Hyperpigmentation is one of the most searched skincare concerns, and for good reason. From sunspots to post-acne marks, uneven skin tone tells a deeper biological story. But not all solutions are equal, and some may even harm more than help. Here’s what the science says, and how Skin Diligent’s Regulation Serum is designed to work with your skin, not against it.
What is hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation refers to patches of skin that become darker than the surrounding tissue due to excess melanin (the pigment that gives skin its colour). It’s not a disease, but a symptom, your skin’s way of reacting to internal imbalance or external stress.
What causes hyperpigmentation?
Internal triggers
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Hormonal fluctuations such as during perimenopause, pregnancy, or due to oral contraceptives, can overstimulate melanocytes (the pigment-producing cells). Hormones like estrogen and MSH (melanocyte-stimulating hormone) are key culprits.
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Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) occurs after skin trauma, acne, or eczema. Inflammation triggers the skin to overproduce melanin in the healing process.
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Oxidative stress is when the skin is overwhelmed by free radicals (unstable molecules that damage cells). This stress activates tyrosinase (an enzyme that kickstarts melanin production).
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Glycation is a lesser-known internal factor. It happens when sugar binds to proteins in the skin, forming AGEs (advanced glycation end-products), which damage collagen and intensify oxidative stress.
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Liver stress can contribute. A sluggish liver may reduce the body’s ability to clear excess hormones or inflammatory molecules, both of which can worsen melasma and stubborn pigmentation.
External triggers
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UV radiation remains the most studied cause. It damages DNA, activates p53 (a gene that protects against cancer), and triggers melanin production as a shield.
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Pollution (especially fine particles like PM2.5) has been linked to oxidative damage and dark spot formation.
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Heat and infrared exposure (from sun or screens) also play a role by stimulating inflammatory and vascular pathways.
Common market ingredients for pigmentation - and their limits
Many brightening products rely on ingredients such as:
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Hydroquinone – A strong melanin inhibitor. Effective short-term but associated with skin irritation, rebound pigmentation, and even ochronosis (a type of skin darkening). Banned in EU cosmetics, but used in American and Asian cosmetics.
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Kojic acid – A by-product of rice fermentation. It blocks tyrosinase but is unstable and can cause sensitisation with repeated use.
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Arbutin – A more gentle derivative of hydroquinone. Less toxic but also less potent, and still under regulatory watch.
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Tranexamic acid – Originally used to control bleeding, now used topically for melasma. But long-term topical safety remains under review, especially on thin skin.
Many of these ingredients are not suitable for prolonged or daily use - especially in sensitive skin, perimenopausal women, or pregnant women. Some may disturb hormonal signalling or damage the skin barrier over time.
Why Skin Diligent’s Regulation Serum is designed for daily use, backed by science
At Skin Diligent, we believe in restoring balance at the cellular level - not just lightening the surface. The Regulation Serum is the result of years of research into skin ageing, inflammation, hormonal interference, and cellular repair.
Unlike mainstream brightening products, the Regulation Serum offers:
1. Triple mechanism of action
It works on three biological pathways:
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Reduces cellular stress (triggered by sun damage, pollutants, and skin injuries), helping the skin cope and regenerate more efficiently.
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Inhibits tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for producing melanin (the pigment that causes dark spots).
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Prevents pigment transfer, which stops discolouration before it reaches the surface.
This multi-layered strategy goes beyond surface whitening - it builds skin resilience.
2. Free from hormone disruption
Formulated and tested to be free from oestrogenic endocrine disruptors, the serum is truly safe for:
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Pregnant or breastfeeding women
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Women during perimenopause or menopause (times when hyperpigmentation often worsens)
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All genders and all ages
3. Targets melasma with a cellular strategy
Melasma is notoriously difficult to treat because of its deep hormonal and inflammatory roots. The Regulation Serum uses its advanced modes of action to:
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Calm the inflammatory response at a cellular level
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Enhance skin cell function for long-term pigment regulation
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Support collagen and barrier repair - essential for recovery
We recommend consistent use over several months for best results, as melasma requires patience.
In our clinical users test carried out by an independent laboratory, 86% saw visible improvement on hyperpigmentation.
4. Addresses premature skin ageing
Thanks to its epigenetic focus, the formula helps:
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Improve skin cell longevity (delay the ageing clock)
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Regenerate skin cells for better texture and tone
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Inhibit inflammatory cascades (chronic low-level inflammation is a hidden ageing accelerator)
This is skincare that doesn’t just fade spots - it supports long-term skin health.
5. Improves barrier function & hydration
Hyperpigmentation is often worsened by a weakened barrier. Our serum:
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Strengthens the skin microbiome
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Supports hydration levels
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Regulates sebum naturally to prevent blemishes and post-acne marks
A healthy skin barrier is your best line of defence against future discolouration.
6. Safe for all skin tones, including dark skin
Many brightening products rely on bleaching agents that may be too aggressive or even damaging - especially for melanin-rich skin. The Regulation Serum:
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Unifies tone without whitening
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Is effective on post-acne marks, sun spots, and uneven tone
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Respects the skin’s natural pigment ecosystem
This makes it ideal for daily, year-round use across all ethnicities.
Why this matters
Most serums only address one part of pigmentation, usually by suppressing melanin. But that suppression can come at the cost of inflammation, irritation, or hormonal interference.
The Regulation Serum is different. It’s not a spot corrector, it’s a skin regulator.
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No hydroquinone.
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No hormone disruptors.
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No bleaching.
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No trend ingredients without scientific backing.
Just a scientifically balanced, biologically compatible formula that works with your skin’s own intelligence.
For a complete care, add Vitamin C Serum-in-oil + Exosome Advanced Night Cream, harnessing the brightening power of vitamin C and the epigenetic action of cashew extract on regulating melanin formation.