After all those years of treating acne you’ve grown up and those embarrassing spots are a thing of the past; you’re finally in the clear (clear skin, that is). Think again! Those pesky blemishes are now brown spots and getting rid of hyperpigmentation can prove to be a bit trickier.
So, what to do? To start, examine what your cause might be. Too much fun in the sun? Hormones? Are those acne scars still haunting you? If hormones are the culprit, then it’s going to be tough to lighten those spots. The good news is that sun spots are acne marks are the easiest to lighten. Whatever your trigger, a good skin care regimen using medical grade ingredients will help put your skin in the clear again.
See Spot Go.
There are 14 steps involved in melanin production in your skin. To stop spots in their tracks, dermatologists depend on hydroquinone and botanical brighteners. Hydroquinone works by inhibiting the enzyme tyrosinase, which is important in pigment development. Arbutin and Bearberry are botanicals that are naturally occurring beta-D-glucopyranoside of hydroquinone. Both are effective in treating various types of hyperpigmentation and Kojic Acid acts by inhibiting the production of the enzyme the causes the pigment with efficacy similar to hydroquinone. This botanical blend is ideal for pregnant, nursing or those who want a hydroquinone free skin brightener. Add hydroquinone to the mix and you have a powerful blend that will send spots packing!
Magic Eraser
Glycolic acid is an exfoliator that sloughs away the stained cells that are responsible for holding pigment to the skin. It safely removes the outer layer of dead skin cells on your skin, bringing fresh, new skin to the surface. Not only is glycolic a great addition to a pigmentation regimen is also helps with anti-aging as it boosts collagen. Oh, did I mention it is great for clearing breakouts? It may not be magic but it is certainly close.
Retinol
Skin gets duller starting around age 20, when cell turnover slows. By 30, many people have pigmentation under the skin that's not yet visible to the naked eye; treating spots before you see them can keep them from surfacing. Retinol is key to amping up your cellular turn over and shedding those pigmented cells. The Rejuvene Retinol Smoothing Serum has a synergistic blend of green tea polyphenols that helps protect and calm the skin, caffeine that reduces redness and hyaluronic acid which acts like a sponge drawing moisture into the skin.
Wear sunscreen year-round.
Yes, even when it's rainy and overcast. Those bothersome UV rays are equal opportunity offenders. When treating pigmentation it is paramount that you use a SPF that is 30 or higher to protect your skin from further damage and re-apply every two hours. Skipping your sunscreen even for a day can undo all benefits you have achieved.
UltiMATTE Perfection Tinted Physical Sunscreen SPF 50+ is ideal for year round use. The added bonus, this sunscreen works double time as your make-up, primer and moisturizer so your skin will be better hydrated, since UV rays also damage ceramides (good fats in the skin that prevent dryness).
