Exfoliating serums offer a specialized approach for tackling complex skin concerns on a more consistent basis, making them valuable additions to almost any skincare routine. Designed to enhance skin’s radiance and improve texture, these serums often feature advanced formulations that include Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs), Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs), and retinoids. Due to their potent ingredients, exfoliating serums can vary in price, typically falling into the mid to high range.

In this guide, we’ll explore some of the most effective over-the-counter exfoliating serums available to help you achieve smoother, brighter skin.

Most Common Types of Hyperpigmentation

• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is a common skin condition where dark spots or patches develop following a breakout injury to the skin. This occurs when the skin produces excess melanin in response to the injury, leading to discoloration in the affected area. PIH can affect anyone but is more common and often more pronounced in people with darker skin tones due to higher melanin levels. It most commonly occurs following picking at the skin.
  
  

• Melasma is a form of hyperpigmentation characterized by dark, blotchy patches on the skin. It is often seen on sun-exposed areas of the face, particularly on the forehead, cheeks, bridge of the nose, and upper lip, giving it a distinctive mask-like appearance. Melasma can also appear on other parts of the body that are frequently exposed to sunlight, like the neck and forearms. The exact cause of melasma isn’t fully understood, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors. Melasma typically appears as brown, tan, or blue-gray patches that are flat and evenly pigmented.

Here are the hyperpigmentation serums that I recommend. They are all formulated to be effective and contain ingredients that attack discoloration in multiple ways: