Pigmentation, sun spots and uneven texture are skin issues that many of us face and admittedly, they can be real confidence killers. We all deserve to feel confident and beautiful in our own skin and luckily, there are a few things we can do to help our skin’s natural exfoliation and cell turnover (which is the key to reducing pigmentation and sun damage)!
RETINOL
Retinol, also known as Vitamin A, is renowned in the beauty community for its ability to drastically lighten the appearance of hyperpigmentation and dark spots.
When retinol meets the skin, enzymes convert this content into retinoic acid, increasing cell turnover and stimulating collagen and elastin production. This encourages the fading of pigmentation and sun spots for a more even and brighter skin tone. This continual cell turnover not only reduces pigmentation, but can also prevent stubborn acne from forming or sun spots from darkening, making retinol a great preventative and remedial product.
Retinol is also a powerful antioxidant that diligently fights the damaging from oxidising free radicals (such as harsh UV rays) which commonly contribute to uneven skin tone and pigmentation.
Looking for an effective product with a healthy dose of Retinol that won’t irritate sensitive skin?
We recommend: Nature's SUPEROIL £28.99
This facial oil is non-comedogenic, easily absorbed into the skin, and contains Retinol-rich Cacay Oil to nourish the skin and reduce pigmentation.
NATURAL EXFOLIATORS
AHA exfoliators (or Glycolic Acid) are incredible for fighting hyperpigmentation and evening out the skin tone. This type of exfoliation, also known as chemical exfoliation (don’t worry – it’s completely safe for the skin) works at removing the “glue" that holds on to dead skin cells to reveal a renewed complexion. AHAs are also incredible hydrators and help reverse the visible signs of ageing (a double win)!
We recommend: Dragon's Blood 3-In-1 Advanced Treatment Cleanser £11.95
This cleanser is a 3-in-1 product, made to deeply cleanse the pores, exfoliate the skin and leave the skin feeling soft and hydrated (unlike other drying cleansers which have a high alcohol content and strip the skin of its natural oils). The 3-in-1 cleanser contains AHA fruit extracts to gently but effectively exfoliate the skin. Use as a mask once a week and leave on for 5 minutes before rinsing to help cell turnover and fade pigmentations and sun spots.
VITAMIN C
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that defends against pigment-inducing free radicals. It has incredible anti-inflammatory and anti-ageing properties effective for brightening the skin for a glowy and luminous complexion. One of the greatest benefits of this ingredient is that it helps slow down melanin production and actively lightens sun spots for a more a more even skin tone.
We recommend: OXYGEN-C Overnight Restoring & Contour Treatment Cream £44.50
This silky cream contains Australian Kakadu Plum – the highest source of natural Vitamin C in the world (measuring up to 100 times the Vitamin C content found in oranges) – and effectively brightens the skin to reveal a more even complexion.
GENTLE CLEANSING TOOLS
Cleansing tools can increase the efficacy of your skincare products by providing a more thorough cleanse, gently exfoliating dead skin cells and unclogging pores. But beware – some cleansing tools like brush heads are abrasive and overly harsh on the skin and can cause micro-tears, leading to skin irritation. They are also quickly invaded by bacteria and need replacing every couple of months. Look for cleansing tools made of silicone (a bacteria-repellant material) and cleanse the skin in a gentle, non-abrasive manner to help reduce hyperpigmentation and sun spots and prep the skin for your skincare products.
We recommend: Dermasonic+ Sonic Cleanser & Anti-Ageing Device £79
This product, in conjunction with our 3-in-1 Advanced Treatment Cleanser, will help remove excess oil, grime, makeup and dead skin cells to clarify the skin and brighten the complexion.
BROAD SPECTRUM SUNSCREEN
The best protection against sun damage is prevention, and the best way to prevent pigmentation and sun spots and slow down the signs of ageing is by using a good SPF every day. Regardless the time of year, your skin is exposed to harsh UVA rays (which penetrate the skin more deeply than UVB rays) and are large contributors to ageing skin, pigmentation and unwanted sunspots. These rays penetrate the skin and encourage the production of melanin, which is responsible for the pigment in your skin. Make sure you use broad spectrum SPF all year round so you know you’re covered. Broad spectrum SPF will also prevent UV rays from darkening existing sun spots!
We recommend: Dragon's Blood Radiance Daily Moisturiser SPF15 £23.50
This daily moisturiser is easily absorbed, non-irritating and has a broad-spectrum SPF of 15, protecting the skin against both UVA and UVB rays. It provides additional protection against Infrared Radiation, Blue Light and Pollution, making it a total age-defense cream that also brightens the complexion for a radiant glow.
SLEEP
You weren’t expecting this last step, were you?
Good sleep (and enough of it) is a very important and necessary step when it comes to skin health. Your skin works its hardest at replenishing and healing at night and your skincare products also work their best at nighttime when you’re asleep – so make sure you’re getting those z’s!
Have any other beauty tips for reducing pigmentation and sun spots? Leave them in the comments below.
