincare products available on DermSkincare can help you achieve your skincare goals. We hope you’ll take some time to explore all that we have to offer. If you’re interested in more skincare tips and product recommendations, come back regularly to read our blog.