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6 Methods to Combat Sun Spots on Skin

TAGS: SKIN DISCOLORATION, VITAMIN C SERUM, SUNSCREEN

6 Methods to Combat Sun Spots on Skin

  1. Skin brighteners
  2. Retinol
  3. Exfoliation
  4. Daily vitamin C serum
  5. Sunscreen
  6. In-office treatments

Everyone loves looking back at their summer memories: no one wants them living on their skin. Even with the most stringent of sun care routines throughout the warm summer months, it’s possible that you’re seeing dark spots on face and uneven skin tone with the fall season afoot.

It’s a fact: The sun is the primary cause of skin discoloration (although hormones, past blemishes, and the natural aging process contribute as well). This is because UV rays stimulate cells within the skin called melanocytes, prompting them to produce extra pigment (also known as melanin) in an effort to protect the skin from further damage. This is exactly what happens when you get a suntan, but stubborn, long-lasting areas of skin discoloration often result instead. The good news is these six at-home and professional skincare steps can help fade the appearance of skin discoloration—and prevent it from coming back.

1: Skin brighteners

The skin’s pigment-production process is quite complex, and there are a variety of ingredients that can intervene along the way. Skin-brightening ingredients can work in several ways, including preventing pigment from forming, helping to break up existing melanin, or promoting skin turnover so dark, discolored cells shed more quickly. Many advanced skin-brightening skincare products are formulated with ingredients that work in multiple ways to maximize improvement and ultimate results. SkinCeuticals recognizes these issues and has found a solution in our potent serum solutions and dark spot correctors for improving the look of skin discoloration and promoting a brighter, more even-toned complexion include Discoloration Defense®, Advanced Skin Discoloration Corrector, Phyto Corrective Gel, and Metacell Renewal B3.

2: Retinol

Retinol is one of those skincare ingredients that seems to be able to help with everything - and you wouldn't be wrong in thinking that! For skin discoloration to retaining moisture, retinol has got your back (and front). Let's tackle what exactly retinol does to help prevent sun spots: first, it inhibits the enzyme that fuels pigment production. Retinol also helps prevent melanin from being deposited into the uppermost layer of skin, and increases the skin’s natural exfoliation process so dark, discolored cells shed more quickly. SkinCeuticals offers two strengths for both new users and pre-conditioned skin, so there’s a retinol cream for everyone.

3: Exfoliation

With age, it takes more time for the skin to naturally renew itself, but regular, gentle exfoliation can help minimize the appearance of unwanted pigment and buildup of dead skin cells that contribute to a dull, uneven complexion while maintaining the skin’s natural turnover. There are several ways to reveal fresh, radiant, healthy-, and youthful-looking skin, including daily-use facial cleansers, skin toners, exfoliating serums, and moisturizers formulated with alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids as well as other advanced exfoliating ingredients that help improve sun-induced spots and other types of skin discoloration. In addition to our exfoliating skin cleanser LHA Cleanser and skin toner LHA Toner, use the SkinCeuticals Routine Builder tool to help curate the ideal skincare regimen for your skin.

4: Daily vitamin C serum

Yes, the sun is the primary cause of skin discoloration, but free radicals generated by environmental assaults like pollution play a role in pigment production as well. Prevent dark spots on face in their tracks with topical antioxidants such as vitamin C serum, and our antioxidant serum Phloretin CF. Both have been proven to improve the appearance of existing skin discoloration as well as fine lines and skin texture.

5: Sunscreen

Everyone's favourite: Apply your mineral sunscreen 365 days a year! Our mineral-based sun-protection products offer effective protection against UVA and UVB rays to help prevent pigment production and skin discoloration— sunscreen can also act as an insurance policy that maintains radiant, even-toned skin.

6: In-office treatments

When your at-home skincare efforts need a boost, professional treatments are just what the doctor orders. From chemical peels to Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and microneedling, these clinical procedures give you a leg up on fighting discoloration and help restore and reveal youthful- and healthy-looking skin. Click here to find a skincare professional who can help you achieve your goals and get you on the path to your best skin yet.

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