Listed below are some of the products that should be a non-negotiable routine of your everyday skincare regime, if dealing with hyperpigmentation and associated dark spots, blemishes, and age spots.

1. Cleansers for pigmentation
   Start your day by cleansing your face with lukewarm water. Look out for the following ingredients to lighten dark spots and pigmentation marks-
   • AHAs- They fundamentally work by increasing skin cell renewal and are scientifically known to treat hyperpigmentation marks, acne pits, age spots, dark spots and melasma.
   • Vitamin C- Cleansers enriched with Vitamin C prevent melanin production and lightens dark spots, brown patches, and acne pits.
2. Toners for pigmentation and dark spots
   Owing to state-of-the-art formulations, there are toners that target specific skin conditions like hyperpigmentation, dark spots, uneven skin tone, and even premature wrinkling. A definite go-for product would be an alcohol-free vitamin C-enriched face toner with the following ingredients-
   • Witch Hazel Extract- Reduces acne breakouts, blemishes, and scars.
   • Allantoin- Helps remove fine lines, dark patches, and acne scars
3. Moisturisers for hyperpigmentation
   Go for moisturisers enriched with skin barrier-repairing ingredients that retain moisture content and help lighten age spots and pigmentation. An effective skin radiance cream for hyperpigmentation and dark spots with the following ingredients can be helpful-
   • White curcumin- Curcumin is a natural antioxidant with anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties. It also effectively treats hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and blemishes inflamed skin by inhibiting melanin generation.
   • Ceramides I, III, and VI: This combination of ceramides collectively strengthens the skin barrier, regenerates skin cells and increases the skin's defence against environmental aggressors and allergies.
4. Sunscreens for age spots and PIH
   Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen holds the potential to protect the skin against UV rays by absorbing, reflecting, or scattering sunlight. It plays a crucial role in treating sun-induced discoloration, freckles, brown patches, and age spots.
   Checklist for sunscreen
   • PA+++, Broad Spectrum, and SPF 50
   • Water Resistant and Oxybenzone free
   • Enriched with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide
   • Enriched with ingredients like Caprylic Capric Triglyceride, Eurol Bt, Vit E and Aloe vera extract
   • Non-comedogenic

You can even opt for a Sun CC cream with similar properties that not only just give a tint but also hydrates and gives optimum sun protection.

Dark, uneven, thickened skin patches around the neck, knees, elbows and underarms are triggered by a variety of factors that include, skin disorders, sun exposure, build up of dead skin cells, excessive melanin production, and unsuitable skin care products. Another factor factor for uneven/darkened skin tone is lack of skin hydration. Dehydrated skin leads to dullness, itchiness and blotchy skin.

However, with futuristic formulations, there are skin care products that are particularly tailored to treat these stubborn dark patches of skin and help restore normal skin tone and texture.

Look for the following ingredients to attain visible change-

• Mucor miehei extract- Known to contain components like Kojic acid, gallic acid, and benzoic acid, all known as natural skin-lightening agents. It also helps in flushing out dead skin cells and regenerating new skin cells imparting a clearer, brighter, and softer skin tone.
• Pentylene glycol- It is an efficient moisturising agent and humectant that helps retain the moisture content of the skin and lessen the appearance of dark spots and pigmentation marks. Moreover, it provides a supple, firm and hydrated skin texture.
• Bellis perennis (daisy) flower extract- It effectively induces a reduction in melanocytes and thereby lightening dark spots, and acne pits and providing an even-toned and luminous skin appearance.
• Physalis angulata extract- It is rich in antioxidants and has a strong soothing impact on the skin, making it highly suitable for acne-prone and sensitive skin.
• Madecassoside: It boosts the skin's normal production of hyaluronic acid, improving skin hydration and reducing free radical damage. It also helps attenuate inflammation, boosts collagen, and lightens dark spots.