Best Skincare Routine for Pigmentation-Prone Skin: Day & Night Guide

Pigmentation issues, like dark spots, melasma, and uneven skin tone, can be stubborn and emotionally frustrating. Whether they’re caused by sun exposure, hormonal changes, acne scars, or inflammation, treating pigmentation-prone skin requires consistency, patience, and the right routine. The good news? With a targeted day and night skincare regimen, you can reduce discolouration and prevent new pigmentation from forming.

In this guide, we’ll break down the ideal AM and PM skincare routines for pigmentation on skin , explore key ingredients to look for, and share some pro tips for maximising your results.

Understanding Pigmentation-Prone Skin
Morning Skincare Routine (AM)
Evening Skincare Routine (PM)
Ingredients to Avoid for Pigmentation-Prone Skin
Extra Tips for Managing Pigmentation
Final Thoughts
FAQS

Understanding Pigmentation-Prone Skin

Pigmentation-prone skin is typically more reactive to external triggers, such as UV radiation, inflammation, or hormonal fluctuations. When your skin overproduces melanin (the pigment that gives skin its colour), it can result in hyperpigmentation in the form of:

Melasma (hormonal)

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) from acne or injury

Sun spots or age spots from UV exposure

The best skincare for hyperpigmentation helps regulate melanin production, exfoliate discoloured cells, and protect the skin barrier, minimising both existing spots and future discolouration. Experts also suggest using natural ingredients to treat pigmentation.

Morning Skincare Routine (AM)

Your morning pigmentation skin care routine should focus on protection and prevention. It should include the following steps:

Step 1: Gentle Cleanser

Start with a gentle, non-stripping cleanser to remove oil and overnight sweat. Avoid harsh scrubs or high-pH cleansers, which can irritate the skin and trigger pigmentation.

Look for: Sulphate-free, pH-balanced cleansers

Try: CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser or La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Cleanser

Step 2: Antioxidant Serum

An antioxidant serum protects the skin from environmental stressors and brightens dull tone.

Top ingredient: Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid) – boosts collagen, fades spots, and protects against UV damage

Other good picks: Niacinamide, Ferulic Acid, Licorice Root Extract

Try: Khadi Natural Vitamin C face serum, the best serum for pigmentation.

Step 3: Hydrating Moisturizer

Hydration helps maintain the skin barrier, keeping your skin more resilient and better able to recover from irritation.

Look for: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, glycerin

Try: Khadi Natural moisturisers collection.

Step 4: Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen (SPF 50+)

Sunscreen is non-negotiable for pigmentation-prone skin. UV exposure is the #1 cause of melanin overproduction. So, make sure to use a broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen for pigmentation every single day, rain or shine. We recommend checking out our sunscreen collection.

Mineral vs. Chemical? Mineral sunscreens (like zinc oxide) are often gentler for sensitive skin, but chemical filters may offer better cosmetic elegance.

Bonus: Choose one with niacinamide or antioxidants for extra benefit.

Evening Skincare Routine (PM)

Your nighttime routine should focus on repair, renewal, and treatment of pigmentation. For that, you should follow the below listed steps!

Step 1: Double Cleanse (if wearing makeup/sunscreen)

Use a cleansing oil or balm first to break down makeup and SPF, followed by your gentle cleanser to remove residue.

We recommend you to check out our face wash and body wash collection to deal with pigmentation.

Step 2: Exfoliating Toner or Serum (2–3x/week)

Regular exfoliation removes dead skin cells and helps fade dark spots faster.

Chemical exfoliants: AHAs (glycolic, lactic acid), BHAs (salicylic acid), and PHAs are effective

Avoid physical scrubs—they can worsen inflammation and PIH.

Note: Do not use exfoliants on the same night as retinoids or other strong actives.

Step 3: Targeted Treatment for Pigmentation

This is where you add in your actives. Choose one (or layer with caution):

Retinoids (e.g., tretinoin, retinol): Stimulate cell turnover, reduce dark spots, and boost collagen

Azelaic Acid: Calms inflammation and reduces pigmentation, especially great for acne-prone skin

Tranexamic Acid: Helps treat melasma and PIH

Alpha Arbutin or Kojic Acid: Inhibit melanin production

Try: The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA, Paula’s Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster, or Murad Rapid Dark Spot Correcting Serum

Step 4: Soothing Moisturizer

At night, opt for a richer moisturiser to support skin regeneration.

Look for: Ceramides, peptides, centella asiatica, squalane

Try: Facial Moisturizing Lotion or Tolerance Control Cream

Step 5: Optional: Overnight Mask or Oil (1–2x/week)

To boost hydration and barrier repair, you can occasionally use a sleeping mask or nourishing oil.

Try: Water Sleeping Mask or Plant-Derived Squalane

Ingredients to Avoid for Pigmentation-Prone Skin

Certain ingredients can worsen pigmentation or cause irritation:

Fragrance (especially synthetic)

Denatured alcohol

Harsh scrubs (apricot seed, walnut shell)

Hydroquinone (long-term use can cause ochronosis in some skin types)

Hence, always patch-test new products you plan to use for the day and night skincare routine, especially if you have sensitive or reactive skin.

Extra Tips for Managing Pigmentation

Consistency is key – Most treatments take 8–12 weeks to show results.

Don’t mix too many actives – Layering too many strong ingredients can backfire and increase inflammation.

Hydrate and protect – A strong skin barrier accelerates healing and reduces the chance of new pigmentation forming.

Be sun smart – Wear hats, seek shade, and reapply sunscreen every 2–3 hours if outdoors.

Consider professional treatments – If topical treatments plateau, consider in-office options like chemical peels, microneedling, or laser therapy (always under dermatologist guidance).

Final Thoughts

Managing pigmentation-prone skin isn’t just about quick fixes; it’s about building a sustainable routine that treats current spots and prevents future ones. The key is a gentle yet effective approach, combining brightening ingredients with barrier-supporting hydration and religious sun protection.

With a smart skincare routine for pigmentation, you can significantly improve your skin tone, restore clarity, and boost confidence over time.

FAQs

Q. What causes pigmentation on the skin?

Ans. Pigmentation can be triggered by sun exposure, hormonal changes (like pregnancy or birth control), acne scarring, inflammation, or injury to the skin. It occurs when the skin produces excess melanin.

Q. How long does it take to see results from a pigmentation skincare routine?

Ans. Results typically take 8 to 12 weeks of consistent use. However, deeper pigmentation (like melasma) may take longer and often requires professional treatments alongside topical care.

Q. Can pigmentation be permanently removed?

Ans. Mild to moderate pigmentation can often be significantly reduced or cleared with skincare, but some types, like melasma, may be recurrent and require ongoing management.

Q. Is sunscreen really necessary even if I’m indoors?

Ans. Yes, UV rays can penetrate windows, and blue light from screens may also contribute to pigmentation. Daily sunscreen is essential for preventing further discolouration.

Q. Can I use vitamin C and retinol together?

Ans. Yes, but it's usually best to use vitamin C in the morning and retinol at night. They can complement each other without increasing irritation risk.