Hyperpigmentation Support
How to Choose the Right Hyperpigmentation Support
(Based on Your Skin’s Needs)
Important note:
Hyperpigmentation responds best when skin is calm and supported. Stronger is not always better.
At YBON, we focus on calming inflammation, supporting the skin barrier, and choosing actives that work with your skin — not against it.
How to Layer for Best Results
Order matters more than intensity.
Cleanse gently
Apply a water-based serum (licorice + niacinamide for calming)
Follow with a treatment oil or cream (vitamin C oil or barrier cream)
Sunscreen (AM)
Hyperpigmentation improves when skin feels safe.
Before You Choose an Active, Know This
Tingling or burning does not mean better results
Darker skin tones are more prone to rebound pigmentation
Calming inflammation often fades discoloration faster than aggressive exfoliation
🌿 FACE: What Does Your Skin Feel Like?
My skin feels sensitive, reactive, or easily irritated
Tight, itchy, or burning
Darkens after products or treatments
History of eczema or over-exfoliation
Start with:
✔ Licorice Root + Barrier Support
✔ Niacinamide (low–moderate)
Why:
Calming inflammation prevents hyperpigmentation before it deepens.
My skin has uneven tone but feels calm
No stinging
No active breakouts
Mild discoloration or dullness
Best option:
✔ Vitamin C (Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate)
✔ Support with hydration + barrier care
Why:
Supports gradual brightness without disrupting the skin barrier.
I have dark marks + texture or breakouts
Acne marks
Bumps or clogged pores
Rough texture
Best option:
✔ Azelaic Acid (targeted use)
Why:
Improves both texture and discoloration while calming inflammation.
Tip: Start as a treatment, not full-face daily use.
My skin keeps getting darker no matter what I use
Products seem to work, then tone worsens
Skin reacts easily
Reset with:
✔ Hydrating serum
✔ Barrier repair cream
Why:
A compromised barrier can cause hyperpigmentation. Calm comes first.
🌿 BODY: Where Is the Discoloration?
Underarms, inner thighs, neck, or folds
Friction or shaving-related darkening
Skin feels sensitive
Best option:
✔ Licorice Root + Barrier Support
✔ Gentle exfoliation only
Why:
Friction-related pigmentation is inflammation-driven, not melanin overload.
Butt, thighs, or areas with bumps
Ingrowns or folliculitis
Post-acne dark spots
Best option:
✔ Azelaic Acid (spot or targeted use)
Why:
Addresses bumps, bacteria, and discoloration together.
Knees, elbows, or long-term dull tone
Thick skin
No irritation, just uneven color
Best option:
✔ Vitamin C (oil-based)
✔ Consistent hydration
Why:
These areas respond best to slow, steady support — not harsh treatments.
Body skin feels dry and uneven
Ashy, tight, or flaky
Darkens easily
Start with:
✔ Barrier-first routine
✔ Hydration + nourishing body butter
Why:
Dry, compromised skin holds pigment longer.
Hyperpigmentation Actives at a Glance
| Skin Concern | Best Active | Why It Helps |
|---|---|---|
| Texture + discoloration | Azelaic Acid | Calms inflammation and improves texture |
| Irritation-based dark spots | Licorice Root | Prevents rebound pigmentation |
| Dull or uneven radiance | Vitamin C (THDA) | Long-term brightness, antioxidant support |
| Weak barrier + uneven tone | Niacinamide | Reduces melanin transfer, strengthens skin |
| Skin that darkens easily | Barrier-first routine | Prevents pigmentation before it starts |
Advanced Treatment Only: Kojic Acid
Kojic acid is best used under professional guidance for localized discoloration on resilient skin.
It is not recommended for sensitive or reactive skin.
Why Some Popular Brightening Ingredients Aren’t Listed
Some actives require professional supervision or are better suited for specific conditions.
Our recommendations prioritize skin safety, barrier health, and long-term results.
How to Use This Guide
You may identify with more than one section — that’s normal
Start with the gentlest match
If skin reacts, step back and support the barrier
At YBON, we don’t rush pigment correction.
We calm the skin, strengthen the barrier, and support tone over time — safely.