Dark spots and uneven skin tone are among the most common skin problems. Whether it's sunspots or post-acne marks, these pigmentation disorders often reveal a deeper imbalance. However, not all solutions are created equal, and some can even weaken the skin.
Here's what the science says, and how Skin Diligent's Regulation Serum is designed to work intelligently with your skin, not against it.
What is hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is the appearance of darker spots than the rest of the skin, due to an excess of melanin (the skin's natural pigment). It is not a disease, but a signal: the skin is reacting to an internal imbalance or an external aggression.
What causes hyperpigmentation?
Internal Triggers
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Hormonal fluctuations : During perimenopause, pregnancy, or when taking the birth control pill, certain hormones such as estrogen and MSH (melanin-stimulating hormone) can overstimulate the cells that produce melanin, leading to pigmentation spots.
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Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) : After an acne breakout, eczema, or skin trauma, inflammation can trigger an overproduction of melanin during healing.
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Oxidative stress : When there are too many free radicals (unstable molecules that damage cells), the skin activates tyrosinase, an enzyme that accelerates the production of melanin.
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Glycation : Less well known, it occurs when sugar binds to skin proteins. This creates AGEs (advanced glycation end products) that damage collagen and increase oxidative stress .
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Liver stress : An overloaded liver is less effective at eliminating excess hormones or inflammatory molecules, which can worsen melasma and stubborn spots.
External triggers
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UV radiation : remains the most studied cause. It damages DNA, activates the p53 gene (protective against cancer), and stimulates the production of melanin as a shield.
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Pollution (especially fine particles such as PM2.5): promotes oxidative stress and the appearance of brown spots .
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Heat and infrared exposure (sun or screens) : stimulate inflammatory and vascular pathways, also contributing to pigmentary disorders.
Classic anti-blemish ingredients and their limits
Many lightening products use well-known active ingredients, but not always suitable for daily use:
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Hydroquinone : Powerful melanin inhibitor. Effective quickly, but often causes irritation, pigment rebound, and even darkening of the skin (ochronosis). Its use is banned in cosmetics in Europe, but is used in American and Asian cosmetics.
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Kojic acid : derived from rice fermentation. It blocks tyrosinase (a key enzyme in pigmentation), but is unstable and can cause sensitization with repeated use.
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Arbutin : A milder derivative of hydroquinone. Less toxic, but also less potent, and still subject to regulatory oversight.
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Tranexamic acid : Initially used to control bleeding, it is now applied topically for melasma. However, its long-term safety remains under evaluation, especially in areas of thin skin.
Many of these ingredients are not suitable for prolonged use, especially on sensitive skin, in pregnant or perimenopausal women. Some can even disrupt hormones or weaken the skin barrier over time.
Why Regulation Serum can be used daily, with effectiveness validated by science
At Skin Diligent, our approach goes beyond brightening the skin's surface. We work to restore its balance at the cellular level. The Regulation Serum is the result of years of research into skin aging, inflammation, the impact of hormones, and the skin's natural repair mechanisms.
1. Triple mechanism of action
It acts on three biological pathways:
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Reduces cellular stress (sun damage, pollution, micro-lesions), to help the skin regenerate better.
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Inhibits tyrosinase , the enzyme responsible for the production of melanin (the pigment responsible for skin spots)
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Prevents pigment transfer , stopping discoloration before it appears on the surface.
A multi-level approach that strengthens skin resilience, beyond simple lightening.
2. Free from endocrine disruptors
Formulated and tested without estrogenic endocrine disruptors, the serum is truly safe for:
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Pregnant or breastfeeding women
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Women in perimenopause or menopause (periods when hyperpigmentation often worsens)
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All genders and all ages
3. A cellular approach to melasma
Melasma is known to be difficult to correct because of its hormonal and inflammatory origins. This is why the Regulation Serum has been formulated to:
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Calm inflammation directly at the cellular level
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Optimize cellular functions to sustainably regulate pigmentation
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Strengthen collagen and the skin barrier , essential for repair and resilience
For lasting results, we recommend constant application for several months: melasma requires both scientific precision and patience.
Clinical results: 86% observed a visible improvement in their hyperpigmentation!
4. Acts on premature aging
Thanks to its epigenetic approach, the formula helps to:
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Improve cellular longevity (slow down the skin clock)
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Regenerate cells for better texture and a more even complexion
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Inhibit inflammatory cascades (chronic inflammation is a hidden accelerator of aging)
This treatment not only reduces dark spots, it supports long-term skin health.
5. Improves skin barrier and hydration
Hyperpigmentation is often aggravated by a weakened barrier. The serum:
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Strengthens the skin microbiome
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Supports hydration
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Naturally regulates sebum to limit imperfections and post-acne marks
Maintaining a healthy skin barrier remains the best protection against the appearance of new spots.
6. Safe for all skin tones, including dark skin
Many anti-blemish products use overly aggressive whitening agents, which are sometimes harmful to skin rich in melanin. The Regulation Serum:
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Evens out skin tone without whitening
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Targets post-acne marks, sunspots and unevenness
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Respects the natural pigment ecosystem
This makes it an ideal treatment for daily use, all year round, and suitable for all ethnicities.
Why it matters
Most serums only target a portion of pigmentation, removing melanin. But this removal can come at the cost of inflammation, irritation, or hormonal interference.
The Regulation Serum is different. It's not a dark spot corrector, it's a skin regulator.
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No hydroquinone
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No hormone disruptors
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No bleaching agents
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No “trendy” ingredients without scientific proof
Just a balanced, biologically compatible formula that works with your skin's natural intelligence.
For a complete treatment, combine it with Vitamin C Serum-in-Oil and Exosome Advanced Night Cream - combining the unifying power of vitamin C and the epigenetic action of cashew nut extract on the regulation of melanin formation.