One of the most common questions or concerns I hear as an Esthetician is that people want a more even skin tone and texture.
Although I find most of my client's discoloration is from sun damage or acne scarring, skin discoloration can be caused by many different factors including hormones, diet, genetics, overall health and medications. Melanin is the protein in our bodies responsible for creating pigment in the skin, and when the cells are over stimulated by these factors, your skin darkens and holds a deep pigment causing an uneven skin tone, aka hyperpigmentation. Depending on how you acquired the hyperpigmentation, and how deep it has effected your skin, you can do something about it
First, I'm going to ask that you go back and read my blog post titled Safety Tips for Sun Protection and Tanning, if you have not already. That will help you understand the importance of wearing your sun screen and preventing sun damage. Sun damage is too common and my biggest enemy. If you are going to take brightening your skin and getting rid of hyperpigmentation seriously, YOU HAVE TO WEAR SPF! Otherwise, I cannot help you and your dark spots and scarring will not change/ may get worse.
AGAIN, do not even read further if you are not going to commit to protecting your skin from the sun.
There are a few different products you can try that will help brighten your skin and even out your complexion, but I want to explain to you the ingredients you need to be on the look out for. Hydroquinone and mercury have been the main ingredients used in skin-bleaching products. However, research shows that in the long term these ingredients can be toxic. In fact, these ingredients can darken skin and cause premature aging if used for extended periods of time. Fortunately scientist have discovered a number of natural lightening ingredients that work just as well as the synthetic ones, without the harmful side effects.
Here are the natural ingredients that are going to inhibit the production of the enzyme tyrosinase, the enzyme that triggers the production of melanin.
Licorice root - Can be used to lighten pigmentation and reverse the damage caused by acne scars, and contains anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe the skin and reduce redness.
Bearberry extract /Arbutin - Has been proven to effectively lighten freckles, dark spots, and other skin discolorations. Shown to have even greater results than the same concentrate of Hydroquinone. Bearberry extract is also useful because it contains sun protection filters that may help to reduce the long term effects of sun damage, therefore slowing or reversing signs of aging on the skin.
Mulberry extract- Reduces tyrosinase activity by up to 50% and has stronger effects compared to hydroquinone and kojic acid.
Vitamin C - Has been shown to slow down hyperactive melanocytes and even complexion through continued use.
Kojic acid - Has been used in Japan as a natural alternative to hydroquinine and is very effective at reducing skin discoloration. It also acts as an antioxidant and is suitable for sun damaged or sensitive skin.
Vitamin B3/ Niacinamide - Helps the skin to reduce melanin production and retain moisture, making it feel softer and smoother, and can help reduce fine lines.
Ingredients such as these can be found in cleansers, serums and creams. Here are a couple of my favorite professional products.
Can be applied to cleansed skin or added into moisturizer, for all skin types, great for sun damage and post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (acne scarring). Pick it up from me at Celadon Spa or your local spa that sells Eminence.
Iluma Intense Lightening Serum by Image Skin Care: Can only be purchase by a skincare professional
Here are a couple reputable products you can find at the drugstore, but remember, these will not be as potent.
Skin Lighten Moisturizer by Derma E
Vitamin C Renewal Cleanser by Avalon Organics
Now that you've got an idea of helpful ingredients and types of products to look for, I want to remind you to exfoliate as often as 2-3 times per week. Exfoliating not only gets rid of dead skin cells, allowing your skin to absorb ingredients, but can also help lift hyperpigmentation and reduce fine lines. Seeing your Esthetician for monthly facials, chemical peels or microdermabrasion treatments will be the most effective and will speed up the process of reducing skin discoloration. If you are serious about having a perfect complexion, please commit to wearing your SPF and staying out of the sun. There is no way around it. Remember, tanned skin is damaged skin.
If you have any questions about the products you are using or further questions about ingredients, don't be afraid to email, message, text or dm me!
XO Lindsay
urestiebestie@gmail.com
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