Hyperpigmentation: why dark spots appear and how to keep your tone even

Why does hyperpigmentation appear?

Skin gets its colour from the pigment melanin. When one area produces more of it than the skin around it, a darker spot forms there. The most common causes are:

• Sun. UV light makes skin produce pigment, and over the years sun spots can appear, especially on the face, hands and décolletage.
• Hormonal changes. During pregnancy, for example, larger darker areas can appear on the cheeks and forehead.
• Blemish marks. After a spot has healed, a darker mark may stay on the skin and fade over time.

If a spot changes shape, colour or size, show it to a doctor.

What can you do in your daily routine?

The most important step is sunscreen, because the sun is the most common cause of hyperpigmentation. Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Rice + Probiotics is a light, creamy 50 ml sunscreen with SPF50+ and PA++++, which means high protection against both UVB and UVA rays.

The second step is care that supports an even-toned complexion. Here are three ingredients found in Medicube products:

• Vitamin C and alpha-arbutin. The golden capsules of Deep Vita C Capsule Cream hold stabilized liposomal vitamin C, and the gel contains alpha-arbutin and ferulic acid. The cream gives a more radiant, even-looking complexion.
• Kojic acid and turmeric. In the Kojic Acid Turmeric gel mask, kojic acid targets glass glow and smooth skin, while turmeric targets uneven-looking skin.
• Niacinamide. You will find it in both products and in the pink gel mask, where it supports smoother skin and a more even tone.

We cover this vitamin B3 form in more detail in our post on niacinamide.

How do you build your routine?

Morning: cleanser, toner, serum, vitamin C cream and finally sunscreen. Mix the capsules and gel of Deep Vita C Capsule Cream on your palm: more gel gives a lighter feel, more capsules more hydration.

Evening: cleanser, toner, serum and cream. Once or twice a week, or whenever you want extra care, add a gel mask. Keep Kojic Acid Turmeric on for 1–3 hours until it turns transparent, or leave it on overnight. The pink PDRN Pink Collagen Gel Mask needs 3–4 hours and can also be worn overnight.

A more even complexion does not happen in one evening. Use the products you choose consistently and wear sunscreen every day. You will also find creams with sun protection among our day creams.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need sunscreen in winter too?

Yes, if you want to keep your complexion even. UV light reaches the skin on cloudy days too, so sunscreen is the last step of the morning routine all year round.

Can I use the vitamin C cream in the evening?

Yes. Deep Vita C Capsule Cream suits both morning and evening care, after serum.

What exactly is a dark spot?

Hyperpigmentation is the broader term for all darker areas of the skin, and a pigment spot is one such area. You can see all of Medicube’s products on the Medicube page.