Hyperpigmentation affects some 10% of the population. Hyperpigmentation has many causes and produces darkened areas on the skin of different sizes and hues. In some cases, a person may see small dark spots. In other cases, there may be large areas of skin that have become darker than the skin on the rest of their body. Fortunately, there are serums available today that can help reduce, and in some cases eliminate hyperpigmentation spots. Below, we have brought together some of the best.
What Causes Hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation happens when the skin produces excessive amounts of melanin in a particular spot or area. There are any number of things that can cause excessive melanin production including:
Too much sun
UV light from the sun causes the skin to release melanin. When the release of melanin is uniform across the skin the result is a tan. When the release is uneven the result is what we call sun freckles, dark spots or age spots.
Inflammation resulting from an injury or skin condition
Acne, eczema, psoriasis and other skin conditions as well as insect bites, cuts and scrapes cause the skin to release melanin during the healing process. Accompanying inflammation, however, causes melanin production to be excessive resulting in dark spots and scars.
Certain medications
Hyperpigmentation is an unfortunate side effect of some medications including certain anti-seizure medicines, chemotherapy drugs, certain antipsychotic meds, some antibiotics and even OTC painkillers.
Hormonal changes
Pregnant women experience significant fluctuations in hormone levels and this can create dark areas on the face and neck called “melasma” (often referred to as “the mask of pregnancy”). Hormones also play a role in generating acne.
What is the Best Serum for Hyperpigmentation?
The following are generally considered to be the best serums for dealing with hyperpigmentation.
Hian Skin Renewal Serum (Best Choice)
Hian Skin Renewal Serum by Bianca Miller, London is an all-natural, cruelty-free lightening serum and part of the company’s 3-part Skin Renewal System. Hian Skin Renewal Serum is free of harsh chemicals and instead relies on proven natural ingredients that restore darkened areas to their original lustre.
Murad Rapid Dark Spot Correcting Serum
The makers of Murad Rapid Dark Spot Correcting Serum recently removed hydroquinone from their formula to everyone’s relief. The resulting serum is still remarkably effective without producing the kind of side effects that plagued earlier iterations of the serum.
Eadem Milk Marvel Dark Spot Serum
Eadam Milk Marvel Dark Spot Serum was formulated with dark skin in mind. It’s difficult to produce a uniformly even tone on darker skin using lightening serums. Eadem do a pretty good job of it.
SkinCeuticals Phyto A+ Brightening Treatment
SkinCeuticals use a combination of 3% azelaic acid, 2% alpha-arbutin and a 5.75% phyto botanical blend to address dark spots in all their manifestations. This particular serum also makes the skin feel uniformly smooth and soft.
Conclusion
Each of the serums listed above provide their own unique benefits. That said if you are looking for the best serum for hyperpigmentation Hian Skin Renewal Serum is the smart choice.