How I address Hyperpigmentation!

I scar easily, even if I don’t get acne often nowadays. Still, hormonal acne and even inflammation alone can create dark spots for me, so I’ve developed my skincare routine around addressing this frequent issue. Below are some of the serums and add-ons that I incorporate into my usual routine.

First off, I use The Ordinary’s Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%. The Niacinamide provides not only moisture, but lightens dark spots, and the Zinc keeps the skin clean as a preventative measure against future acne.

Afterwards, I use a combination of Melano CC and The Ordinary’s Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%. Both products operate to lighten dark spots and even skin tone. Though I was apprehensive about using the widely popular Japanese skincare product Melano CC at first, due to its high concentration of fragrance, since it’s the only product with fragrance in my routine, I decided to implement it anyways. As for the Azelaic Acid, though The Ordinary’s mixture is known to be effective, it has a thick, dried play-dough consistency that makes it difficult to spread. Considering this, I use both products together. Since the Melano CC is a watery substance, I apply that first, then I apply the azelaic acid (almost like a spot treatment) immediately afterwards upon specific darkened areas. The acid spreads and absorbs much easier with the Melano CC base, mixing and melting into the skin quickly and effectively (in general though, its best to let each product/serum absorb completely into the skin before applying the next – expect for perhaps toners or a hyaluronic serum after washing one’s face).

Finally, if it’s the evening, I’ll apply The Ordinary’s Rosehip Oil once the above mixtures have absorbed into the skin. The rosehip oil not only nourishes the skin, but aids in evening skin tone. After applying, I always feel like I have a “rosehip” glow :).