Review of Targeted Skincare for Hyperpigmentation

I have dealt with hyperpigmentation since my teenage years. It was easier to get rid of my hyperpigmentation marks when I was younger as my skin turnover was very fast. But I picked my skin and this made new marks come up quickly. I stopped picking my skin and this helped reduce marks on my face however after acne mark appeared unfortunately, I was still left post hyperpigmentation mark to deal with I have tried a number of skincare which stated to specifically target hyperpigmentation and this is my thoughts on them.  I want to caveat that I used at least 4 of the products (Hada Labo Shirojyun Arbutin Whitening Lotion, The Ordinary, Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2%, Paula’s Choice, Discoloration Repair Serum and Clinique Even Better™ Clinical Radical Dark Spot Corrector + Interruptor)  a couple years ago, therefore the formula may have changed since then.

Eucerin Anti-Pigment Spot Corrector

This is a small serum that is only 5ml and is meant to be applied directly to the pigmentation marks rather than all over the placed. It has a wand applicator to help with this.  The key ingredient is thiamidol, which is stated to be Eucerin-patented ingredient and it sated took 10 years to develop. Eucerin state it is highly effective and is clinically and dermatologically proven to reduce dark spots and prevent their re-appearance. Other notable ingredients include alcohol denat and  glycerin.

When I applied it onto my skin I feel a sensation it didn’t cause irritation but defiantly felt some sensation. In additional it had a potent smell, which may be linked to the fact alcohol is the first ingredient in this serum. I would thereby advise to not put these close to your eyes. I used it for a about 4 weeks and applied directly over my marks. In the first week I did see my marks get lighter but after 4 weeks,  my marks get any lighter. Overall, I think was only effective for short amount of time and didn’t have much impact overall and would give this a 4 out 10.

Clinique Even Better Dark Spot Corrector Serum, now called Clinique Even Better Clinical Radical Dark Spot Corrector + Interruptor 

I used this a couple years ago when tit was called Even Better Dark Spot Corrector Serum. This is stated to be Dermatologist tested. Safe for sensitive skin. Allergy tested. 100% fragrance free. I can attest to fact this caused no irritation at all and it is by no surprise as I remember once a Clinique consultant informed me that when Clinique test products that even if only one person end up reacting to a product they would start from starch on reformulation of the product. 

Clinque state this product works to brighten, improve the look of dark spots, including post blemish marks and sun spots. This serum is made with CL302 Brightening Complex which Clinque attribute as a special formula they developed that contains vitamin C, salicylic acid, UP302 (dimethoxytolyl propylresorcinol): A targeted brightening molecule, glucosamine and yeast extract. It is advised to use this twice a day and apply all over the face.

I found this faded my hyperpigmentation by at least 70% and I have not found a serum that has worked as effective as this and still be gentle on my sensitive skin. The only issue is after using it for a couple of years I believe my skin got useed to the point it was no longer effective on my skin. So, I wouldn’t say it’s the product that was the issue rather I consider my skin got used to it that it wasn’t that effective anymore. I would recommend this to anyone looking to fade hyperpigmentation marks especially if you have sensitive. I would rate this 8 out of 10.

Rohto Mentholatum, Hada Labo Shirojyun Arbutin Whitening Lotion

This is a Japanese brand which is known for having formulas which are it simple but being effective, in other words not using any unnecessary ingredients that could cause irritation, sensitivity etc. They have a number of arbutin products so when buying just double check you are getting the right one. Other key ingredients apart from arbutin, include vitamin C, vitamin E, glycerin, squalene. Toner and lotion do not have the same meaning in Japanese skincare as Western skincare so you need to look into this before buying.

The Rohto Mentholatum – Hada Labo Shirojyun Arbutin Whitening Lotion didn’t cause any irritation but the smell was unbearable so I avoided applying this near my nose and after I did this it was fine. I used this 5 times a week at night for just over month. This made no difference to my hyperpigmentation my skin seemed a bit brighter the day after using it but that was it. I therefore give this a 5 out of 10.

Paula’s Choice, Discoloration Repair Serum

This is stated to help with evening skin tone and fade discolouration and spots. The key ingredients are 5% tranxemic acid, 5% niacinamide and 0.5% Bakuchiol. The tranexamic acid is stated to help with evening skin tone and dark spots, niacinamide helps with fading discolouration and bakuchiol targets causes of colour change.

It is advised to limit use of this to three time a week initially and then gradually increase to daily use and use SPF if applied during daytime and limit sun exposure as much as possible when using the product. This caused no irritation on my sensitive skin but overall it made no difference to my skin. I did not see any change to my skin at all. I would therefore give this 2/10 and this is me being generous as it didn’t irritate my skin.

The Ordinary, Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2%

This is stated to be a water free serum and this explains why when using it, it felt like a heavy oil and sticky but it does come with a pipette but I still found it hard to use. As the name suggests it contains 8% ascorbic acid and 2% alpha arbutin. The combination of vitamin C and alpha arbutin is stated to be able to assist with improving pigmentation and balancing uneven skin tone.

I applied this at night at least 5 times a week and I applied this for a couple of months or so, as I wanted to give it a chance to work. I really didn’t see this do much but it didn’t irritate my skin. Overall, it didn’t make any difference to my hyperpigmentation and I give it a 2 out of 10.

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