Foundations to Correct Hyperpigmentation

Skin issues can be so annoying, but at their worst, they're a huge blow to your self-esteem. I've dealt with hyperpigmentation since my teen years, and it's still something I'm battling every day. If you're like me, you might be wondering what the best foundations for hyperpigmentation are. The good news is that there is a world of makeup products out there that are made for people with troubled skin like you and me.

First of all, what is hyperpigmentation exactly? In the simplest of terms, it's the darkening of your skin in certain spots due to an overproduction of melanin. Melanin is what gives our hair, skin, and eyes color in various degrees. An overproduction can occur, thanks to sun exposure, sun damage, or hormones, and result in dark skin spots like freckles or a sudden dark, mustache-like shadow above your lip. Fun times.

You can fight the dullness and discoloration in your skin by keeping it protected with sunscreen. I like using double-duty products, like a foundation with sunscreen and complexion-perfecting ingredients, like the ones you can find below.

After years of acne scars and discoloration from hormones, I've tried out a ton of products for combatting hyperpigmentation. Here is a handful of my favorite foundations that I found have really worked in clearing up my patchy spots and evening out my complexion.

1. Benefit Big Easy Foundation

Benefit Big Easy Foundation, $38, Sephora

This liquid-to-powder foundation adjusts to your skin tone, so it will darken and lighten as needed. Ingredients help fight free radicals and balance your complexion.

2. Clinique Even Better Foundation

Clinique Even Better Foundation, $28, Sephora

Dermatologists developed this foundation to brighten and even skin. All ethnicities can expect more even skin tone (and repaired pigmentation spots) after just four to six eeks.

3. Neutrogena Healthy Skin Foundation

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Foundation, $12, Amazon

If you have trouble with hyperpigmentation, be sure to wear foundation with SPF to protect your dark spots from getting darker.

4. Maybelline BB Cream

Maybelline BB Cream, $7, Amazon

One of my favorite drugstore options, this moisturizing foundation clears acne and works to lighten post-acne hyperpigmentation.

5. Bare Minerals Pure Brightening Serum Foundation

Bare Minerals Pure Brightening Serum Foundation, $30, Sephora

Lilac plant stem cells work to heal old spots from acne or sun damage.

6. Perfekt 10 Skin Perfection Foundation

Perfekt 10 Skin Perfection Foundation, $48, Sephora

Look for ingredients like Vitamin C, E, and peptides, which are known for healing and brightening.

7. Boscia BB Cream

Boscia BB Cream, $38, Sephora

According to the product description, this universal cream has abyssine, "a naturally derived survival molecule, shields and soothes skin," along with hydroxyprolisilane to "promote skin elasticity and reduces the appearance of fine lines. Beta-Glucan provides essential moisture and protects against environmental damage." Say no more.

8. Estee Lauder Clear Difference Perfecting BB Cream

Estee Lauder Clear Difference Perfecting BB Cream, $40, Sephora

Bump up the protection with SPF 35.

9. Boots No7 Life & Luminate Foundation

Boots No7 Life & Luminate Foundation, $16, Ulta Beauty

All the extra discoloration and halfway healed skin can appear dull. Brighten and light for this foundation.

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