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Pigmented Skin
A patient routine for dark spots and uneven tone, built around sun protection.
Characteristics
Sun spots, brown marks after breakouts, melasma (called chloasma when it appears in pregnancy) and an overall uneven, dull-looking tone.
Care goals
- Slowing new spots
- Fading existing spots
- Evening out tone
- Stopping spots from coming back
Suggested routine
1. Cleanser
A gentle foam or gel cleanser.
2. Toner
A toner with PHA or a mild AHA, a few evenings a week.
3. Serum (morning)
A brightening serum with vitamin C or yuja, such as Patch Holic Yuja Serum.
4. Serum (evening)
A serum with niacinamide, alpha arbutin or tranexamic acid.
5. Cream
A brightening night cream: Patch Holic Sleeping Mask (2% niacinamide, yuja) or PLC Whitening Cream.
6. Sunscreen
The most important step: SPF 50 every day, reapplied every 2 to 3 hours outdoors. Without sunscreen, brightening products give no lasting results.
Ingredient guide
✅ Look for
NiacinamideAlpha arbutinTranexamic acidVitamin CYujaGlutathioneKojic acidAzelaic acid
❌ Avoid
Non-prescription hydroquinoneHeavy, irritating fragrance
⚠️ Watch out
Going out without sunscreen (the biggest cause of spots), high-strength actives that irritate skin (irritation can leave new marks) and hydroquinone products sold without a prescription.
Related K-LAB products
Medical disclaimer: The information on this page is general and does not replace medical advice. If your skin is sensitive, you have allergies or an ongoing skin condition, ask your dermatologist before trying a new ingredient.