Routine · AM · Pigment-prone

P. 04 · ROUTINE

Four steps. Twelve minutes.

Cleanse, antioxidant, pigment-blocker, SPF. The single most-recommended morning protocol on the site.

— § 01

The steps.

01
On waking
Cleanse
Low-foam, low-pH cleanser
Skip the heavy foaming wash in the morning. A low-pH gel preserves the acid mantle that built up overnight and prevents the early-AM barrier dip we see in pigment-prone skin.
CeraVeTier A
Hydrating Cleanser
Default
CetaphilTier A
Gentle Skin Cleanser
Sensitive
—Surfactants
02
After patting dry
Antioxidant serum
L-ascorbic acid 10–15% (or alternative)
Vitamin C provides daytime free-radical defence and amplifies SPF efficacy. For pigment-prone skin, this is the layer that does the slow work no SPF alone can.
SkinCeuticalsTier A
C E Ferulic
Reference
The OrdinaryTier B
Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12%
Sensitive alternative
L-ascorbic acid10–15%
03
Once C is dry
Pigment-targeted treatment
Tranexamic acid + niacinamide
On melasma and stubborn PIH, the daytime pigment-blocker layer is what closes the gap retinoid nights cannot. Tranexamic acid + niacinamide is the most evidence-aligned combination available OTC in India.
MinimalistTier A
Tranexamic 03%
Default
The OrdinaryTier B
Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA
Pregnancy alt.
Tranexamic acid3%
04
Always last
Sun protection
Broad-spectrum, high UVA-PF SPF 50+
Long-UVA is what drives pigment relapse. Use the highest UVA-PF fluid you can afford, two finger-lengths to the face, every day, indoors and out.
La Roche-PosayTier A
UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid
Highest UVA-PF
Re'equilTier B
Oxybenzone & OMC Free SPF 50
Budget pick
Mexoryl 400 + TinosorbUVA-PF 46