Ingredients That May Make Hyperpigmentation Worse

Some ingredients when applied topically may stimulate pigmentation, making your existing hyperpigmentation worse when your skin is exposed to UV. I have listed some below.

Many of them, such as lavendar and geranium, are very common in botanical lines. So be careful if you use natural or botanical skin care lines.

Botanical ingredients can also cause allergic reactions. While it might seem counterintuitive because ‘natural’ sounds healthier, many plant-based ingredients are sensitizing.

Sensitive skin types should be especially careful of botanicals. Quite often, the reaction is not acute, and instead you’re stuck with uncomfortable irritation or redness that lingers for weeks. Over time, this kind of chronic inflammation weakens the barrier function and ages skin.

In addition to ingredients found in products, some medications and supplements may stimulate pigment production.