With over 90% of UV rays able to penetrate through thick clouds finding the right pigmentation products for your skin type is key in keeping the skin protected and in balance.
“As soon as you step out into the sun, your skin knows that it is exposed to UV radiation,” said senior author Elena Oancea, assistant professor of biology in the Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology, and Biotechnology at Brown University. “This is a very fast process, faster than anything that was known before.”
When the skin is exposed to UV, melanin is produced by cells called melanocytes. Olive complexions will produce more melanin which protects the cell from DNA damage along with the breakdown of folic acid – a nutrient needed for health and wellbeing. Fairer skin types do not have as much melanin and therefore not as much cell protection from UV exposure expressing the importance of sunscreen for this skin type.
Too much melanin can interfere with Vitamin D production a nutrient needed for calcium absorption. Too much exposure to UV can lead to premature ageing, an increase in the wrinkling of the skin due to the breakdown of collagen and other structural components of the skin.
All about Protection
A part of any good prevention strategy is protection with a mineral sunscreen from daily UV exposure. Remember that no sunscreen will give you 100% coverage so there is still a small % of UV that reaches the deeper layers of your skin (unless you are using the white zinc that is white on application and you can’t see through it).
Osmosis Protect is suitable for all skin types and feels luxuriously smooth and non-greasy on the skin. It smells divine and contains no nasties. This Mineral Sunscreen, however, will come off when you swim or sweat. Our clients love this product, as it is kind and gentle to the skin and does not clog the skin.
Colorescience Total Face Shield SPF 30 is mineral-based, lightweight with invisible coverage in a universal shade. One of our most popular sunscreens it is water/sweat resistant for up to 40 minutes. Being oil-free, all skin types will enjoy this product. It contains PhytoMoist which provides hydration and improves overall suppleness of the skin. 4x more hydrating than hyaluronic acid.
Pigmentation Serums for All Skins including Sensitive Skins
Choosing the right brightening product for your skin type can make or break your love of lightening skincare products. For those with a sensitive skin type, you will want to opt for a pigmentation serum that does not contain a high dose of AHA’s (alpha hydroxy acids) as this excessive exfoliation can exacerbate sensitive skin conditions and increase dermatitis.
Skin Matrix IQ Serum contains a high dose of Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) which when used in concentrations of over 5% will have a lightening and brightening effect on the skin. Vitamin C in an oil-soluble form makes the Vitamin C stable and not irritating to the skin. Not to mention oil-soluble Vitamin C, in my opinion, is way more effective than its water-based counterparts. Let's not forget Lysine and Glycine – 2 amino acids that supply the skin with an abundance of protein for anti-ageing benefits. This was my favourite brightening serum that I used morning and night whilst I was pregnant.
Aspect Pigment Punch Plus is a lightening serum that can also be used whilst pregnant. Targets pigmentation concerns, including age spots, scarring, and uneven skin tones. A soothing formula to hydrate and calm skin whilst giving the skin a luminous glow. Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive complexions.
Pigmentation Serums for a Thickened Sun Damaged Skin
The Cosmedix Simply Brilliant ticks all the boxes. Its combination of AHA’s and pigment brighteners is a cocktail of ingredients to be reckoned with. Cosmedix Simply Brilliant is a gentle yet powerful brightening serum that eliminates dark spots and pigmentation for more evenly-toned and radiant skin. Packed with ten plant-based brightening ingredients, Cosmedix Simply Brilliant targets existing pigmentation while preventing new problem areas.
I know it is recommended not to use Vitamin A (aka retinol) in the day, but I am thinking at .15% it is ok at such a low percentage. In any case, I have used The Priori Illumination Treatment Serum and love it. It is recommended to use it in the day, but there is no reason why you couldn’t use it of a night. I mix mine in the morning with our Skin Matrix IQ Serum for a cocktail of lightening goodness. Enhanced with licorice root for skin brightening, this face serum adapts to your specific skin condition to lighten and illuminate dull, discolored skin resulting in a radiant, healthier-looking complexion. Fine lines, sun damage, age spots, and unwanted skin imperfections from acne or irritations are greatly reduced due to the power of the Triple Turmeric Complex with dramatic antioxidant and anti-inflammatory botanicals. Your skin will be radiant again!
The skin responds to years of sun exposure through a thickening of the uppermost layers of the skin to protect it from UV radiation. This is why using a good exfoliant as part of your weekly skincare regime will keep the skin soft and supple. Exfoliating the skin will also remove the upper layers of dead cells that are full of melanin which can make the skin appear flat, dull and grey. Not only will your skin take on more of a glow and feel smoother, but your products will also penetrate more effectively into the skin.
At Home Skin Brightening Treatments
Our C-Bright Cosmeceutical Sheet Mask is a treatment you can do a home weekly to enhance your lightening results. Full of skin brighteners and skin hydrators. The C Bright contains gentle AHA's to give the skin a buff n polish whilst feeding the skin antioxidants and anti-ageing properties. Got a special occasion? This is your must-to-do mask before your big event! Otherwise use weekly as part of your skincare regime.
Looking for a Vitamin C – at home peeling system that will make your skin feel like you have been to the beauty parlour? HydroPeptide Plump and Polish is just that. A 2 part system to whilst away dead melanin filled cells whilst feeding the skin Vitamin C and Peptides. Then layer on part 2 – the lactic acid serum/peel. Wait 8 minutes and voila, an at-home brightening and anti-ageing peel. Perfect before a special occasion or just as part of your weekly skincare regime to keep this bright, smooth and luscious.
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