8 Non-Hydroquinone Ingredients to Treat Hyperpigmentation

8 Non-Hydroquinone Ingredients to Treat Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation is a common condition that makes some areas of skin darker than others. This can occur from acne scarring or sun exposure. Hyperpigmentation can also appear in spots or patches of brown, black, grey, red, or pink.

Additionally, hyperpigmentation can occur in all skin types and skin tones. While it can appear in large or small areas of the skin and affect the entire body, we will cover hyperpigmentation particularly on the face, and how to treat and prevent it. We will also cover which ingredients and products are best at fading away hyperpigmentation.

Are there different types of hyperpigmentation?

Yes, there are several types! The most common are Melasma, Sunspots, and Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

  • Melasma – it is caused by hormonal changes and may develop during pregnancy. The areas where melasma can appear are typically the stomach and face, but it can also appear on any area of the body.
  • Sunspots – also called liver spots, are related to excess sun exposure over time. These patches of hyperpigmentation appear in areas that are exposed to the sun for an extended period of time. Commonly, the hands and face.
  • Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation – results from inflammation or injury on the skin’s surface. This is extremely common with acne.

Luckily, Flora and Noor offer a wide array of products (like the Vitamin C Collection)  to help combat hyperpigmentation and dark spots. Hyperpigmentation is extremely common in dark skin tones due to the naturally occurring high percentage of melanin in the skin. In addition, after prolonged sun exposure, dark spots and hyperpigmentation may worsen because melanin absorbs the sun’s UV rays.

Flora and Noor carry organic and vegan skincare products, especially for individuals who have melanin-rich skin! These products are perfect for treating and preventing future hyperpigmentation spots. Moreover, all Flora and Noor products are halal-certified, cruelty-free, and Leaping Bunny Certified. They do not contain any animal-derived ingredients or toxic chemicals and use organically grown ingredients permissible for everyone, including Muslims.

When can hyperpigmentation occur?

Hyperpigmentation is most common in those over 40 but is also more likely during pregnancy and after a skin injury. As stated above, the most common hyperpigmentation cause is acne and scarring. Inflammation and trauma to the skin while picking at acne will cause acne scars.

The best way to heal and prevent acne scarring is to avoid touching your face. Our hands and fingers naturally have oils and bacteria throughout the day, so washing your hands frequently and avoiding touching our face before doing so are essential.

How can I treat hyperpigmentation?

Not to worry! Some various products and brands produce products that treat and target hyperpigmentation and dark spots. As stated above, Flora and Noor is a 100% vegan, cruelty-free, and halal-certified skincare brand that targets skin concerns of individuals with melanin-rich skin.

Amazingly, various ingredients (especially non-hydroquinone ingredients) brighten the skin’s complexion and fade hyperpigmentation scarring. 

  • Vitamin C - aids in promoting collagen production and protects the skin’s barrier from free radicals such as smoke, UV rays, and other environmental pollution around you. Also, Vitamin C is excellent in promoting skin cell renewal, meaning the skin is shedding old or dead skin cells it no longer needs. Consistent skin cell renewal does not allow discoloration or hyperpigmentation to stay on the skin’s surface.
  • Tranexamic Acid - strengthens the skin’s barrier by keeping moisture in and essentially shielding toxins and other environmental stressors. Additionally, it is best known for treating hyperpigmentation caused by melasma and sunspots. Tranexamic Acid is found in topical products or oral tablets that work well and are safe for all skin types.
  • Kojic Acid - brightens sun damage, scars, and age spots while containing antimicrobial properties. Further, kojic acid fights off bacteria sitting on the skin and treats acne while fading acne scarring.
  • Azalaic Acid - promotes cellular turnover, thus, fading hyperpigmentation. Naturally found in grains like wheat, rye, and barley, azaleic acid treats conditions like rosacea, acne, hyperpigmentation, preventing future acne breakouts.
  • Licorice Root Extract - brightens hyperpigmentation and acne scarring by preventing melanin production at the source. Additionally, licorice root breaks up melanin patches in the skin, helping them disperse and fade away. It slows oil production, thus reducing blemishes and the overproduction of sebum.
  • Mandelic Acid - is an AHA derived from bitter almonds. AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids) exfoliate the skin, promoting firmness and increased hydration. Mandelic acid is one of the most gentle AHAs, perfect for sensitive skin. Moreover, by promoting skin cell renewal, it works to fade hyperpigmentation and dark spots.

Flora and Noor’s Boost & Brighten Cleanser is the perfect cleanser to clear pores of oil, dead skin and impurities, leaving the skin clean and brightened. The Boost & Brighten Cleanser also contains natural aloe vera, Vitamin C and E, Gotu Kola, and reishi mushrooms, making it jam-packed with nutritious antioxidants and minerals to feed your skin, while also combatting hyperpigmentation without drying out the skin!

Additional products for hyperpigmentation

The Bright Side Serum by Flora and Noor contains a host of concentrated, vegan botanicals including, jojoba oil, aloe vera, vitamins E and C, Gotu Kola, and horsetail. This serum brightens the complexion (including hyperpigmentation), promotes skin cell renewal, and evens skin tones. In addition, it is anti-inflammatory and protects and heals free radical damage.

Furthermore, Flora and Noor’s Vitamin C Resurfacing Toner improves the skin’s elasticity and promotes anti-aging with Vitamin C, glycolic acid, hyaluronic acid, and aloe vera. Glycolic acid helps to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, minimize pores, fights acne, and removes dead skin cells while brightening hyperpigmentation spots. 

Not only that, but hyaluronic acid is a humectant that attracts water to the skin to hydrate the skin. It also helps reduce wrinkles and fine lines as well. Pairing Vitamin C and hyaluronic acid makes the pair an acne-fighting duo that protects your skin’s barrier from free radicals, and fades discoloration! On top of that, Gotu Kola is the most natural stimulant of skin cell renewal, promoting collagen and increased firmness and elasticity.

Lastly, the Super Glow Gel Moisturizer is full of antioxidants and vitamins that works to fight hyperpigmentation, wrinkles and fine lines, and discoloration. Like the rest of the Vitamin C Collection, it contains aloe vera, reishi, Gotu Kola, and horsetail. 

The Vitamin C Resurfacing Toner and Super Glow Gel Moisturizer both contain licorice root extract, perfect for treating hyperpigmentation, as stated above. Furthermore, licorice root contains antioxidant properties that protect the skin from environmental stress, aging, and premature discoloration. It is anti-inflammatory and helps to reduce irritation, redness, and even skin conditions like eczema and atopic dermatitis!

By pairing licorice root extract alongside beneficial ingredients lke Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and aloe vera, fading away hyperpigmentation, while calming and soothing the skin. It is perfect for those with skin sensitivities.

Moreover, wearing sunscreen every day is extremely important to help prevent additional hyperpigmentation and dark spots. Even on days that seem cloudy or overcast, it is still important to protect your skin from harmful UV rays and free radicals by applying sunscreen every morning.

Final thoughts

  • Hyperpigmentation can occur at any age and skin tone, but it occurs most commonly with melanin-rich skin.
  • Flora and Noor’s Vitamin C Collection is a fantastic option to treat and prevent hyperpigmentation. Containing ingredients like Vitamin C, licorice root, Gotu Kola, and reishi mushroom, promotes skin cell renewal while rejuvenating the skin!
  • Opting for vegan and cruelty-free ingredients and products is better for your skin, health, and the environment. Animal-cruelty is unnecessary and many brands and companies are moving toward clean and sustainable production! Flora and Noor upholds sustainability and environmentally cautious practices.
  • Avoid touching your face and picking at acne as possible. This will cause more damage to the skin.
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