Chances are we’ve either dealt with our own hyperpigmentation or know someone who has struggled with the skin condition. Well, I have great news for you! The recent rise of Korean skincare products has done wonders for all skin tones suffering from hyperpigmentation. The Korean beauty industry has made it a point to cater to a wider variety of different and darker skin tones compared to the other beauty industries around the world.
Did you know that the average woman spends about $250,000 on skincare in her lifetime? If you’re going to invest that much into your looks, then you should only have the best! With that being said, what actually causes hyperpigmentation? And how exactly can Korean skincare products specifically aid in getting rid of hyperpigmentation for good?
Let’s take a look at some of the best Korean skincare products on the market for hyperpigmentation.
What Is Hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is a common and mostly harmless skin condition affecting about five million Americans, according to the International Dermal Institute. The condition occurs when an area of the skin is darker than the rest of the body. This is the result of an excess in melanin — the natural pigment that determines skin, hair, and eye color — and frequently appears on the face, hands, and other parts of the body regularly exposed to sunlight. There are many reasons that hyperpigmentation can occur in the body. The condition can be the result of a hormone imbalance, pregnancy, menopause, birth control, acne, and the most common which is UV Rays. Coming in a close second is inflammation from acne and pimples, especially on darker skin tones. That’s why I make sure to do everything I can to take care of my acne-prone skin since hyperpigmentation is more prone to darker skin tones due to the increase of melanin in the skin.
Why Korean Skincare?
I can’t tell you how important it is to develop a skincare routine. I don’t know what I’d do without my essentials! Not only is having a skincare routine an important part of self-care now, but your future self will be so grateful once you get older (or seasoned, I like to say lol). That’s why Korean skincare is so good! The Korean skincare industry is known for preventing skin concerns such as hyperpigmentation before they even occur while still using natural ingredients. That’s one of the many reasons that Korean skincare is becoming more popular among those with darker skin tones.
Key Ingredients To Add To Your Skincare Routine
So what should you look for in your Korean skincare products to get rid of hyperpigmentation? You need ingredients that “will act as suppressors, faders and skin brighteners to inhibit the melanocyte cell from producing and distributing melanin into the skin,” according to Dija Ayodele, skin specialist and founder of the Black Skin Directory. These include:
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Glycolic Acid
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Nicotinamide
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Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)
Cleanser
Ascorbic Acid is used as a strong antioxidant that helps in neutralizing free radicals of the skin. Which is a fancy way to say that it regulates the production of melanin on the skin. Not only will this help to combat hyperpigmentation, but it also does wonders to diminish the signs of aging. Try BANILA CO Clean It Zero Original Cleansing Balm with active botanicals and hot spring water, to rejuvenate the skin cells.
Toner
Glycolic Acid is a must-have ingredient for battling hyperpigmentation. This popular Korean skincare component is used to break the bond between the outer layer of skin cells which has predominantly dead skin cells. The light peel will leave your skin feeling soft and looking glowy. Try The Good Acids Pore Toner to moisturize and even your skin tone at the same time.
Serum
Niacinamide works to suppress the melanosome transfer from melanocytes to keratinocytes. This means instead of preventing the production of melanin, niacinamide inhibits the transfer of melanin to the skin cells. Try Cos De BAHA Niacinamide Serum which is described as The Korean version of The Ordinary!
Sunscreen
The last Korean skincare product has the most effective element of them all SPF. Harmful UV Rays are the number one cause of hyperpigmentation, which is why you MUST HAVE an amazing sunscreen. The easiest way to protect yourself is to use sunscreen every day. Try NEOGEN DERMATOLOGY DAY-LIGHT PROTECTION SUNSCREEN SPF 50+/PA+++ which will moisturize and hydrate your skin while shielding you from UVA/UVB Rays.
Have you tried any of these Korean skincare products to fight hyperpigmentation? Let me know!
