Combination and discoloration are common skin concerns that can arise from various factors, including lifestyle choices, sun exposure, hormonal changes, and the use of certain medications123. Whether you’re dealing with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from acne, sun spots, or melasma, it's essential to adopt a targeted skincare approach that promotes an even skin tone and restores your skin's natural radiance45.
With combination skin, the concerns are minimal, but it’s ideal to adapt to a routine that will keep your skin bright and protected from damaging UV rays that can lead to discoloration—especially in older years when melanin production becomes more irregular and skin renewal slows down67.
In this guide, I will provide you with a comprehensive breakdown of product recommendations designed to effectively address discoloration and combination skin. You'll find a curated selection of cleansers, serums, and treatments that specifically target dark spots and uneven skin tone. Additionally, I'll share practical tips to help you prevent further discoloration and highlight the importance of sun protection and consistent skincare routines.
The following list of products is handpicked by me with a deep look into ingredients and the effectiveness of each product chosen.
COMBINATION & HYPERPIGMENTATION SKIN
Recommended routine: Brightening ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, retinoids, gentle exfoliants, and diligent SPF usage.
- AM Routine:
- Cleanser: Look for cleansers containing ingredients like vitamin C, licorice root or niacinamide to promote skin brightening. Recommended product: SKIND by Nadia Vitamin C Cleanser
- Toner: Look for toners containing ingredients like glycolic acid or witch hazel to exfoliate and refine the skin's texture. Recommended product: SKIND by Nadia Vitamin C Toner
- Serum: Choose a serum with a stable form of vitamin C, such as ascorbic acid or tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate. Recommended product: SKIND by Nadia Niacinamide Vitamin Boost Serum
- Moisturizer: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher daily to protect your skin from harmful UV rays and prevent further darkening of hyperpigmentation. Recommended product: Moika Whitening Sunscreen SPF 50
- PM Routine:
- Cleanser: Start with an oil-based cleanser to dissolve makeup and excess oil, followed by a gentle foaming or cream cleanser to cleanse the skin without stripping its natural moisture. Recommended product: SKIND by Nadia Makeup Remover Solution & Natural Soap Fresh Turmeric
- Exfoliant: Incorporate a gentle chemical exfoliant containing alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) to promote cell turnover, fade hyperpigmentation, and improve skin texture. Recommended product: The Ordinary Glycolic Acid Pads 20% Treatment (use 3-4 times per week)
- Facial Mask (Weekly): Treat your skin to a brightening sheet mask infused with ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, or licorice extract to hydrate the skin and fade hyperpigmentation. Recommended product: Centella Vitamin C Collagen Face Mask
- Serum: Apply a brightening serum containing ingredients like niacinamide, glycolic acid, licorice extract, or alpha arbutin to target hyperpigmentation and promote a more even skin tone. Recommended product: SKIND by Nadia Glycolic Acid Serum
- Moisturizer: Finish your evening routine with a nourishing night cream or moisturizer containing ingredients like peptides, antioxidants, or ceramides to support overnight repair and renewal. Recommended product: SKIND by Nadia Embrace Collagen Moisturizer
Skin Tip: Alternate brightening and barrier-repair serums to avoid over-exfoliating.
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