SKINCARE ROUTINE FOR HYPERPIGMENTATION
Skincare is a long game. I used to look for, and fall for, marketing that promised immediate results, with products that couldn’t live up to those claims. Over time, I have learned to enjoy the process of skincare as a form of caring for myself- I enjoy taking out the time in my mornings and nights to apply my potions- and also to be patient with the formulas I am trusting to work on my skin.
My current routine has given me the best skin I’ve had in years, and has also taught me that you get so much more out of skincare when you are consistent and focus on product ingredients, rather than looking for quick fixes. I’m really excited to share these products with you so read on for my current favorites for my dry, textured, uneven skin.
SKINCARE PRODUCTS FOR
DRY SKIN, HYPERPIGMENTATION
1. CLEANSER
I generally go for cleansers that are soft, moisturizing, and gentle on the skin. Because my skin is quite dry, I don’t really enjoy that feeling of ‘squeaky clean’ skin where you feel stripped of all hydration. I have tried a few moisturizing cleansers over the years, but I think this one is my favorite so far. The La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Cleanser is a foaming gel cleanser that cleans your skin while adding in some great hydration.
I love that it leaves my skin clean and moisturized, and because of how much product you get in the bottle, it doesn’t hurt the pocket too much.
2. TONER
The Ren Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic is nothing short of a miracle product. It contains glycolic acid which is an effective chemical exfoliant. My skin is dry, and so I tend to develop patches of texture and unevenness. This product works basically overnight to correct roughness and dry patches. It’s even helped to even out my skin when I’ve had small rash-like breakouts on my forehead. If you have any concerns with skin texture, I highly recommend this product.
3. ESSENCE
I was first introduced to the world of essences through the brand Amore Pacific, and their Vintage Single Extract Essence is definitely a top skincare favorite of mine. It does come with a hefty price tag, so I wanted to find one that would give me similar benefits without leaving me destitute.
The Missha Time Revolution Essence came highly recommended and I decided to give it a try. So far, so good. I don’t think it’s as moisturizing or leaves my skin as plump as the Amore Pacific one, but it still works well and it’s a fair trade-off for the price difference.
4. SERUM
My skin scars incredibly easily. The minute I get any kind of a breakout, I can be certain it will leave a mark that feels impossible to fade. Over the years, I have tried a lot of different products to help my hyperpigmentation, and I’m currently using the Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum.
I was interested in this product because of the Tranexamic acid, which I have read works effectively to treat hyperpigmentation and scarring. It also contains Niacinamide which helps with skin texture and enlarged pores. So far, I do feel like I am seeing an improvement in my hyperpigmentation, although I want to give it some more time before I make a final verdict. What is undeniable, however, is the difference this product has made in the texture and dullness in my skin. My skin looks healthier, brighter, more refreshed since I added this into my routine.
5. RETINOL
Retinols are acclaimed in skincare for being the primary anti-aging ingredient. They are meant to increase cell turnover and stimulate collagen production which helps with your skin appearing plumper, healthier, and more youthful. They are most popular for being the wrinkle fighting ingredient, and I have to say I agree. I have a very animated face, and I have fine lines on my forehead that have certainly reduced in appearance since I began using this L’Oreal Revitalift Pure Retinol serum.
You do need to be careful about how you use retinols because they are so potent. You can start using them once or twice a week, only at night, and being sure to apply sunscreen the mornings after. You also don’t want to combine it with exfoliating serums or toners as that can sensitize or irritate your skin. It happened to me, and it took me a while to rebalance my skin from that.
But, used correctly, retinols are a powerhouse for healthy, lively looking skin.
6. SUNSCREEN
Probably the most important step in any skincare routine is sunscreen. I apply sunscreen as my morning moisturizer, and I especially like this Hawaiian Tropic Weightless Face Sunscreen because it is supremely moisturizing- almost too much sometimes. My dry skin really appreciates the rich cream and I love that it doesn’t leave a white or purple cast on my skin.
Sunscreen will protect you from skin cancer, preserve your efforts at fighting hyperpigmentation, and help prevent any spots you get from getting darker. Direct exposure to the sun will age your skin faster than anything else, so be sure to protect it
My nightly, and sometimes daily, cream is the Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream. I love that it’s lightweight but so so moisturizing. The texture is really thin and it spreads on the skin and sinks in really easily. I love to apply it as a primer before makeup if I already have sunscreen on, and I use it every night to seal in my serums and toners.
These products have improved the look, feel and integrity of my skin and I honestly can’t recommend them enough. But, remember, skincare is all about progression, patience, and consistency.
