11 Apr The 10 Best Creams For Pigmentation & Dark Spots in Australia
Are you experiencing pigmentation and dark spots on your skin? You’re not alone. These skin concerns can be caused by a variety of factors, including sun damage, hormonal changes, and ageing.
Fortunately, there are plenty of creams available in Australia that can help reduce the appearance of pigmentation and dark spots. In this article, we’ll delve deeper into what pigmentation is, the main causes of hyperpigmentation and walk you through some of the best creams for pigmentation and dark spots available in Australia.
What you’ll learn:
- What is hyperpigmentation & dark spots?
- What are the causes of pigmentation?
- How can you help fade pigmentation & dark spots?
- What ingredients to look for in a cream targeting pigmentation?
- How do I apply pigmentation cream?
- Best cream for pigmentation in Australia
- Pigmentation & Dark Spots Cream FAQS
So, what actually is hyperpigmentation & dark spots?
Hyperpigmentation and dark spots are common cosmetic concerns for some people. Hyperpigmentation refers to the excess production of melanin in certain parts of the skin, leading to darker scars or spots. Dark spots, also known as age spots or liver spots, are a type of hyperpigmentation that commonly occur in areas of the skin that are frequently exposed to the sun, such as the face, hands, and arms. These spots are typically brown, black, or grey in colour and can vary in size and shape.
What are the causes of pigmentation?
Here are some common causes of pigmentation:
- Sun damage: Exposing to Ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause your skin to produce more melanin, which can result in darker skin and the formation of sunspots, freckles, or hyperpigmentation.
- Ageing: As we age, our skin may develop age spots or other discolourations due to a combination of genetics and other factors.
- Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes, such as those that occur during pregnancy or menopause, can cause pigmentation changes in the skin.
- Genetics: Some people may be genetically predisposed to having more or less melanin in their skin, which can lead to varying levels of pigmentation in the skin.
- Inflammatory skin conditions: Certain skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, or acne, can lead to hyperpigmentation or an increase in melanin production in the affected area.
How can you help fade pigmentation & dark spots?
There are some ways to help fade pigmentation and dark spots including using skincare products with ingredients like retinol, vitamin C, and hydroquinone. Wearing sunscreen daily, exfoliating regularly, and avoiding picking at or squeezing blemishes can also assist in reducing the amount of hyperpigmentation on the skin. It is also important to maintain a healthy skincare routine and consult with a dermatologist for personalised advice and treatment options.
Not sure what products to opt for? Don’t panic; keep reading to learn more about our recommended products specifically designed to minimise the appearance of pigmentation and dark spots.
What skincare ingredients should you look for in a cream targeting pigmentation?
When looking for a cream targeting pigmentation, there are several ingredients to look for that can help fade dark spots and even out skin tone. Here are some of the most effective ingredients:
- Retinol: A derivative of Vitamin A and is known to increase cell turnover and promote the production of new skin cells and reduce dark spots.
- Vitamin C: An antioxidant that can help brighten the skin and fade dark spots. It works by inhibiting the production of melanin and promoting collagen synthesis. It can also protect your skin from environmental damage caused by UV rays and pollution.
- Glycolic Acid: An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that can help exfoliate the skin and remove dead skin cells. This can improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of dark spots.
- Niacinamide: Also known as vitamin B3, this ingredient can help brighten the skin and improve skin texture. Niacinamide inhibits the transfer of melanin to the skin’s surface, which can help fade dark spots.
- Kojic acid: A natural skin lightener derived from mushrooms. Kojic acid inhibits the production of melanin and can help fade dark spots and even out skin tone.
How do I apply pigmentation cream?
The application of pigmentation cream may vary based on the specific product and its instructions. In general, these are the main steps to follow:
Step 1: Cleanse
To prepare the skin to be able to fully absorb the benefits of your pigmentation cream we need to firstly cleanse the skin.
Step 2: Apply Pigmentation Cream
Apply a small amount of the pigmentation cream onto the affected areas, using your fingertips. Gently massage the cream into the skin and allow it to absorb fully for a few minutes before layering with other skincare products.
Step 3: Hydrate
Follow up with any other hydrating skincare that are in your skincare routine to prevent dryness such as a hydrating mist.
Step 4: Protect
If you apply the pigmentation cream during the day, always remember to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to protect your skin from further damage from our harsh UV rays in Australia.
Best Creams For Pigmentation & Dark Spots in Australia
Pigmentation or dark spots are nobody’s best friend. Whichever kind of pigmentation you battle with, there are some ways to tackle the problem. One of them is through treatment cream. Let us fight those spots with some of our recommended pigmentation creams available in Australia below!
Best Overall Cream For Pigmentation
Clearly Corrective Brightening & Smoothing Moisture Treatment
Kiehl’s
Formulated with glycolic acid, white birch extract, and activated C (stabilised form of Vitamin C), this pigmentation cream moisturiser from Kiehl’s works to reduce hyperpigmentation while also adding clarity and brightness onto your skin. Moreover, this cream is infused with intense hydration that will keep your skin hydrated for up to 24 hours!
Best Drugstore Cream For Pigmentation
Glycolic Bright Glowing Day Cream SPF15
L’oreal Paris
L’oreal Paris’ Glycolic Day Cream brings the benefits of a facial peel and helps brighten and reduce dark spots and pigmentation on the skin. The hydrating day cream layers well under makeup and contains SPF 15, making it a suitable everyday cream that you can easily find in drugstores Australia-wide!
Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%
The Ordinary
This water-free serum from The Ordinary is another great yet affordable pick to reduce hyperpigmentation! Containing direct Vitamin C and hyaluronic acid, this serum helps to brighten the skin and balance out hyperpigmentation while also reducing signs of ageing. This cream also costs less than $13 AUD making it the most affordable pigmentation cream on this list.
Best Vitamin C Creams For Pigmentation
Radian-C Cream
Laneige
Suitable for all skin types, this gentle day cream from Laneige brings noticeable brightening effects and a more even complexion. Formulated with Laneige’s Radian-C Superblend that contains Vitamin C, Melasolv, and Vitamin E, this hydrating Vitamin C pigmentation cream can help decrease dullness and dark spots in just three days!
Clarifique Milky Day Cream
Lancome
With the combination of Vitamin C derivative and niacinamide, Lancome’s Clarifique Milky Day Cream helps to brighten the skin, delivering a more radiant and even skin tone. Formulated with regenerating ingredients, this plumping day cream also assists in hydrating and improving the skin’s natural renewal process making this one of the best creams for pigmentation.
Best Glycolic Acid Creams for Pigmentation
Vinoperfect Dark Spot Correcting Glycolic Night Cream
Caudalie
Caudalie’s Glycolic Night Cream works as a gentle overnight peel where the AHA formula works overnight to brighten, renew the skin, and reduce dark spots which makes this a great anti-pigmentation cream. This product is one of the best glycolic acid pigmentation creams as it hydrates, restores radiance and leaves a healthy glow onto your skin in the coming morning!
T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum
Drunk Elephant
Drunk Elephant’s T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum is an exfoliating night serum that helps to fade skin pigmentation, smooth lines and wrinkles whilst also unclogging pores. With ingredients such as AHA and salicylic acid, this night serum helps refine your skin complexion into a smooth and radiant glow by morning. A tingling sensation can be felt upon the first few applications, but you can mix it with oils or moisturisers to soften the tingle!
Best Retinol Night Cream for Pigmentation
Retinol 0.5 Anti Ageing Night Cream
Skinceuticals
With a high concentration of pure retinol, Skinceuticals’ Retinol Night Cream helps to visibly diminish the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation without irritating the skin. This concentrated retinol night cream for pigmentation is also suitable for acne-prone skin which can help reduce blemishes and breakouts.
Hello Results Wrinkle Reducing Daily Retinol Serum-in-Cream
IT Cosmetics
Suitable for all skin types, IT Cosmetics’ Retinol Serum-in-Cream is a great night pigmentation cream that helps reduce fine lines, and wrinkles while also firming the skin through strengthening the skin barrier. With Niacinamide, Vitamin B5 and E as part of their formula, this cream provides hydration and produces a more even skin complexion.
Best Eye Cream for Pigmentation
Pigmentclar Anti-pigmentation Eye Cream
La Roche Posay
Enriched with PhE-Resorcinol and caffeine, La Roche Posay’s Anti-pigmentation Eye Cream helps to brighten the eye-contour area—targeting the dark brown and blue circles around it. With light-reflecting pigment, the eye-cream helps to illuminate the eye contour skin, refreshen the area, and improve the complexion.
Pigmentation & Dark Spots Cream FAQS
What can worsen pigmentation?
Pigmentation, or the appearance of dark spots on your skin, can be worsened by a number of factors:
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- Skin damage from prolonged sun exposure is one of the main causes of increased pigmentation – UV exposure causes an overproduction of melanin and results in darkening or discoloration. Taking measures such as avoiding direct sun exposure and using a good sunscreen daily are necessary for healthy skin that reduces pigmentation.
- Hormonal imbalances, such as those experienced during pregnancy, also lead to increased pigmentation.
- Genetics play a role in skin pigmentation; some people are predisposed to hyperpigmented areas which may become darker when exposed to other sources of discoloration.
- Finally, certain medication can interfere with the skin’s natural process for maintaining even melatonin levels, resulting in increased hyperpigmentation.
Are there any ingredients to avoid in creams for hyperpigmentation?
There are some ingredients to avoid in cream for hyperpigmentation, especially if you have sensitive skin. For example, parabens, fragrances, mercury and Corticosteroids, etc.
When choosing a cream for hyperpigmentation, keep in mind to read the label and avoid any ingredients that may cause skin irritation or sensitivity. If you have sensitive prone skin or are unsure about a particular ingredient, it’s best to consult with a dermatologist before committing to a new product.
How often should you use a pigmentation cream?
The usage of pigmentation cream depends on the specific product and its instructions. It is important to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer or a dermatologist to avoid overuse or underuse of the cream.
Generally, pigmentation creams are used once or twice daily, but it is best to consult with a professional for personalised guidance.
New users to skincare ingredients like retinol may want to start off with trialling a retinol product once every four nights. Then gradually increase to every two nights and eventually every night once the skin is accustomed to the ingredient.
Perfecting your complexion is a combination of proper skincare, a healthy lifestyle and can also be assisted by topical pigmentation creams.
The creams featured above all use targeted active ingredients formulated specifically to help target hyperpigmentation and dark spots.
Achieving glowing skin starts by testing what works for your own individual skin type and skin concerns. Let us know what you think is the best pigmentation cream in Australia and if you’ve tested any from our curated list!
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