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Hyperpigmentation is what almost everyone faces, either as a result of too much exposure to the skin, having melasma, left over acne scars, skin injuries or Inflammation. The formation of hyperpigmentation occurs as a result of rapid melanin production in the skin area, thereby causing discoloration or uneven skin tone. So, if you’ve been seeking for a skincare routine to tackle hyperpigmentation, dark spots or discoloration, then sit tight, grab some popcorn and read this article, because it entails a simple and very pocket-friendly skincare routine to tackle hyperpigmentation using specifically The Ordinary skincare products. But before we dive into knowing the best The Ordinary products for hyperpigmentation, let’s know that hyperpigmentation really is.
What Is Hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is caused when there is excess production of melanin in the body. It is a direct result of an increased level of a hormone in your body that results in increased melanin synthesis. Melanin is the natural pigment that gives our skin, hair and eyes their color. Many factors can trigger excess melanin production — thereby causing the formation of hyperpigmentation, factors like; sun exposure, certain medications, hormonal influences, age and skin injuries or inflammation.
The Ordinary brand, haven puting much effort into producing high quality skincare products, has made a provision for skincare products to tackle hyperpigmentation, fade discoloration and improve skin complexion and you know what? These products can be reached at a very affordable prices making it suitable for everyone’s budget.
So, we thought we should create a skincare routine for hyperpigmentation (dark spots) using solely The Ordinary skincare products, considering the fact they are wallet-friendly and also can easily be outsourced without hassles. Below are best The Ordinary products for hyperpigmentation.
The Ordinary Hyperpigmentation Skincare Routine – Morning.
Step 1: Cleanse.
First thing first, you cleanse!!!. before commencing any skincare routine, you start-off by cleansing your face, you wouldn’t want to put your skincare products on an uncleansed (dirty) face would you? I hope not. Cleansing prepares the skin to receive skincare products, takes away dirt and grime on skin surface and pores, target acne without drying out the skin or disrupting skin moisture barrier.
We recommend CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser, which contains salicylic acid which mildly exfoliates, target and treat acne and maskne alongside other prominent ingredients like; three essential ceramides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, to also help hydrate, soften and smoothen the skin without disrupting its protective barrier or making skin feel dry. You can as well use your favorite, skin-suitable facial cleanser.
How To Cleanse.
Squeeze out a reasonable amount of your skin-suitable facial cleanser, apply on your face, gently massage for 60 seconds, then wash off using a clean water. Pat your face with a clean towel (don’t rub), then move over to the next step of your skincare routine.
Step 2: The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA.
Alpha arbutin is naturally derived from bearberry plant, it’s also found in cranberries, blueberries, wheat, and pears. Alpha arbutin prevents the formation of melanin, as it functions as a tyrosinase inhibitor to provide skin lightening and brightening effect on the skin. A clinical research study conducted on 10 patients with melasma using 1% arbutin and 1% ellagic, demonstrated arbutin to be more effective.
The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA is a potent formula that contains 2% alpha arbutin to effectively target and tackle pigmentation and discoloration issues without causing skin sensitivity. This formula also entails hyaluronic acid (a moisture magnet) the give your skin a taste of hydration, keeping it supple and smooth. Read full review here.
How To Apply.
After cleansing your face with a skin-suitable cleanser, pat your face with a clean towel (pat, don’t rub to avoid irritation), then apply 2-3 drops of The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA formula on your entire face, paying more attention on the most affected area. You can reapply more on the most affected area.
Step 3: The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%.
After applying The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA formula, follow up with The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%.
Niacinamide, also called nicotinamide is a form of vitamin B3, which is derived from vitamin B3-rich foods and plants. This water-soluble vitamin offers numerous potentials to the skin and fading hyperpigmentation is one of them.
Niacinamide not only helps control excessive oil production, minimize large pores, improve skin barrier function but also targets and fade skin discoloration by inhibiting the production of free tyrosinase and enhance overall skin tone which is very beneficial for all skin types.
This research study found that with as little as 2% niacinamide significantly decreased the appearance of hyperpigmentation after four weeks of treatment. Also, this research study proved that 4% niacinamide improved the appearance of melasma in twenty-seven melasma patients after eight weeks of treatment. Which is comparable to 4% Hydroquinone.
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% formula pairs 10% niacinamide with zinc to potentiate product efficacy towards regulating excess oil production, minimize large pores, calms redness, treat acne and fade minor hyperpigmentation. Read full review here.
How To Apply.
After applying The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% (wait for 1 minute till fully absorbed), then apply 2-3 drops of The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% formula on your entire face, paying more attention on the most affected area.
Step 4: The Ordinary Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate 10%.
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate is a water-soluble vitamin C derivative, unlike L-ascorbic acid, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate is non-exfoliating and highly stable but less potent. This form of vitamin C is best suitable for individuals with sensitive skin.
Aside fending-off external and internal free radicals, vitamin C also suppresses melanin production, thereby brightens hyperpigmentation and improve overall skin radiance and texture.
The Ordinary’s magnesium ascorbyl phosphate formula comes in a lightweight cream with pure 10% MAP (very high solubilized concentration) to tackle minor hyperpigmentation and brighten uneven skin tone.
How To Apply.
After applying The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% formula (and waiting for 1 minute till fully absorbed), apply a small amount of The Ordinary Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate 10% formula on your entire face and neck.
Step 5: The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA.
Moisturizing is very essential in every skincare routine. After layering the hyperpigmentation treatments, follow up with a moisture-rich moisturizer. The Ordinary brand also has a provision for that, called Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA.
A non-greasy and intensively hydrating moisturizer which contains powerhouse of skin hydrating humectants and emollients to supply intense moisture to the skin without leaving a greasy residue or feeling behind, ingredients such as multiple amino acids, fatty acids, triglycerides, urea, ceramides, phospholipids, glycerin, saccharides, sodium PCA and hyaluronic acid, are stuffed in this product to offer your skin with intense hydration. See other best moisturizers suitable for dry skin & oily skin. You can read full review here.
How To Apply.
Squeeze out a reasonable amount and apply on my entire face and neck untill fully absorbed.
Step 6: The Ordinary Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 with Antioxidants.
Sunscreen should be your number one priority in your skincare routine, considering the fact that it doesn’t the ultimate job to shield and protect your skin from UV rays of the sun, thereby preventing sun damages which can ruin your skincare-efforts.
The Ordinary Mineral UV Filter (sunscreen) offers SPF protection along with antioxidant, hydration, and anti-irritant support in a lightweight, non-comedogenic silicones formula to offer broad spectrum sun protection, neutralizes free radicals and minimizes the intensity of UV radiation penetrating the skin.
How To Apply.
Endeavor to shake well before use. Squeeze out a reasonable amount and apply to the face liberally and evenly 15 to 20 minutes before UV exposure. To maintain protection during continued UV exposure, reapply every 2 hours or after water exposure, towel-drying, swimming, or extensive perspiration.
After applying your sunscreen, you can go ahead and apply your makeup (if you must).
The Ordinary Hyperpigmentation Skincare Routine – Evening.
Step 1: The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser.
During night or evening-time skincare routine, you need to employ the double-cleansing technique.
As regards to our best skincare routine, double-cleansing is highly recommended to adequately get rid of impurities and dirt on the skin surface and in the pores, first using a oil-based facial cleanser and secondly using a water-based cleanser.
The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser is oil-based, it contains squalane as its main ingredient. Squalane is a plant derived or hydrogenated oil which is used in its pure form or in cosmetic formulations for moisturizing, hydrating and soothing the skin. Squalane oil mimicks our natural skin oil, which means, when it’s applied on the skin, the skin recognizes it and takes it as its own, our skin understands and compliments it.
Squalane oil is non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores), So, if you’re scared or worried that squalane is going to break you out, then you have absolutely nothing to worry about, because that is not going to happen. Squalane has excellent emollient properties, which helps keep the skin hydrated and moisturized.
The Ordinary squalane cleanser combines squalane, alongside other lipophilic esters that are gentle and moisturizing, they efficiently and effectively break down and dissolve make-up, dirts alongside excessive sebum (oil) on the skin. Leaving the skin deeply and mildly cleansed without stripping off moisture barrier or natural oil.
After cleansing with an oil-based facial cleanser, you have to cleanse again with a water-based cleanser, to double-cleanse the skin making sure to get rid of dirt and impurities while targeting skin concern and addressing your particular skin type without disrupting skin moisture barrier.
For a water-based cleanser we recommend CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser, which contains salicylic acid which mildly exfoliates, target and treat acne and maskne alongside other prominent ingredients like; three essential ceramides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, to also help soften and smooth the skin without disrupting its protective barrier or making skin feel dry.
According to Board certified dermatologist David Lortscher, M.D. said “The benefit of double cleansing is that the first cleanser will break down any makeup, remove dirt and excess oils from the day and clean your skin. The second cleanser will address your particular skin type or concern and should have ingredients to hydrate, smooth or exfoliate and treat acne.”
Ensure to cleanse your face for atleast 60 seconds before rinsing off. Although, double cleansing is not necessary for everyone. It depends primarily on your skin type and the type of makeup you wear. So, if double cleansing isn’t for you, then skip it and cleanse once instead. But ensure you take-off your makeup first, using the appropriate makeup remover before cleansing your face.
How To Apply.
Squeeze out a reasonable amount (careful not to squeeze out too much) a little goes along way.
Massage it on your face for 2 minutes, then I rinse off. After that, proceed to your water-based cleanser (we recommend CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser).
Step 2: The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution.
After cleansing, you tone!.
Applying a face toner is very essential, not only does it help clean off dirt (which your cleanser might have missed) but also shrink large pores, get rid of grime and gunk in the pores, target acne, soothe redness and balance the skin pH level. By so doing improving overall skin tone and texture.
Glycolic acid is an AHA (alpha hydroxy acids), as a water-soluble exfoliating acid, it helps alleviate the pores of pore-clogging impurities all thanks to its small molecular size which enables it penetrate deeply into the skin to dissolve oil build-up, detangle dead skin cells and exfoliant the skin to reveal healthier and brighter-looking skin beneath.
The Ordinary’s glycolic acid toner contains 10% glycolic acid to help minimize large-visible pores, target and gets rid of acne, decongest the pores of oil build-up, brightens the skin and tackle texture irregularities thereby improving skin texture and complexion. Read full review here.
How To Apply.
Saturate or wet your cotton pad with the glycolic formula and gently wipe it on your face and neck.
Do well to avoid your eye area. (You wouldn’t want an acid to get into your eyes).
Step 3: The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%.
Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring acid found in grains such as barley, wheat, and rye. It’s rich in anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties which makes it an effective treatment for acne and rosacea. Azelaic acid puts a stop to future outbreaks and clean bacteria from your pores that causes acne. It also mildly exfoliates the skin, curtails redness and reduces the appearance of hyperpigmentations.
Consider azelaic acid a multifunctional or multi-action skincare ingredient, as it tackles different kinds of skin issues and fix imperfections such as acne, rosacea, redness, hyperpigmentation, melasma, large pores and improve overall skin texture and complexion.
The Ordinary’s azelaic acid formula combines pure 10% azelaic acid with silicone. While azelaic acid does its job, silicone being an occlusive will help form a breathable barrier at the top layer of the skin to avoid moisture-loss therefore influencing skin adequate hydration, fill in lines and pores and protect the skin from chemical exposure and other environmental damages. Read full comparison review between The Ordinary and Paula’s Choice azelaic acid.
How To Apply.
Apply a 2 pea-size amount of this product on your entire face and neck. You can sometimes reapply more on problematic areas (where you have more hyperpigmentation or tend to breakout more).
Step 4: The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA.
After applying the topicals, you seal in with a moisturizer, to help keep the skin hydrated and moisturized all night.
Apply Twice Or Thrice A Week.
The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2%.
Lactic acid is also an AHA extracted from lactose in milk, as an chemical exfoliant, it’s being used in many over-the-counter products to gently exfoliate the skin and address skin texture irregularities. Lactic acid gently sloughs off dead skin cells, fades hyperpigmentation, age spots, and other factors that contribute to a dull and uneven complexion.
It also reduces pore appearance and helps to keep the skin moisturized and feeling less dry because lactic acid acts as a humectant (especially on low concentration) to pull moisture from the atmosphere to hydrate the skin surface. Consider lactic acid a hydrating, chemical exfoliator that’s why it’s best recommended for individuals with sensitive skin and new acid users.
The Ordinary’s formula pairs 10% lactic acid, with hyaluronic acid for added skin surface hydration in combination with tasmanian pepperberry to help reduce irritation associated with acid use by curtailing redness, tightness and stings. Read full review here.
How To Apply.
In this The Ordinary hyperpigmentation skincare routine, we advice you should apply lactic acid serum twice or thrice weekly at night-time only and it should be applied only on days you won’t be applying The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution and The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%.
You can choose to apply The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2% on weekends only, while applying other skincare topicals during the week. Apply 2-3 drops on your entire face and neck.
In Conclusion.
While treating hyperpigmentation or skin discoloration, you need to exercise patience, as natural skincare actives takes time to manifest but the result is surely guaranteed. Also while treating hyperpigmentation, diligent use of sunscreen is a must, to prevent UVA and UVB rays exposure. Also endeavor to do a patch test prior to application of any skincare product. You can as well consult your board-certified dermatologist (for advice) before commencing product treatments.
Possible Questions & Answers.
Q: Does this hyperpigmentation skincare routine also apply to people skin of color?
A: Yes. The products mentioned in this content applies to all skin colors (including skin of color) to help fade hyperpigmentation (discoloration) and prevent future occurrence.
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