If you’ve ever experienced skin pigmentation (also called hyperpigmentation), you’ll know how stubborn this condition can be to treat and clear.
With UV exposure as the biggest driver of hyperpigmentation and dark spots, you may have noticed that your skin is looking less even right now, with large or small dark patches, as we emerge out of the summer period.
The new dark spot trigger
Our environment plays a big role in the dark spots we see on our skin.
Recent research has shown that increasing levels of airborne pollution increases hyperpigmentation by 20 – 25%, adding up to 20 years to one’s perceived age!
Pollution is much like UV: it’s incredibly damaging to the skin and you can’t see it most of the time.
Also, antioxidants which help neutralise free radical damage to the skin from the sun's rays, also protect against pollution induced skin damage, including hyperpigmentation.
Also read: How Do You Treat Skin Pigmentation?
Why does our skin get dark spots?
The colour that we see in our skin is called melanin.
Melanin is a protein and its job is to protect us from harmful UV rays.
Making melanin is much like baking a cake. You need a number of ingredients to get the end result, that being pigment/melanin.
When we have hyperpigmentation, essentially our "melanin making factory" has gone into overdrive. This may be because of sun exposure, pollution, skin trauma and even hormonal changes, such as pregnancy or chronic stress.
Fading Dark Spots to Bright
When it comes to treating hyperpigmentation, we need to consider preventing the trigger (if possible), along with breaking up existing excess melanin and resetting the melanin making factory back to balance.
SPF, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredients will help prevent future hyperpigmentation, but to target existing pigmentation, we need to inhibit the ingredients mentioned that are involved in making melanin.
If any of those ingredients are lesser available, then melanin production can be controlled. Much like baking a cake – the cake will not rise without the correct ratio of ingredients.
Treating dark spots instantly and over time
A consistent home care routine is extremely important when targeting pigmentation.
Your home care products should incorporate ingredients that not only smooth and brighten the skin, but target the prevention of pigmentation while treating the existing pigmentation
Dermalogica's Powerbright products are a system of products that work to effectively target existing pigmentation, evening skin tone and preventing further darkening of the skin.
This advanced serum diminishes the appearance of uneven pigmentation fast and keeps working over time
- Light-Diffusing Technology balances uneven pigmentation within days
- Niacinamide and Hexylresorcinol fades dark spots for a brighter more even tone
- Skin-Shielding Actives, Black Current Oil and Peony Flower smooth the skin and delivers antioxidants to the skin
Apply every morning and follow with the Powerbright Moisturiser SPF50
A daily spf and moisturiser in-one that shields the skin against dark spots and shields against free radical damage
- Niacinamide helps reduce the appearance of pigmentation
- Hyaluronic Acid and Safflower Oil provide continuous hydration to the skin to help strengthen the barrier and reduce the appearance of fine lines
- Brown Algae, Vitamin B6, B12 and Zinc help protect the skin against free radical damage from air pollution
Apply the Powerbright Dark Spot Serum and follow with the Powerbright Moisturiser SPF50
Advanced ingredient technology helps fade dark spots, smooth the skin and even the appearance of fine lines.
- Niacinamide and Hesylrescorcinol - Helps fade the appearance of dark spots
- Vitamin C delivers brightening and antioxidant properties
- Pumpkin Enzyme smoothes the skin and balances uneven skin tone
Apply every night to the face and neck area
Also read: The Best Hydrating Serum for Dry Skin
