Hyperpigmentation is a skin condition that often causes patches of the skin to become darker than the surrounding area. This can be caused by a number of factors, including sun exposure, inflammation, and age. While it is not medically dangerous, hyperpigmentation can cause a great deal of distress.
Thankfully, there are several good products available in the market that can help to lighten these dark patches. These products contain AHAs, BHAs, and retinol to fight pigmentation. In this post, I will take a look at some of the best options from the Ordinary for hyperpigmentation treatment.
The Ordinary is an excellent brand that everyone is obsessed with! The company makes products to treat hyperpigmentation, and after trying a few of them out, I can say they are incredibly effective. This brand prides itself on making brilliant and effective skincare products that don’t use any frills or gimmicky ingredients. In fact, almost everything they sell is super affordable.
If you’re looking for a new line of skincare products to try, or are curious about the Ordinary, keep reading for more information!
Key Takeaways
Hyperpigmentation may occur on any skin type. Therefore, it is important to pick the right ingredients as per the skin structure and reactiveness. Here are some key things about Ordinary products for hyperpigmentation:
- Many Ordinary products contain ingredients that help to exfoliate the skin and remove dead skin cells. This is important because it helps to fade the appearance of dark spots and discoloration.
- Ordinary products contain ingredients like glycolic acid, lactic acid, hyaluronic acid, hydroquinone, and retinoids, which help to remove discoloration and fade dark spots over time.
- The brand has Vitamin C products that provide antioxidants, helping to protect the skin from free radicals and even skin tone.
- Ordinary has Hyaluronic acid and Squalene to keep the dry and sensitive skin hydrated and nourished while removing pigmentation.
All of these factors together can work together to improve the appearance of hyperpigmentation over time.
What is Hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is a common skin condition that occurs when there is an increase in the production of melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. Dark patches or spots can appear on the face, neck, hands, and other areas exposed to the sun. The cause of hyperpigmentation varies depending on a person’s age group and skin type.
In adults, hyperpigmentation is often due to sun exposure, low collagen due to aging, or certain medical conditions. Conditions that can cause hyperpigmentation in adults include Addison’s disease, chronic liver diseases, and melanoma.
- Age spots/liver spots: Age spots, also called liver spots, are flat, brown, or black spots that can appear on the skin as we age. They’re often caused by sun exposure, which is why they’re more common in people with lighter skin. Age spots can also be a sign of liver damage. Regardless of a person’s age group, the best way to treat hyperpigmentation is with topical creams or lightening agents.
- Melasma: It is a skin condition that causes brown patches on the face. It’s often common in pregnant women due to the surge of hormones, but it can affect anyone. The exact cause of melasma isn’t known, but it’s thought to be related to changes in hormone levels. Sun exposure seems to make the brown patches worse, so people with melasma are advised to avoid the sun and use sunscreen whenever they’re outside.
- Freckles: People typically get freckles from sun exposure. The sun’s ultraviolet rays cause the pigment melanin to spread unevenly across the skin, resulting in freckles. Freckles usually fade on their own during the winter months when people don’t get as much sun exposure, but they may come back later in life if a person continues to be exposed to sunlight.
Why should you patch test?
Before adding active ingredients to skincare, you should always do a patch test. Those who have dry or dehydrated skin should be careful with active products. Patch testing is essential before using active ingredients because it allows you to test for any allergies or sensitivities you may have to the ingredients. By doing a patch test, you can avoid any potential skin reactions that could occur if the ingredients are not compatible with your skin.
It’s also vital to do a patch test before using new skincare products, as inactive ingredients can also sometimes cause skin reactions. So if you’re not sure whether a product is compatible with your skin, it’s best to do a patch test first. When using any of these ingredients for the first time, it’s best to do a patch test. You may do this by applying a small amount to the inside of your elbow or neck. If you experience any irritation or redness after 24 hours, discontinue use.
Some common ingredients that can cause skin irritation include retinol, niacinamide, azelaic acid, and lactic acid. If you experience any redness, itching, or burning after using a product containing one of these ingredients, stop using the product and consult with a dermatologist.
In some cases, people may also suffer from purging. Strong acid ingredients may cause purging, flaking, and redness in your skin. However, this is normal and can be managed with hydration and moisturization.
How to prevent hyperpigmentation?
Some hyperpigmentation is natural and occurs depending upon the skin type. There are a few ways to prevent hyperpigmentation, such as wearing sunscreen every day, using a good quality evening moisturizer, and avoiding excessive sun exposure.
Sunscreen is essential because it helps protect the skin from sun damage, which can lead to an increase in melanin production and hyperpigmentation. A good quality evening moisturizer will help to keep the skin hydrated and reduce the appearance of dark spots. Avoiding excessive sun exposure is key because UV radiation can trigger an increase in melanin production and lead to hyperpigmentation.
If you already have hyperpigmentation, use a fade cream or lightening cream with hydroquinone or kojic acid, and use a retinol cream at night. Other mild acids such as mandelic acid, azelaic acid, vitamin C, and niacinamide also remove hyperpigmentation.
The best way to use Ordinary for Hyperpigmentation
There are a few ways to use Ordinary for hyperpigmentation. The most straightforward way is to apply it directly to the skin in the form of a serum or cream. However, some people find that it can be a little too harsh on their skin, so you might want to mix it with another product like aloe vera gel or moisturizer.
Active ingredients also come with sunburn warnings as they make the skin more susceptible to sun damage. Therefore, include sunscreen in your morning skincare routine as using a good SPF will protect your skin.
Another way to use Ordinary for hyperpigmentation is by adding it to your skincare routine in place of your current products. When using multiple actives, it’s important to allow each one enough time to penetrate and work its magic before applying the next one. I usually recommend waiting at least fifteen minutes between applications. Learning how to layer these products will be a game-changer for your skincare.
Start with the lightest product and work your way up to the strongest product. This will help ensure that your skin can tolerate the treatment and avoid any irritation or dryness. While using retinol, your skin cell turnover will increase, resulting in dry and flaky skin. Ensure you keep your skin hydrated and sun protected. Apart from this, use only one active ingredient if you have sensitive skin.
How to take care of your skin barrier when using active ingredients?
In order to maintain your skin barrier when using active products, you should make sure that you are gentle with your skin and do not overload it with too many products at once. You should also use a gentle cleanser and moisturizer to avoid over-drying your skin. Besides, you can use a barrier repair serum or cream to help rebuild the lipids and proteins that make up the skin barrier.
In addition, it’s important to avoid over-washing your face. Washing your face too often can strip away the natural oils that help protect your skin barrier. Instead, try to wash your face only 1-2 times a day, maximum. And when you do wash your face, make sure to use a gentle cleanser that won’t strip away your skin’s natural oils.
Ordinary Products for Hyperpigmentation
It can be a little more challenging when you constantly battle with breakouts, dry skin, and hyperpigmentation. But don’t worry! There are best The Ordinary products out there that can help you achieve your best complexion yet. Keep reading for my recommendations on The Ordinary products for hyperpigmentation.
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The best-selling product from The Ordinary, Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, is a great combination for those with oily skin who also deal in breakouts. This formula will help reduce the look or blemishes while balancing visible aspects like sebum activity.
Besides, it also has anti-aging benefits by increasing cell turnover and minimizing fine lines.
The regeneration of skin cells works on lightening dark spots and getting rid of discoloration. You can layer it under moisturizer once a day and build up use over time.
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The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% is great to reduce the appearance of blemishes. It also fades acne scars and sunspots, leaving your skin looking bright. The Ordinary azelaic acid how to use guide suggests using it in the morning and the night for best results.
Azelaic acid has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that also help in fighting free radicals. It’s a multifunctional ingredient that works for all skin types. The Ordinary Azelaic acid comes in a cream-gel formulation that is easy to absorb for the skin.
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This Ordinary 10% Mandelic Acid + Hyaluronic acid Serum is perfect for those with sensitive skin. Mandelic acid is antimicrobial and also fights acne and uneven skin tone. It gently exfoliates the epidermis to help promote new cells and eliminate dark spots. Since it is gentle on the skin, you’ll have to be consistent in use to see results.
It also provides excellent moisturizing properties from its glycerin content, being a humectant. This is a lightweight serum that makes skin soft, making this amongst the best The Ordinary products. You may add this to both AM and PM skincare regimens. With regular use, the appearance of dark spots will reduce.
Related: The Ordinary Buffet review
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This 5% lactic acid formulation is gentle yet effective at removing the skin’s buildup and hyperpigmentation. The Ordinary uses a pure Tasmanian Pepperberry known for its anti-inflammatory properties to help reduce redness and sensitivity caused by exfoliation!
Lactic acid also helps in firming the skin and making it smoother. So, not only it’ll work on pigmentation, but it will also help in reducing fine lines. This is suitable for dry, oily, and combination skin types. However, avoid using it if your skin is too sensitive. You can incorporate it into your night skincare routine and layer it under moisturizer.
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Glycolic Acid is an excellent choice for those who want to reach deep into their skin and get rid of pesky blemishes. It has the smallest molecule size out of all alpha-hydroxy acids, meaning it will penetrate deeper than other acids. Moreover, it will keep the pores clean and prevent acne formation.
The Ordinary’s 7% Toning Solution helps brighten your complexion while improving skin tone and overall skin texture. It also has mild exfoliating properties that work well on uneven skin tone. All skin types can benefit from its use ideally in the PM skincare routine.
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This weekly treatment helps reduce hyperpigmentation and improve your overall skin texture with continued use. The AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution contains alpha-hydroxy acids in the form of glycolic, lactic, tartaric & citric acid to exfoliate away dead cells while also including salicylic acid for breakouts that may lead you down a path towards a healthy-looking complexion! This 10-minute rinse-off will leave your skin a bit red but will surely fade away the dark spots.
Note that this is a strong acid treatment and should be used once a week to remove pigmentation. This may be too strong for your skin if you’re new to chemical exfoliation. Besides, if you have broken, peeling, or sensitive skin types, avoid using this peeling solution.
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The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% is a stabilized vitamin C solution that works on brightening and smoothing the skin’s surface. This product is easy to use after toning your skin. Vitamin C may leave your skin itchy and red in the first few uses.
You may dilute the Vitamin C solution in any base cream to build some tolerance. Let it absorb in your skin for a few minutes before applying any other skincare product. Although all skin types are safe to use, a patch test is always necessary.
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This Ordinary’s 20 % Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate variation offers a similar effect to pure vitamin C but with faster visible results. It also provides many benefits for your skin, including increased collagen production and anti-aging properties.
Moreover, Vitamin C has deeper penetrating power, working well on dark pigmentation. This solution is easy to absorb for dry as well as oily skin types. If you have sensitive skin types, you may use this with a moisturizer. As vitamin C increases the chances of sun damage, don’t forget to use sunblock on the face.
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The Granactive Retinoid 2% is a powerful yet gentle retinoic acid that’s perfect for all skin types. It contains solubilized Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (HPR) and pure vitamin A extract in its formula, which provides hydration without irritation or redness causing skin sensitivity.
I recommend this product if you’re looking out for some strong effects from your skincare routine while still wanting something lightweight. Use it at night time and follow up with a good moisturizer.
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This is a high-strength, water-free solution of 1% pure retinol from the Ordinary. This product is perfect for those who need a potent chemical exfoliant. It comes in a squalane base to ensure hydration and fast absorption. Moreover, squalane is a soothing and non-comedogenic emollient to keep your skin’s barrier intact.
As this is high-strength retinol, you should use it with a heavy-duty moisturizer. The best way to apply it is to sandwich it in two layers of moisturizer. It will work on the dark spots while not causing too much irritation.
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Sunscreen is a must-have for anyone who spends time in the sun. But did you know that sunblock may also prevent hyperpigmentation? Sunspots and other discolorations are caused by UV rays, which cause melanin production within our cells. They have an easier chance of multiplying in the sun when exposed again later on down the line and cause hyperpigmentation.
The best solution out there to avoid this issue would be applying SPF onto your face. And do not forget any other areas where skin may become exposed, such as ears, near shoulders, or knees. Besides, you should not skip using sunscreen just because it’s winter or cloudy. I recommend using a broad-spectrum sunscreen.
The Ordinary range of Mineral UV Filters formulas offers antioxidants and hydration. They not only protect you from harmful rays but also help prevent hyperpigmentation and other skin discolorations like melasma! The best part is that it has anti-irritation properties; therefore, it is suitable for all skin types.
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Wrapping Up
While the solutions to hyperpigmentation are not as simple as using a one-size-fits-all product, there are The Ordinary for hyperpigmentation products that can help. With a little bit of research and product suggestions, you should be able to find something that works for you.
Moreover, by understanding the causes of hyperpigmentation and using the right products, you can lighten your skin tone and improve your complexion. Ordinary 10% Mandelic Acid + Hyaluronic acid Serum is the best product for sensitive skin types.
You may choose The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% if you have oily or combination skin. Lactic Acid + Hyaluronic Acid will do wonders for removing pigmentation for those who have dry and dehydrated skin. The Ordinary Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Solution is the perfect Vitamin C formulation for eliminating skin discoloration for all skin types.