Treating Hyperpigmentation With a Damaged Skin Barrier
How to Treat Hyperpigmentation With Super Sensitive Skin
My go-to piece of advice for people who are battling hyperpigmentation is to incorporate vitamin C and retinol serums into your routine. But, if you’re suffering from fungal acne or your skin barrier is barely hanging on by a thread, then this isn’t super helpful advice to hear. Here are some tips to gently treat hyperpigmentation:
1. Prioritize Skin Barrier Repair First
Before tackling hyperpigmentation, strengthen your skin with barrier-supporting ingredients:
Centella Asiatica – Soothes inflammation and helps with wound healing.
Niacinamide (5% or less) – Gently brightens while supporting the skin barrier.
Ceramides & Fatty Acids – Lock in moisture and prevent further irritation.
Squalane & Jojoba Oil – Non-comedogenic oils that help repair damaged skin.
*Try: KraveBeauty Great Barrier Relief Reparative, Skin-Soothing Serum
2. Choose Targeted Yet Gentle Hyperpigmentation Treatments
Once your skin is less inflamed, introduce these gentle but effective treatments:
Mederma Intensive Overnight Scar Cream – A great option for fading post-breakout marks, but only use it once the pimple has completely healed.
Turmeric Masks – Turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory and brightening agent. DIY your own (mix turmeric with yogurt or honey) or try gentle, sensitive-skin-friendly brands.
Azelaic Acid (10-20%) – Fights hyperpigmentation while being safe for compromised skin. It also helps with rosacea, acne, and fungal acne.
Mugwort & Green Tea Extracts – Great for soothing irritation while providing antioxidant protection.
3. Prevent Future Hyperpigmentation with Gentle Exfoliation
PHA & Lactic Acid – These mild exfoliants help fade discoloration without irritating sensitive skin. Use 1-2 times a week.
Enzyme-Based Exfoliants – Papaya and pumpkin enzymes are great alternatives to chemical exfoliants.
4. Protect Your Progress with Sunscreen
The most important step! No matter how good your routine is, hyperpigmentation won’t fade if you’re not wearing sunscreen daily.
Use SPF 50+ every morning.
Opt for mineral sunscreens if your skin is reactive.
Reapply every 2-3 hours, especially if you’re outside.
5. Address Hyperpigmentation from the Inside Out
Sometimes, treating hyperpigmentation requires more than just topical solutions. Consider:
Gut Health – Poor digestion can lead to inflammation and breakouts, making hyperpigmentation worse. Try incorporating more probiotics and fiber-rich foods into your diet.
Hydration – Dehydrated skin takes longer to heal, so up your water intake and eat more hydrating foods.
Antioxidant-Rich Diet – Vitamin C, zinc, and omega-3s all play a role in skin repair.
*Pro tip: Scroll to the bottom of the Winter Skincare guide for recommendations on what to eat for better skin
Healing hyperpigmentation takes time, but if you focus on barrier repair first, the results will come faster and last longer. Check out the sensitive skincare guide for more specific product recommendations to treat targeted problems.