My 4-Step Daytime Hyperpigmentation Routine for Dark Skin

Hyperpigmentation is the bane of my existence. If you’ve ever had a breakout that left behind a stubborn dark mark that refused to fade, you already know the struggle. Finding the right routine to actually get rid of these dark spots? A mission.

But after trying everything under the sun, I finally landed on a 4-step daytime dark spot skincare routine for dark skin that actually works. No fluff, no 20-step process, just effective products that do what they say. Let’s get into it.

What Is Hyperpigmentation & Why Won’t It Go Away?

Before we get into my routine, let’s talk about what we’re actually fighting here. Hyperpigmentation is when your skin produces too much melanin in certain areas, leaving behind dark spots that take forever to fade. It can happen because of:

• Acne scars (the worst)

• Sun damage (yes, Black people need sunscreen too)

• Skin irritation (stop picking your face, please)

The thing about dark skin is that we produce more melanin, so even minor irritation can lead to a dark spot that wants to stick around for months. But don’t worry—this routine will help.

My 4-Step Routine for Fading Hyperpigmentation

1. Cleansing Oil – Schwan Cleansing Oil

I used to think oil cleansers were a scam. Why would I put oil on my face when I’m trying to get rid of oil?! But then I tried the Schwan Cleansing Oil and realized I had been missing out.

• When you add water to it, it turns into this milky texture that rinses off super clean—no greasy residue.

• Oil attracts oil, meaning it helps dissolve sebum and dirt trapped in your pores (which = fewer breakouts = fewer dark spots).

• It actually preps your skin so your second cleanser can do its job better.

If you’re still sleeping on oil cleansers, wake up.

2. Foaming Cleanser – La Roche-Posay Purifying Foaming Cleanser

Next up: double cleansing. After oil cleansing, I go in with La Roche-Posay Purifying for Foaming Cleanser, which is my holy grail.

• washes off completely (no weird filmy feeling afterward).

• leaves my skin feeling fresh but not stripped.

• actually lathers, which sounds basic, but if you’ve ever used a “foaming” cleanser that doesn’t foam… you get it.

3. Vitamin C & Niacinamide – Space BBUB 20% Vitamin C Serum + Good Molecules Niacinamide Brightening Toner

This duo? Top tier. I start with the Space BBUB 20% Vitamin C Serum and follow up with the Good Molecules Niacinamide Brightening Toner because:

• Vitamin C is that girl when it comes to fading hyperpigmentation and evening out skin tone.

• Niacinamide helps calm irritation, reduce redness, and brighten the skin even more.

• The 20% vitamin C concentration doesn’t sting (which is rare because I have a bad habit of messing up my skin barrier).

Using these two together has given me way faster results than using niacinamide alone.

4. Moisturizer – Haruharu Wonder Centella & Phyto 5 Peptide Concentrate Creamhttps://amzn.to/3RcAbwF

This moisturizer? A must-have. The Haruharu Wonder Centella 5 Peptide Concentrate Creamchanged my skin’s life. I started using it when I completely wrecked my skin from overusing tretinoin, and now I can’t live without it.

• It healed my skin barrier after all the damage I did.

• made my skin so much smoother within days.

• It’s so good I even use it on my lips. (Pro tip: apply it, then seal with lip balm—thank me later.)

Honestly, it should be illegal to sell this in anything less than a 4-ounce jar.

Do I Use Sunscreen?

I know, I know—sunscreen is supposed to be the last step. But listen, I’m inside 95% of the time. If I do go out, it’s usually at night, so I don’t bother applying sunscreen daily.

However, when I travel, I always buy sunscreen from wherever I am because Asian sunscreens > U.S. sunscreens. They’re way more lightweight and effective, so if I’m outside a lot, I’ll wear it.

But if you’re outside often, wear your sunscreen. Otherwise, you’re just undoing all your progress.

So that’s my dark skin hyperpigmentation routine—simple, effective, and no unnecessary extras. If you’re dealing with dark spots, stick to this routine consistently, and you’ll start seeing results.