By Funke Babs-Kufeji
If you’ve got melanin-rich skin, chances are you’ve had a face-off with hyperpigmentation at some point. One minute you’re minding your business, the next you’re dealing with a pimple that leaves a reminder behind like an unwanted party guest. From random dark spots to sunburn, uneven tone, and mysterious patches that show up uninvited, hyperpigmentation feels like a full-time job. And unfortunately, it’s one that most of us didn’t apply for.
So why us? Why always us?
Melanin-rich skin is stunning—we know this. It glows, it ages gracefully, it turns heads. But that same melanin that makes our skin so glorious can also be a bit dramatic. The moment our skin gets irritated (think: pimples, bug bites, burns, even over-zealous scrubbing), it rushes to the scene with extra melanin, leaving behind dark marks that love to linger.
Add Nigeria’s blazing sun to the mix, and things escalate quickly. Without proper sun protection (and be honest, how often do you actually wear sunscreen?), UV rays turn minor skin concerns into full-blown pigmentation problems. The irony? The darker your skin, the more prone it is to overproducing pigment when triggered.
And don’t get us started on those infamous “miracle” creams. You know the ones—harsh bleaching products that promise glass skin by Friday but end up frying your barrier and making things worse. Many women unknowingly fall into this trap, chasing quick fixes that backfire spectacularly.
But here’s the good news: there’s a way out.
Hyperpigmentation isn’t forever, even if it sometimes feels like it. You just need the right tools, a little patience, and a lot of sunscreen.
Start here:
SPF is non-negotiable.
Yes, even if you’re indoors. Yes, even if you’re not “light-skinned.” Yes, even when it rains. Sun exposure worsens hyperpigmentation and slows healing. Protecting your skin is the bare minimum. Make it a habit.
Reach for the right ingredients.
Brightening doesn’t mean bleaching. Look for products with niacinamide (hello, glow), alpha arbutin, kojic acid, vitamin C, and liquorice root extract. These ingredients gently fade dark spots without messing with your natural complexion. They’re like skin therapists in a bottle—calm, consistent, and trustworthy.
Keep your routine simple—and stick to it.
Skincare isn’t speed dating. That viral 10-step routine may work for someone else, but your skin needs time and consistency. Don’t switch products every other week because of TikTok. Sometimes boring is best. And results? They usually take 4 to 12 weeks. Breathe.
Hands off!
We get it—it’s tempting to pick at that pimple or exfoliate your problems away. But irritation only invites more melanin to the party. Be gentle. Your skin isn’t a battleground.
