YOUR GUIDE TO UNDERSTANDING

HYPERPIGMENTATION

HYPERPIGMENTATION

What is Hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation is a common skin condition characterised by the darkening of certain areas due to an overproduction of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin colour. These darkened areas can vary in size and location, often appearing on the face, neck, hands. Hyperpigmentation can appear as brown, black, grey, red or pink spots or patches.

Causes & Types of Hyperpigmentation

Sun Spots

Small, dark spots caused by prolonged sun exposure, which are often found on areas like the face, shoulders, and hands. Prolonged exposure to UV rays stimulates melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin, leading to localized dark spots

Post-Inflammatory (PIH)

This type results from skin injuries and trauma or inflammation, such as acne, eczema, or cuts - the skin responds by producing excess melanin as part of the healing process. PIH often leaves dark or red marks after the skin heals.

Melasma

Triggered by hormonal changes, melasma manifests as larger, often symmetrical patches on the face. Melasma is common during pregnancy and as we get older when the cells responsible for melanin production decrease and become less evenly distributed.

Managing and Treating Hyperpigmentation

01 Prioritise Sun Protection

Daily application of a broad-spectrum sunscreen is crucial for preventing and managing hyperpigmentation. Choose SPF 30 for regular daily exposure or SPF 50 for prolonged or intense sun exposure (high UV index).

If using professional treatments or active ingredients such as retinoids, Vitamin C, or Hydroquinone, always opt for SPF 50 regardless of the season or hours of sun exposure. These treatments can make your skin more sensitive to UV rays, and insufficient protection may cause pigmentation to return, potentially even more pronounced. Reapply sunscreen every two hours when outdoors to maintain sufficient protection.
02 Incorporate Effective Skincare Products

- Vitamin C: Brightens skin, evens tone and reduces dark spots by by inhibiting melanin production

- Retinoids: Retinoids promote cell turnover, fading hyperpigmentation while improving overall skin texture.

- Niacinamide: This form of Vitamin B3 reduces melanin transfer within the skin, helping to lighten dark spots and even out skin tone.

- Azelaic Acid: Azelaic acid has anti-inflammatory and skin-lightening properties, making it ideal for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) and hormonal pigmentation.

Read more from our journal article: Best Products and Treatments for Hyperpigmentation
03 Professional Treatments

- Chemical Peels: Treatments like glycolic acid or TCA peels exfoliate the skin, removing darkened layers of the epidermis and encouraging cell turnover.

- Laser Therapy: Lasers target pigmentation at deeper levels of the skin for precise results.

- Microneedling: This procedure stimulates collagen production while breaking up pigment clusters in the skin.

- Red Light Therapy: Helps calm inflammation and improve skin tone over time.

Discover treatments we offer at 111Harley St.
04 Hydrate & Nourish

Healthy, hydrated skin heals faster and is less prone to pigmentation.

Incorporate ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or squalane to keep your skin hydrated. Well-moisturised skin supports a healthy barrier, which is vital for managing hyperpigmentation and preventing irritation.

Aim for at least 2 litres of water a day to support skin hydration and detoxification.

Limit caffeine and alcohol as these can dehydrate the skin, making it look dull and emphasising dark spots.
05 Consistency Is Key

Hyperpigmentation doesn’t fade overnight. Establishing and sticking to a consistent skincare routine tailored to your specific needs is essential for long-term results.

Results vary, but with consistent use of effective treatments and sunscreen, improvements can be seen in 4-8 weeks. Severe cases may take several months.

Read more from our journal article: Best Skincare Routines for Hyperpigmentation-Prone Skin

THE ULTIMATE HYPERPIGMENTATION DAILY TREATMENT

01
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This enzyme cleanser exfoliates gently yet effectively to leave skin smoother, radiant and more even. The formula transforms from a fine powder into a rich lather upon contact with water and is powered by Papain...
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02
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A luxuriously lightweight essence that typifies the new frontier of bioactive peptides. This enriched formula helps your skin appear brighter, more luminous, and visibly rejuvenated over the course of use. Formulated with a complex of...
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03
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Inspired by his treatments and research at 111 Harley St., Dr Yannis developed this pioneering Dark Spot Correcting Serum formula in response to patient feedback. This breakthrough serum is clinically proven to reduce the appearance...
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04
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A peptide-powered eye treatment that is clinically proven to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and combat advanced signs of ageing where you see them most. Inspired by Dr Yannis Alexandrides’ unparalleled understanding of the delicate...
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05
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Defend your skin against day-to-day aggressors with our Day Cream NAC Y²™ – the ultimate skin protector. Strengthen your skin barrier with this nourishing formula, engineered to deliver a fortifying blend of actives as it...
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Pro Tip
06 Repair Sunscreen SPF50+
Experience superior sun protection and skin repair with our Repair Sunscreen SPF50+. This ultra-lightweight fluid offers comprehensive defence against UVA, UVB, blue light, and visible light, while actively repairing photodamaged skin and reducing redness. 100%...
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01 Exfoliating Enzyme Cleanser
Step 1: Cleanse Exfoliating Enzyme Cleanser
Adding the right exfoliator into your hyperpigmentation r... Read more
Adding the right exfoliator into your hyperpigmentation routine is key. Our Exfoliating Enzyme Cleanser is a gentle yet effective formulation that helps to sweep away dead skin cells, for a refined, even skin tone. This is the perfect preparation for the next step in your hyperpigmentation routine. Read less
40g: £60.00
Key Ingredients NAC Y²™, PAPAIN ENZYMES, SHIKIMIC ACID
02 Celestial Black Diamond Brightening Essence
Step 2: PREP Celestial Black Diamond Brightening Essence
Using an essence provides a lightweight, hydrating layer ... Read more
Using an essence provides a lightweight, hydrating layer that preps the skin to absorb subsequent layers. Enhanced with collagen-supporting actives, our Celestial Black Diamond Brightening Essence helps your skin appear brighter. Tranexamic Acid and Hematite Extract work alongside potent anti-ageing ingredients to reduce pigmentation irregularities, leaving you with a revitalised appearance. Read less
100ml: £90.00
Key Ingredients TRANEXAMIC ACID, DIAMOND PEPTIDES, COPPER TRI-PEPTIDE-1
03 Bottle of Dark Spot Correcting Serum from 111SKIN
Step 3: TREAT Dark Spot Correcting Serum
Step three of our routine features a potent serum that he... Read more
Step three of our routine features a potent serum that helps to brighten skin tone and reduce pigmentation. Read less
30ml: £240.00
Key Ingredients TRANEXAMIC ACID 2%, 7 SWISS ALPINE PLANT EXTRACTS 5%, GLUCONOLACTONE 1%
04 Black glass bottle of 111SKIN Eye Cream
Step 4: EYE Black Diamond Eye Cream
Our most potent eye cream works to combat collagen breakd... Read more
Our most potent eye cream works to combat collagen breakdown and reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation under the eye area. Powered by NovoRetin – a natural alternative to Retinol that mimics its resurfacing action and slows the degradation of your skin’s natural Vitamin A levels. Read less
15ml: £195.00
Key Ingredients NOVORETIN™, MICROALGAE EXTRACT, NAC Y²™
05 Repair Day Cream NAC Y²™
Step 5: MOISTURISE Repair Day Cream NAC Y²™
To lock in all the hard work and hydration, it's crucial ... Read more
To lock in all the hard work and hydration, it's crucial to follow up with a moisturiser. This lightweight cream is powered by NAC Y²™ to restore and preserve skin health. Read less
50ml: £175.00
Key Ingredients NAC Y²™, NOVORETIN™, FINE BLACK DIAMOND POWDER
06 Repair Sunscreen SPF50+
Step 6: PROTECT Repair Sunscreen SPF50+
Daily application of a broad-spectrum sunscreen is crucia... Read more
Daily application of a broad-spectrum sunscreen is crucial for preventing and managing hyperpigmentation. Choose SPF50+ for prolonged or intense sun exposure. Read less
50ml: £95.00
Key Ingredients NAC Y²™, HYALURONIC ACID, ARABIAN C

Our NEWEST INNOVATION

"Through the dialogue with my patients, I’ve experienced first-hand how pigmentation can impact skin confidence. With the Dark Spot Correcting Serum, I wanted to develop a potent at-home treatment that fades the appearance of existing pigmentation while being gentle enough to be suitable for sensitive skin. The fact that it also helps to regulate the overproduction of melanin makes it a perfect addition to your skincare routine to even skin tone in the long-term.”

Dr Yannis Alexandrides MD FACS

See the results for yourself

Dark Spot Correcting Serum

£240.00

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Before + After
Jacqueline's Journey Duration 8 weeks

Pigmentation appeared significantly reduced after using the Dark Spot Correcting Serum for 8 weeks.

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See the results for yourself

Discover further enhancements

Black Diamond Retinol OilBlack Diamond Retinol Oil
Black Diamond Retinol Oil
All the power of Retinol – no irritation. Yes, you read t... Read more
All the power of Retinol – no irritation. Yes, you read that correctly. Powered by a 2.5% blend of Retinol and Granactive Retinoid suspended in eight soothing natural oils, the Black Diamond Retinol Oil delivers all the age-defying benefits of Vitamin A – clinically proven to reduce visibility of fine lines and wrinkles in just four weeks**. And it does so without aggravating your skin. The precision blend of actives helps encourage cell turnover which in turn reduces the appearance of wrinkles and leaves your skin looking younger and smoother. Award winner: ASKMen's Best Retinol Serum - Grooming Awards 2024     Read less
30ml: £180.00
Black Diamond Vitamin C Brightening BoosterBlack Diamond Vitamin C Brightening Booster
Black Diamond Vitamin C Brightening Booster
Inspired by in-clinic brightening treatments and clinica... Read more
Inspired by in-clinic brightening treatments and clinically proven to improve skin brightness by 30% in 4 weeks*, the Vitamin C Brightening Booster is powered by 3% Vitamin C, 3% Resurrection Plant Extract and 2% Niacinamide for high-performance brightening efficacy. The formula brightens lacklustre skin, balances skin tone, reduces the appearance of pores and visibly reduces hyperpigmentation. It is clinically proven to improve complexion evenness and leave skin looking more luminous in just 2 weeks.** Read less
20ml: £100.00
Pigmentation Correcting DuoPigmentation Correcting Duo
Pigmentation Correcting Duo
Say goodbye to uneven skin tone with the Pigmentation Co... Read more
Say goodbye to uneven skin tone with the Pigmentation Correcting Duo. This targeted skincare bundle combines two of 111SKIN's most advanced formulas to address hyperpigmentation and brighten your complexion.  The Dark Spot Correcting Serum is infused with a powerful blend of active ingredients, which work to visibly reduce the appearance of dark spots and discoloration. Its lightweight formula penetrates deep into the skin, leaving your complexion smooth and radiant. The Black Diamond Eye Cream is powered by diamond particles and cutting-edge peptides which reduce the appearance of dark circles, fine lines, and puffiness, while restoring a luminous glow to the delicate under-eye area. Together, these two products are your ultimate defence against dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Perfect for anyone seeking a brighter, more radiant, and youthful-looking complexion. Read less
£365.00
Celestial Black Diamond Brightening EssenceCelestial Black Diamond Brightening Essence
Celestial Black Diamond Brightening Essence
A luxuriously lightweight essence that typifies the new f... Read more
A luxuriously lightweight essence that typifies the new frontier of bioactive peptides. This enriched formula helps your skin appear brighter, more luminous, and visibly rejuvenated over the course of use. Formulated with a complex of actives known to support healthy collagen synthesis, this routine enhancer firms skin for a more youthful appearance. Tranexamic Acid and Hematite Extract work alongside potent anti-ageing ingredients to reduce pigmentation irregularities and restore loss of volume. Encapsulating Diamond Peptides and Copper Peptides to optimise the delivery of active ingredients, this essence also enhances the rest of your 111SKIN routine. Read less
100ml: £90.00
Bottle of Dark Spot Correcting Serum from 111SKINModel applying Dark Spot Correcting Serum to her face whilst looking into camera.
Dark Spot Correcting Serum
Inspired by his treatments and research at 111 Harley St.... Read more
Inspired by his treatments and research at 111 Harley St., Dr Yannis developed this pioneering Dark Spot Correcting Serum formula in response to patient feedback. This breakthrough serum is clinically proven to reduce the appearance of pigmentation by 36%. It contains a blend of seven Alpine Plants, Tranexamic Acid, powerhouse antioxidant Glutathione and effective brightening compound Niacinamide, while 111SKIN’s proprietary NAC Y2™ complex repairs and restores skin health. Award winner: Robb Report Best Hyperpigmentation Serum - Grooming Awards 2025 Read less
30ml: £240.00

STILL NEED HELP?

Take our pigmentation quiz to unlock your tailored routine.

Take our pigmentation quiz to unlock your tailored routine.

TAKE THE QUIZ

STILL NEED HELP?

Take our pigmentation quiz to unlock your tailored routine.

Take our pigmentation quiz to unlock your tailored routine.

TAKE THE QUIZ
TAKE THE QUIZ

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