There’s a buzz word about – sadly it’s not some fabulous 21st century beauty “must have” (that’s for another day) but the less glamorous subject of hyper pigmentation, which seems, according to my mailbox, to be troubling a large number of Irish women. What can I do about my blotchy skin / should I try and treat it or cover up / Are there different causes?
Let’s kick off with an exercise: stand starkers in front of a longish mirror – go on, I dare you. You’ll notice that the skin on your face, lower arms and hands is darker and more weathered looking. Well, that’s because they’re out in the weather constantly. Those freckles, dark circles and darker skin patches are all types of excess pigmentation caused by sun damage. So there’s your fist lesson – prevent with a sunblock (and make sure your hand cream has one too) As a further incentive, those uneven marks love to turn into age spots in later life.
Hormone changes during pregnancy can also affect melanin production - resulting in dark and lighter areas. Unfortunately, these dark areas don't always disappear after little Johnny's arrival.
To treat and lighten existing unevenness, there's an excellent choice of products which are effective in lightening spots as long as you follow the rules. This is not a quick fix so be prepared to wait 6-8 weeks for results to show and use religiously every day. Did I mention sunblock?
Neostrata Enlighten Pigment controller €47.50 Retinol and Vitamin C work together to increase cell turnover and lighten discolouration. neostrata.ie
Skinceuticals Pigment regulator £70 Exfoliating ingredients break up existing dark clusters and Emblica Works to reduce excess melanin coming to the skin surface. dermacaredirect.co.uk
Avene D-pigment Dark Spot Lightener €45 Corrective treatment from France's bestselling skincare range which uses vitamin A to lighten skin and stimulate cell reneneration
Customised: Lancome Dreamtone €78.30 Three formulas addressing either fair, medium or dark skintones and the pearlised finish adds brightness to dull and sallow skin while targeting those dark spots.
Budget Choice: Nip and Fab Dark Spot Fix €13.85 This purse friendly option comes from the innovative brain of Maria Hatzistefanis, creator of the Rodial range and boasts a hi tech concentrated formula at a spot on price
N atural: Origins Mega Bright treatment Lotion €34.50
Part of the Dr Andrew Weil's skincare range, this lotion contains a potent resurfacer to remove dark cells from the skin's surface.
Mask it: Aveda Enbrightenment Intensive Massage masque €61.50 This hydrating treatment is massaged into face, neck and décolleté concentrating on areas of discolouration. Use twice weekly for optimum results.
Cover it: Darphin Melaperfect Anti-Dark spots Correcting Foundation €29.50 Treatment foundation which covers the evidence and prevents further damage
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