SKIN IN THE GAME

Olivia Petter tries out some hyperpigmentation products

Pigmentation is an increasingly common skin issue that can affect many people with different skin types. It can manifest in multiple ways, too, and while it might seem hard to pinpoint the cause at first, once identified, there are countless products out there designed to treat it.

According to the British Association of Dermatologists, some of the most common types of pigmentation are melasma, post-acne marks and solar lentigines. Melasma, also called “pregnancy mask”, is more usual in women and usually sees brown or greyish patches appearing on the face. It’s particularly common during pregnancy and is more common in people of colour or those who tan very quickly. However, it can affect anyone.

Meanwhile, post-acne marks are small, dark spots usually left behind once a blemish has healed. They are sometimes called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and can appear as reddish or brownish marks on the face. Solar lentigines are round, brown lesions that occur after UV exposure, and can be reduced or prevented by wearing a high SPF over your moisturiser.

Generally, the appearance of pigmentation can also be reduced by incorporating certain ingredients into your skincare regime, such as vitamin C, niacinamide, alpha-hydroxy acid and azelaic acid. Many of these feature in the products listed below, which range from serums to moisturisers.

Some will be better suited to your skin type – and type of pigmentation – than others, so it’s best to have a thorough read through the list of products and identify which would be better at reducing your specific type of pigmentation.

How we tested

To help you find the best solution for your skin, we’ve spent weeks putting toners, serums and moisturisers to the test, to find the most effective treatments, taking into account budgets big and small, as well as different skin types, from oily to dry. These are our top-rated picks.