Get started with the Hyperpigmentation & Dark Spot Reduction Routine
An active routine to help reduce and prevent Hyperpigmentation and Dark spots
Who is the Hyperpigmentation Routine for?
Our Hyperpigmentation Routine is for anyone looking to reduce and prevent mild to moderately-severe hyperpigmentation and dark spots. This routine is suitable for keeping skin clean, healthy, and protected to provide a solid foundation for preventing discoloration.
The Hyperpigmentation Routine is focused solely on topical skin care. While we don’t have any issue with laser, IPL, or clinical treatments like chemical peels, we believe a good topical routine can help reduce existing hyperpigmentation and prevent new discoloration from forming.
It’s helpful to know your skin type when starting a routine. Here’s how to determine yours if you’re not sure:
Start Here: The Hyperpigmentation Routine Shopping List
As melasma and discoloration sufferers ourselves, we have tried dozens of products and routines geared at reducing and preventing hyperpigmentation. The shopping list below contains our absolute favorites that have worked time and time again, selected by the For Skin team, skin care experts, dermatologists, and clinicians. Don’t worry, we’ll also include some alternatives that we love to suit various budgets and needs. In the next step, we’ll show you how to organize everything into a routine.
An antioxidant vitamin C serum that protects against free radicals, reduces signs of aging, and decreases hyperpigmentation. This is the gold standard vitamin C serum backed by clinical research for proven results Show me alternatives.
The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA
This arbutin serum, which contains lactic and hyaluronic acid for deeper penetration, gently and rapidly reduces hyperpigmentation. Show me alternatives.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
A ceramide-based moisturizer that plumps and hydrates skin. A little bit goes a long way. Show me alternatives.
Double Cleanse Step 1: A gentle oil-based cleanser that's fantastic for removing waterproof SPF, makeup, and grime. Show me alternatives.
CETAPHIL Daily Facial Cleanser
Double Cleanse Step 2: A gentle foaming cleanser that clears away any residue without over-stripping the skin. Show me alternatives.
Paula's Choice BOOST 10% Azelaic Acid Booster Cream Gel
Azelaic acid compounded with licorice root and salicylic acid helps reduce redness and decrease the appearance of dark spots. Show me alternatives.
A prescription topical retinoid that encourages cell turnover to speed the process of healing hyperpigmentaion. Show me alternatives.
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5
An occlusive buffer used around the eyes and nostrils to prevent tretinoin irritation while rejuvenating the skin. Show me alternatives.
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40
An oil-free, lightweight and clear sunscreen that has a velvet matte finish making it a perfect makeup primer or elegant on its own. Show me alternatives.
La Roche-Posay Glycolic B5 Serum
Packed with pigmentation-fighting ingredients like tranexamic acid and kojic acid and paired with resurfacing glycolic acid, this serum provides support for reversing the appearance of existing dark spots. Show me alternatives.
The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane
A lightweight plant-derived oil that supports healthy hydration for a glowing finish. Show me alternatives.
Get Prescription Tretinoin Delivered
The core element of the Layer Hyperpigmentation Routine is prescription topical tretinoin. Don’t worry if you can’t get in with a dermatologist though, we’ve got you covered! With prescriptions powered by Medzino, Inc, simply fill out a questionnaire to be reviewed by a clinician and get tretinoin delivered to your door!
If tretinoin isn’t right for you, we’ve also got you covered! Check out our OTC alternatives.
The Hyperpigmentation Routine
This routine utilizes a few active ingredients to target and fight hyperpigmentation and dark spots. Because these ingredients can be irritating when overused, we have divided this routine. While every morning will be the same, you will have three different evening routines: Tretinoin nights, chemical exfoliant nights, and rest nights. This is a practice called “Skin Cycling” that prevents your skin from getting overwhelmed while still actively treating your hyperpigmentation. We have provided recommended days of the week to simplify the process.
Morning Routine
Rinse your face with lukewarm water and massage with a microfiber cloth then pat dry with a towel
Apply 3-5 drops SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
Apply 3-5 drops The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA
Apply La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
Apply Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40
Evening Routine: Tretinoin Nights
Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays
Double cleanse step one: Massage Inkey List Oat Balm Cleanser into damp skin with microfiber cloth and rinse completely
Double cleanse step two: Massage CETAPHIL Daily Facial Cleanser into skin then rinse completely. Gently dry skin with a towel.
Apply a pea-sized amount of Paula's Choice BOOST 10% Azelaic Acid Booster Cream Gel to the face
Apply La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 buffer around the eyes and nostrils
Apply a pea-sized amount of tretinoin to the skin
Apply La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
Evening Routine: Exfoliation Nights
Mondays, Wednesdays
Double cleanse step one: Massage Inkey List Oat Balm Cleanser into damp skin with microfiber cloth and rinse completely
Double cleanse step two: Massage CETAPHIL Daily Facial Cleanser into skin then rinse completely. Gently dry skin with a towel.
Apply a pea-sized amount of Paula's Choice BOOST 10% Azelaic Acid Booster Cream Gel to the face
Apply 3-5 drops La Roche-Posay Glycolic B5 Serum
Apply La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
Evening Routine: Rest Nights
Fridays, Saturdays
Double cleanse step one: Massage Inkey List Oat Balm Cleanser into damp skin with microfiber cloth and rinse completely
Double cleanse step two: Massage CETAPHIL Daily Facial Cleanser into skin then rinse completely. Gently dry skin with a towel.
Apply a pea-sized amount of Paula's Choice BOOST 10% Azelaic Acid Booster Cream Gel to the face
Apply La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
Apply 3-5 drops The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane
The Hyperpigmentation Routine Extra Mile
In addition to the core hyperpigmentation routine, here are a few items to help you go the extra mile in your treatment and prevention journey.
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Wide Brim Hat
Truly, the best way to heal and prevent hyperpigmentation is to avoid UV exposure during peak hours as much as possible. Wearing a sun blocking hat is one of the best ways to help your SPF go the extra mile. Bonus for being fashionable!
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Ebanel Exfoliating Peeling Gel
When using tretinoin and chemical exfoliants, it’s not uncommon to have some peeling and flaking of the skin. This gentle cellulose peel can be used as needed in the morning to sweep up any dead skin for a smooth finish.
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Kitsch Satin Pillowcase
A satin pillowcase has many benefits for hair and skin. Plus, it’s helpful to have dedicated bedding that you’re ok exposing to active skin care ingredients that have the possibility of bleaching, such as benzoyl peroxide.
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Microfiber Cloths
These gentle cloths help in the cleansing process. They’re great for removing makeup without aggravating the skin. We recommend using a fresh one daily and laundering frequently with gentle detergent.
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Sweatbands
Sweatbands aren’t just for the gym. They’re actually our favorite way to keep water from running down our arms when cleansing and to keep product out of our hair when applying. Get a matching headband and wrist band set and launder weekly.
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Continuous Spray Bottle
Sometimes you just need a little splash of water. Giving your moisturizer a little hydration boost with a fine mist of filtered water is a great way to get the most out of your routine. A gentle continuous sprayer makes it easy.
Shop Our Alternate Picks
Sometimes the stuff we love goes out of stock. Or perhaps you’re looking for more budget-friendly options, or maybe you want to splurge! Whatever the case, we’ve got you covered. Here are some of our alternate products for the ones recommended in the Hyperpigmentation Routine. These can be subbed into the schedule easily, just be sure to read the directions prior to use.
