Hyperpigmentation

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) results from inflammation or trauma to the skin, such as acne, a burn, or a cut. It tends to respond well to topical actives over time. Melasma is a hormonally driven condition causing symmetrical darker patches, most commonly on the cheeks, forehead, and upper lip. It is more resistant to treatment, often recurs, and requires long-term management rather than a one-off course of treatment.

Visible fading of PIH typically takes 8 to 12 weeks of consistent use. Melasma often takes longer, and results may be partial rather than complete. Sun spots from UV damage can respond within 8 to 16 weeks depending on depth. The biggest factor affecting speed of improvement is daily SPF use. Without it, new pigmentation forms continuously and offsets progress.

Yes, though darker skin tones are more prone to PIH and therefore often benefit most from a consistent brightening routine. The same ingredients work across all skin tones, but gentler options (niacinamide, alpha arbutin, tranexamic acid) carry a lower risk of causing reactive pigmentation in darker skin. Irritating concentrations of kojic acid or aggressive exfoliation should be approached more carefully in melanin-rich skin.

Several commonly used brightening ingredients are considered low risk in pregnancy, including niacinamide, azelaic acid, and vitamin C. Kojic acid, hydroquinone, and high-concentration exfoliants are typically avoided as a precaution. Melasma that develops in pregnancy ('the mask of pregnancy') sometimes fades naturally postpartum, though it can persist. Always check with a GP or dermatologist before continuing active skincare during pregnancy.

Yes. UV exposure is the primary trigger for melanin overproduction. Without daily SPF, the melanocytes responsible for the dark spots continue to be stimulated by daylight, producing new pigment faster than brightening actives can fade existing marks. SPF is the foundation that makes a brightening routine work, not an optional addition.