Dark Spots Gone! (Antihyperpigmentation Method)

Dr. Sam Ellis, dermatologist, shows us how:

Let’s make this clear

Your skin, that is. The trick here is to treat stubborn hyperpigmentation with a “kitchen sink” strategy that targets pigment production, inflammation, oxidative stress, and cell turnover;

• Cleansing is optional: skip a morning cleanse if your skin is sensitive or dry to preserve overnight oils, but use a gentle, non-stripping cleanser if your skin is oily or has heavy nighttime product residue.
• AHA exfoliation one to two times weekly: use alpha hydroxy acids like glycolic, lactic, or mandelic acid to increase cell turnover and fade surface pigment.
• Daily antioxidant protection: apply an antioxidant on non-exfoliation days to neutralize free radicals and reduce pigment stimulation, with vitamin C as the gold standard.
• Prescription options: apply prescription treatments like azelaic acid or hydroquinone after antioxidants, with azelaic acid being pregnancy-safe, anti-inflammatory, pigment-reducing, and available both by prescription and OTC.
• Non-prescription pigment serums: layer targeted treatments such as Allies of Skin Tranexamic and Arbutin Advanced Brightening Serum, which combines alpha arbutin, tranexamic acid, licorice root extract, and other pigment inhibitors at effective levels while remaining gentle.
• Moisturizer as needed: use a lightweight moisturizer if required for hydration, ensuring it layers well without interfering with actives or sunscreen. This also helps with skin shedding, counterintuitively, because the skin struggles to do what it’s supposed to if it’s too dry.
• Sunscreen is non-negotiable: apply an adequate amount and consider layering in two applications for better coverage.

That’s quite a bit of layering, so wait about 30–60 seconds between steps, aiming for a thorough but efficient routine that takes more than 2 minutes but still under 10 minutes.

For more on all that plus some additional product-specific recommendations, enjoy:

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Want to learn more?

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Take care!