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Skin concern

Hyperpigmentation Routine: Fading Dark Spots

Hyperpigmentation is excess melanin, and sunlight drives melanin. That makes daily sun protection the step that determines whether everything else in the routine is worth doing. The brightening actives below work gradually — visible change is measured in months, not weeks.

What hyperpigmentation is

Darkening of skin due to excess melanin production. Treatment includes brightening agents, sun protection, and gentle exfoliation.

Hyperpigmentation routines by severity

CURA grades severity from 1 to 10 during a scan and builds the routine to match. These are the templates it works from, from mildest to most intensive.

Moderate hyperpigmentation

Severity 1–4

For light dark spots or uneven tone, this routine gently brightens while protecting against further pigmentation. Sun protection is absolutely essential for results.

Morning

  1. 1

    CleanseGentle Gel Cleanser

    Fresh, clean canvas

  2. 2

    TreatVitamin C Serum 15%

    Brightens and provides antioxidant protection

  3. 3

    ProtectHydrating SPF 50

    Prevents darkening of existing spots

Evening

  1. 1

    CleanseCream Cleanser

    Removes SPF thoroughly

  2. 2

    TreatAlpha Arbutin 2%

    Gentle brightening overnight

  3. 3

    MoisturiseHydrating Lotion

    Hydration and barrier support

Severe hyperpigmentation

Severity 5–10

For stubborn dark spots, melasma, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, this intensive routine combines multiple brightening mechanisms. Results take 8-12 weeks with consistent use and daily SPF.

Morning

  1. 1

    CleanseGentle Gel Cleanser

    Prepares skin for actives

  2. 2

    TreatTranexamic Acid Serum

    Medical-grade brightening

  3. 3

    ProtectLightweight SPF 50

    CRITICAL: Prevents rebound darkening

Evening

  1. 1

    CleanseCream Cleanser

    Thorough cleansing

  2. 2

    TreatGentle Retinol 0.3%

    Accelerates cell turnover to fade spots

  3. 3

    MoisturiseBarrier Repair Cream

    Prevents irritation from actives

Getting a routine for your own skin

The templates above are starting points, not prescriptions. A scan in the app grades your severity, factors in your skin type and any other concerns you have, and adjusts the steps accordingly — then tracks whether it's working over time.

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Common questions

How long do dark marks take to fade?

Post-inflammatory marks typically take twelve to sixteen weeks. Melasma and deeper pigmentation often take four to six months. Both are slower without daily sunscreen.

Does sunscreen really matter that much for pigmentation?

It is the deciding factor. UV drives melanin production directly, so treating pigmentation without daily broad-spectrum sunscreen is running a tap into an unplugged sink.

Can I use more than one brightening ingredient?

Yes, if they work on different pathways — tranexamic acid alongside a tyrosinase inhibitor like alpha arbutin, for instance. Introduce them one at a time so you can tell what is working.