Pigmentation & Melasma Guide

Pigmentation and melasma are influenced by a mix of UV exposure, inflammation, hormonal factors, and repeated irritation that can disrupt normal melanin activity and lead to uneven tone or persistent dark patches. Korean skincare typically focuses on gentle, consistent routines that support barrier stability, improve overall clarity, and avoid over-exfoliation that can worsen sensitivity. This guide explains what drives pigmentation, which ingredients are commonly used, and how to build a Korean routine using products for pigmentation and melasma.

If you want to see all products in one place, you can start with the Korean Skincare for Pigmentation & Melasma collection.

What Is Pigmentation & Melasma?

Pigmentation refers to uneven skin tone or dark spots caused by excess melanin. Melasma is a form of pigmentation that often appears as patchy discoloration (commonly on the cheeks, forehead, or upper lip) and tends to be persistent and relapse-prone, especially with ongoing UV exposure or irritation.

  • UV exposure: sunlight can stimulate melanin production and deepen existing discoloration.
  • Inflammation: irritation and skin stress can increase the likelihood of uneven tone and dark marks.
  • Hormonal factors: changes in hormones can be associated with melasma patterns and recurrence.
  • Residual marks: discoloration can remain after irritation or breakouts, contributing to uneven tone.
  • Barrier disruption: harsh cleansing or frequent exfoliation can increase sensitivity and worsen tone instability.

Understanding your triggers helps you choose the right routine and the right Korean products for pigmentation & melasma.

Key Korean Ingredients for Pigmentation & Melasma

  • Niacinamide – commonly used to support barrier function and improve the look of uneven tone as part of a daily routine.
  • Tranexamic Acid – used in pigmentation-focused routines, especially when discoloration is linked with sensitivity or inflammation.
  • Kojic Acid – used in brightening care to support a more even-looking skin tone.
  • Vitamin C – antioxidant ingredient used to support overall clarity and tone consistency.
  • Alpha Arbutin – commonly used to support tone uniformity in discoloration-focused routines.
  • AHA – exfoliating acids used to help remove dull surface cells and refine the look of uneven texture when used carefully.

Korean Skincare Routine for Pigmentation & Melasma

1. Cleanser

Choose a gentle, non-stripping cleanser that removes impurities and sunscreen residue without leaving the skin tight. Over-cleansing can increase irritation and make tone concerns harder to manage consistently. Explore cleansers for pigmentation & melasma.

2. Toner

Use hydrating or lightly refining toners to support comfort and prepare the skin for treatment steps. If you use exfoliating toners, keep frequency controlled to avoid unnecessary irritation. Explore toners for pigmentation & melasma.

3. Serum / Ampoule

This is typically where tone-focused routines concentrate their key ingredients. Serums and ampoules are used to support clarity and tone consistency over time, especially when paired with daily sun protection. Explore serums & ampoules for pigmentation & melasma.

4. Moisturizer

A stable barrier helps reduce sensitivity and improves tolerance to tone-focused routines. Choose moisturizers that maintain hydration and comfort so you can stay consistent without over-stimulating the skin. Explore moisturizers for pigmentation & melasma.

5. Sunscreen

Daily sunscreen is essential for pigmentation and melasma because UV exposure can worsen discoloration and contribute to recurrence. Consistent protection supports the routine steps above and helps maintain tone stability. Find sunscreens for pigmentation & melasma.

Smart Ways to Personalize Your Pigmentation Routine

  • Prioritize sunscreen daily if you want long-term tone stability and better maintenance of results from treatment steps.
  • Pair daily-use ingredients like niacinamide with targeted options such as tranexamic acid if uneven tone is persistent or relapse-prone.
  • Use AHA cautiously (for example, a few times per week) if your skin is sensitive or easily irritated by exfoliation.
  • Support the barrier with moisturizer consistency if your skin becomes dry, tight, or reactive during tone-focused routines.
  • Keep routines steady and low-irritation; frequent product switching and over-exfoliation can make discoloration harder to manage.

Shop by Concern: Pigmentation & Melasma

Browse all pigmentation-focused Korean skincare in one place: Shop Pigmentation & Melasma Collection →

This concern-based collection connects the key pigmentation ingredients, cleansers, toners, serums, moisturizers, and sunscreens referenced throughout this guide, so you can build a complete routine for uneven tone and melasma-prone skin with a consistent structure.