Let's talk hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation is a common and overarching skin condition where patches of skin become darker than the surrounding areas.
This darkening occurs when an excess of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color, is produced and deposited in the skin.
It can happen on various parts of the body, including the face, hands, and other areas exposed to the sun.
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First, let's clarify the different types of hyperpigmentation
There are almost a dozen different types of hyperpigmentation, but the 3 most common are: melasma, solar lentigines (or sun spots), post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)
Melasma appears as brown or grayish-brown patches, often in a symmetrical pattern, particularly on the cheeks, forehead, nose, and upper lip. Often called the "mask of pregnancy", it is often triggered by hormonal changes. Sun exposure also worsens melasma. It is more common in women/men with with darker skin tones due to higher melanin levels.
Solar Lentigines (sun spots) are commonly called "sun spots" or "age spots," that appear on sun-exposed areas like the face, hands, shoulders, and arms. UV exposure from the sun stimulates excess melanin production, leading to localized patches of darker skin.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) are dark spots or patches that develop after trauma, such as acne, eczema, cuts, burns, or other injuries. The trauma causes an inflammatory process in the skin which leads to increased melanin production as the skin heals. People with acne-prone or sensitive skin are particularly susceptible to PIH.
But why does hyperpigmentation occur and how do we best treat it?
The root cause & how we address hyperpigmentation
Our skin sheds about 40,000 skin cells every minute, which means that we shed 58 million skin cells every day. A complete layer of our skin will be shed and replaced in 28 days. This means that our melanocytes are constantly producing the pigment melanin.
When our skin is under oxidative stress, mostly from unprotected UV rays, hormonal fluctuations (ex. melasma) or trauma (ex. acne), our melanocytes produce uneven melanin. Some show up lighter and some show up darker. This is what we see as hyperpigmentation. In essence, hyperpigmentation is simply our skin's reaction to stress.
The BIG myth
There is a myth that we can "erase" or "spot treat" hyperpigmentation but that is impossible.
The only way to reduce hyperpigmentation is by de-stressing our skin so that it produces non-hyperpigmented skin tone during the skin cell renewal cycle.
We need address it in 3 steps
1) Promote quick and efficient skin cell shedding, regeneration and dead skin cell exfoliation
2) Use concentrated correctives that control the production of that melanin through the enzyme Tyrosinase, AND by blocking the production of melanin through the melanocytes themselves.
3) Build a healthy, balanced and resilient skin that is not under stress, therefore producing non-pigmented melanin through the skin as the skin sheds and regenerates through that 28 day cycle.
The most effective hyperpigmentation treatment without the side effects
The most effective hyperpigmentation treatment combines two powerful Saranghae serums.
1) Saranghae Advanced Brightening & Dark Spot Repair Serum
2) Saranghae Azalume 10 Serum
They combine 5 key actives that are clinically proven to reduce hyperpigmentation
25% Pure Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C):
This high concentration of Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that brightens the skin by inhibiting melanin production, the pigment responsible for dark spots. Vitamin C also neutralizes free radicals, preventing further hyperpigmentation caused by environmental stressors like UV exposure.
10% Glycinated Azelaic Acid
Azelaic acid is a tyrosinase inhibitor. Tyrosinase is the enzyme responsible for the first step of melanin production. By blocking this enzyme, the ingredient prevents the overproduction of pigment, which stops new dark spots from forming and keeps existing ones from getting darker.
2% Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
Niacinamide is an anti-inflammatory that reduces redness and calms the skin, which has proven effective for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. It also minimizes the transfer of pigment within skin cells, promoting a more even skin tone and helping with dark spots.
1% Tranexamic Acid
Tranexamic acid is well-known for reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation, particularly from sun damage or melasma. It is derived from the amino acid lysine and it works by inhibiting the transfer of pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) to the upper layers of the skin, which gradually lightens dark spots. Dermologists are now prescribing tranexamic acid over hydroquinone for it's efficacy and safety.
1% Alpha Arbutin
Alpha arbutin is a glycosylated derivative of hydroquinone (essentially hydroquinone attached to a sugar molecule) that inhibits tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for melanin production. Once applied to the skin, alpha arbutin gradually releases hydroquinone in very small amounts, enough to reduce pigmentation but without the harsh effects of pure hydroquinone.
When these 5 key correctives are combined within a foundational skincare routine, they prevent excess/uneven pigment formation so dark spots become less visible over time as skin cell turnover reveals fresher and evenly pigmented skin.
They deliver incredible pore-refining properties that make the skin smoother, enhance the evenness of the complexion, and allow light to reflect more evenly, giving the appearance of healthier, more luminous skin.
Gina's Transformation
Gina K. is a customer of our Blemish & Skin Spot Corrective Duo along with our cleanser, snail mucin serum, firm & lift and our sunscreen (full hyperpigmentation skincare routine).
Gina sent us her 8 and 12 week before and aftrer photos, unsolicited because she wanted to share how she felt about this monumental change with others to help them in their journey.
Thank you Gina, Saranghae - yo!
BEFORE: Gina's left cheek shows mature hyperpigmentation & scarring
AFTER 8 WEEKS: Gina's left cheek shows significant improvements in hyperpigmentation and scar healing
BEFORE: Gina's RIGHT cheek shows patches of hyperpigmentation and scarring.
AFTER 12 WEEKS: hyperpigmentation is almost completely gone. We see lifting of her jawline.
"I CANNOT BELIEVE the look and texture changes to my skin with Saranghae.
I would be honored for you to share my pictures because if it helps sway even one person to try this regimine, it would be worth it.
This is just 8 weeks! I will share my 12th week too.
All my sincere best and gratitude for your product line; you make a difference in life."
Gina K. Customer, Saranghae | Orora
Try the Saranghae Blemish & Skin Spot Corrective Duo and start seeing results within weeks!
The Blemish & Skin Spot Corrective Duo stacks two products together.
1 - Saranghae Advanced Brightening & Dark Spot Repair Serum with 25% Vitamin C Concentrate + 1% Tranexamic Acid
2 - Saranghae Azalume 10 Serum with 10% Azelaic Acid + 2% Niacinamide + 1% Alpha Arbutin
100% GUARANTEE
If you're not happy with your results, we'll fully refund your purchase within 45 days even if the products are used.
The CEO Test
"Every team member here at Saranghae & Orora is required to test our products including me. Due to high altitude mountain climbing and running for long periods out in the sun, sometimes without SPF protection, I had acquired my fair share of sunspots."
"I was delighted to see that my hyperpigmentation skincare routine (which includes the Blemish & Spot Corrective Duo) showed visible improvements in pigmentation, discoloration, skintone, reduction in under eye circles and forehead lines."
Honestly, these pictures don’t do it justice. The difference when I look at my mirror is astounding."
Peter Lee, Co-Founder, CEO, Saranghae | Orora
Can't I just use hydroquinone?
Hydroquinone is a skin-lightening agent and the most popular treatment for hyperpigmentation going back 70 years.
It has been documented as the best performing hyperpigmentation solution for decades, so what is the problem?
The problem is that hydroquinone has been found to cause organ-system toxicity and respiratory infection as well as a documented link to cancer. It is now banned in the European Union, Japan, Australia, and Canda while in the US, it's available only through prescription and under strict supervision.
Needless to say, it's just not worth the risk.
Saranghae Blemish & Skin Spot Corrective Duo, applied within a foundational skincare routine will deliver results as good or better than hydroquione WITHOUT the nasty side effects!
Try the Saranghae Blemish & Skin Spot Corrective Duo and start seeing results within weeks!
The Blemish & Skin Spot Corrective Duo stacks two products together.
1 - Saranghae Advanced Brightening & Dark Spot Repair Serum with 25% Vitamin C Concentrate + 1% Tranexamic Acid
2 - Saranghae Azalume 10 Serum with 10% Azelaic Acid + 2% Niacinamide + 1% Alpha Arbutin
100% GUARANTEE
If you're not happy with your results, we'll fully refund your purchase within 45 days even if the products are used.
What Does A Full Hyperpigmentation Routine Look Like?
The Saranghae skincare protocol is engineered around five distinct physiological pillars designed to optimize cellular health, mitigate oxidative stress, and reinforce the skin’s natural barrier function.
Pillar 1: Double Cleansing
Pillar 2: Exfolation
Pillar 3: Correcting
Pillar 4: Healing
Pillar 5: Moisturize/Seal/Protect
Our Saranghae Blemish & Skin Spot Corrective Duo belong to pillar 3. Practing our hyperpigmentation corrective duo with a foundational skincare routine that touches the 5 pillar of skincare will yield optimal results.
Saranghae Hyperpigmentation Routine
Recommended Day Routine
1 - cleanse
2 - apply perfect balance toning essence
3 - apply calm & glow snail mucin serum4
- apply firm & lift regeneration cream
5 - apply SPF50 sunscreen
Recommended Night Routine
1 - cleanse with facial brush
2 - apply perfect balance toning essence
3 - apply azalume 10 serum
4 - apply 25% vitamin C serum
5 - apply calm & glow snail mucin serum
6 - apply firm & lift regeneration cream
KEY PRODUCTS IN ROUTINE:
Blemish & Skin Spot Corrective Duo
Saranghae Myeong Jo Trio
Perfect Balance Toning Essence
Key Benefits
1Clinically Proven To Decrease Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation (including sunspots, age spots, and melasma) occurs when melanin is overproduced in certain areas of the skin. It can also happen in areas where acne has healed.
Saranghae's hyperpigmentation skincare routine reduces hyper-pigmentation by down regulating the synthesis of the pigment melanin.
The unique combination of 4 ingredients: Vitamin C, Azelaic Acid, Alpha Arbutin, Niacinamide & Tranexamic Acid shows mutliple times improvement in treating hyper-pigmentation than hydroquinone.
2Helps Reduce The Appearance Of Under Eye Circles
Did you know that dark under eye circles is a form of hyperpigmentation?
The Saranghae Hyperpigmentation Skincare routine helps smooth out fine lines by plumping and hydrating the under eye area and brighten dark pigmentation associated with under eye circles.
According to a 2019 study on three treatments for dark circles, vitamin C mesotherapy resulted in a significant improvement in the pigmentation of under-eye circles.
3Brighten Skin & Even Out Skin Tone
The powerful antioxidant effect of vitamin C, the melanin-inhibiting effects of azelaic acid, alpha arbutin, and tranexamic acid, and the balancing of skin's oil production with niacinamide all combine to give us brilliantly bright, glowing skin.
4It Evens Helps Reduce Rosacea
It is unanimous that azelaic acid is the number 1 most effective solution for rosacea.
Rosacea is primarily an inflammatory condition. Azelaic acid works by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines, essentially the "alarm bells" your immune system rings that cause swelling and heat. By quietening these signals, it reduces the persistent puffiness and discomfort associated with flare-ups.
One of the trickier parts of rosacea is the overproduction of cathelicidins, which are proteins that usually protect the skin but, in rosacea patients, can trigger an overactive inflammatory response and visible redness. Azelaic acid helps normalize how these proteins behave, leading to sess "background" redness and a reduction in the frequency of sudden flushing.
5Helps Heal Wounds & Acne Scarring
The Hyperpigmentation skin care routine helps faciliate efficient skin cell turnover, according to a 2017 review. This replaces the damaged cells with healthy new ones which means that the antioxidants speeds up overall wound healing.
Healthy wound healing reduces your risk of inflammation, infection and scarring. The same study measured that having a deficiency in vitamin C can make wounds take longer to heal.
6Helps Prevent Wrinkles & Sagging Skin
Collagen production is tied to skin elasticity and firmness. When your collagen levels begin to drop, your skin may also begin to sag.
Consistently applying our Saranghae Hyperpigmentation Skincare Routine will help boost collagen production, resulting in an overall skin healthy and skin elasticity.
This is true for sagging due to natural aging, oxidative stress damage, or extreme weight loss. This means it can help reduce the appearance of sagging skin, making your skin look firmer and more toned.
Julie was suffering from melasma
It started with a customer conversation in January 2020. I talked at length with a customer named Julie Osborne, who had suffered from postpregnancy melasma for years.
Melasma is a common and specific form of hyperpigmentation, and it is sometimes referred to as “the mask of pregnancy” because the majority of melasma cases tend to present themselves postpregnancy (or menopause).
Julie shared that although she was happy with her Orora 5-Step Routine, she wasn’t seeing enough difference in her melasma. She also shared that up to our conversation, nothing, not even hydroquinone, had worked for her (the same hydroquinone banned in 7 countries).
Thus started our journey of discovering a more effective formulation than hydroquinone, but safer and non-reactive even for sensitive skin.
It took us over 3 years and over 30 different ingredient combinations. Finally, we discovered that we could achieve the highest efficacy, stability, safety, and value at 25% vitamin C + 10% glycinated azelaic acid + 2% niacinamide + 1% tranexamic acid + 1% alpha arbutin.
Does it work?
Julie and thousands of our loyal and repeat customers would tell you it absolutely does!
We are proud to offer you our Saranghae Blemish & Skin Spot Corrective Duo!
100% GUARANTEE:
If you're not happy with your results, we'll fully refund your purchase within 45 days even if the products are used.
Did you know that Saranghae means "I Love You" in Korean?
Saranghae is a premier Korean skincare brand created by husband and wife team of Peter Lee & Andrea Mourad.
They started with one cream originally created in eary 1970s by Peter’s mother, Myeong Jo Lee, a cosmetic chemist who wanted to help heal her sister’s burn scars.
Today, along with their sister brand Orora Skin Science, Saranghae marries ancient medicinal philosophies with modern anti-aging science. Saranghae is one of the most trusted and fastest-growing Korean beauty brands serving North America.
Their commitment to exceptional customer care is legendary and although they have grown tremendously from their early days, they haven’t forgotten their roots. They are still a family-run Korean skincare brand that highly values the people they lovingly serve by offering the very best of performance Korean skincare.
Love the world, love one another, love yourself.
Frequenty Asked Questions
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Our Customers Say
Mary B.
Verefied Reviewer
Skin type: combination
Age range: 65+
Overall concerns: melasma
I thought the vitamin C serum was fantastic and then I tried using it with the pore minimizing serum together and the results were fantastic.
All discoloration and spots on my cheeks and jowls are pretty much gone. My under eye area looks better than it's looked in decade.
I'm so impressed!
Jennifer L.
Verified Reviewer
Skin type: oily, sensitive
Age range: 55 to 64
Skin concerns: wrinkles & spots
I've dealt with hyperpigmentation all my life so it's not something that I thought about all that often so it's just became a normal part of my life. But I was so impressed with the rest of Saranghae's products that I decided to try the dark spot repair serum first and then the pore minimizing serum.
I've been using it for several months now and looking in the mirror, what a difference! The hormonal acne that I get once a month and any other acne scarring from random breakouts is now gone and my skin looks so bright and firm.
Of all the skin care products I've ever used, this may be the one mtaking the biggest visible difference in a relatively short amount of time. I'm 61 and my skin is better now than it ever and I attribute that to Saranghae.
Kathryn H.
Verified Reviewer
Skin type: sensitive
Age range: 35 to 44
Skin concerns: acne, pigmentation
I don’t have enough good things to say about these two serums. The formula itself is beautiful and applies and absorbs so well. It has helped me so much with lightening sun spots, evening ski time, and treating PIH from acne.
My main recommendation would be to trust the ingredients and give it time. Hyperpigmentation can’t be fixed overnight but with patience and the right tools, like this one, it will get better!
Try our Blemish & Skin Spot Corrective Duo and start seeing results within weeks!
The duo combines two concentrated serums
1 - Saranghae Advanced Brightening & Dark Spot Repair Serum with 25% Vitamin C Concentrate + 1% Tranexamic Acid
2 - Saranghae Azalume 10 Serum with 10% Glycinated Azelaic Acid + 2% Niacinamide + 1% Alpha Arbutin
100% GUARANTEE
If you're not happy with your results, we'll fully refund your purchase within 45 days even if the products are used.