Here at Revive, we spend a lot of time thinking about, teaching, and living all things skincare. Let’s be honest, it’s a lot! We wanted to take a moment to break down the essential ingredients in products used to treat hyperpigmentation. (Don’t know what hyperpigmentation is? Click here for a quick rundown). We are about to get a little science-y here; let’s get started!

As we know, hyperpigmentation is the darkening of pigmentation that collects in unwanted blotches on places such as the face. Don’t be fooled. Hyperpigmentation serves a purpose, the pigmentation is a result of your skin’s melanocyte cells pump out brown pigment because it is irritated and riled up by inflammation factors, like the sun, poking and squeezing the skin, estrogen, heat, or other free radicals. Thankfully, hyperpigmentation is both avoidable and treatable!

We will be discussing the following:

  • Retinoid Creams
  • Kojic Acid
  • Azeleic Acid
  • Sun Protection
  • Licorice Root
  • Vitamin C

Retinoid Cream

Retinoid Cream is a derivative of Vitamin A and is a champion at unclogging pores and evening out discoloration. A bonus? It can also reduce fine lines in the skin and smooth your complexion. What is the science/magic behind this Cream, you ask? Its pretty simple. Retinoid Cream causes cells to die and regenerate quickly, we call that “cell turnover,” and it can improve the look of your skin in as little as four weeks!

Kojic Acid

Kojic Acid is a byproduct of rice fermentaiton. It’s been proven to be effective at improving the appearance of inflammatory marks from acne. Kojic acid is an inhibitor for unwanted pigment and evens skin tones beautifully.

Azeleic Acid

Azeleic Acid is derived from grains like barley, wheat and rye. This powerhouse ingredient has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that not only clears bacteria that causes breakouts but is also a natural botanical brightener that addresses hyperpigmentation.

Sun Protection

We will never stop preaching the importance of sun protection out into the world. Men and women, old and young, should be applying SPF of at least 50 to their skin before facing every day. Sunscreens are the first line of defense from the harmful UV rays, so use it and let it soak in those sunbeams. We suggest adding a tinted SPF to your morning or a face moisturizer that includes SPF you apply before your makeup routine. Here’s a fun fact about the sun; Sunburns damage your skin’s very DNA, causes your skin to look prematurely aged, and increases your lifetime skin cancer risk. So, yeah, wear your sunscreen people!

Licorice Root

Licorice Root is another ingredient that can benefit anyone with hyperpigmentation. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that purify the skin from bacteria and protect from future damage. But more importantly, licorice root is another inhibitor against harmful ingredients. Ingredients such as glabridin, which accelerates the formation of dark spots.

Vitamin C

Last but not least, Vitamin C! We will be the first to say that Vitamin C is a gift from heaven itself. Let’s start by explaining that everything in this world is made up of atoms, and every atom includes pairs of electrons. If one of an atom’s electrons goes rogue, its what we call a “free radical.” These guys try to grab on to another atom, causing damage to the DNA of our skin cells, and resulting in dark blotchy spots. When Vitamin C is applied in the form of a serum, it gets to work, mending the destruction caused by these free radicals. It does a fabulous job of regenerating the skin cells and doubles as an antioxidant.

Now that you have the inside scoop on why these ingredients are imperative to the treatment of hyperpigmentation, let us at Revive point you in the right direction to get you the skin you love. Many of our favorite hyperpigmentation products combine these ingredients to give you the most powerful and worthy product for your skin.