The Essential Products for Skin Discoloration

TAGS: SUNSCREEN, MINERAL SUNSCREEN, SPF 50, VITAMIN C SERUM, SKIN DISCOLORATION, RETINOL CREAM, DARK SPOT CORRECTOR

The Essential Products for Skin Discoloration

1. How to Prevent Skin Discoloration
2. How to Correct Skin Discoloration
3. How to Protect Your Skin from Skin Discoloration

Skin discoloration is a common skin concern that affects all ages as well as all skin tones. Although there are different types of discoloration , including isolated dark spots and larger brown patches, the key for maintaining an even-toned complexion is a combination of prevention, correction, and protection with advanced skincare ingredients and formulations—and committing to an effective regimen while keeping sun exposure to a minimum.

1. How to Prevent Skin Discoloration

A core pillar in SkinCeuticals’ approach to healthy skin, the “Prevent” step focuses on antioxidant protection, and daily use of a vitamin C serum in particular. Antioxidants are essential for neutralizing the damaging free radicals generated by UV rays, pollution, and other environmental aggressors—and some antioxidants have been proven to improve the appearance of skin discoloration as well. We offer several vitamin C serum options for different skin types and concerns , but our antioxidant serum Phloretin CF may be the ideal choice for those concerned about uneven skin tone. With a synergistic blend of phloretin, L-ascorbic acid (the purest form of vitamin C), and ferulic acid, this particular antioxidant cocktail has been shown to provide advanced environmental protection as it helps improve the appearance of uneven skin tone, skin discoloration, sun damage, fine lines and wrinkles, and other visible signs of aging.

2. How to Correct Skin Discoloration

After using a vitamin C serum to prevent hyperpigmentation, the next crucial step in any skincare regimen is “Correct,” and these are the targeted treatment products that are formulated to address specific skin concerns. In the case of skin discoloration, SkinCeuticals offers several corrective options. Discoloration Defense is a daily-use face serum formulated with a synergistic blend of anti-discoloration ingredients including tranexamic acid, kojic acid, niacinamide, and HEPES (a gentle acid that promotes exfoliation) to improve the appearance of all the main types of skin discoloration by 20% in two weeks.

For those with early signs of aging and sun damage, our moisturizer Metacell Renewal B3 features a potent blend of niacinamide (vitamin B3), a firming tri-peptide concentrate, and glycerin that helps clarify skin tone, gently resurface the skin, and smooth the look of fine lines and wrinkles.

Advanced Skin Discoloration Corrector may be the best choice for stubborn brown patches on the cheeks, upper lip, forehead, nose, and chin. With an ingredient cocktail that includes salicylic acid, hydroxyphenoxy propionic acid (a non-toxic derivative of hydroquinone), and the antioxidant ellagic acid, this lightweight, daily-use dark spot corrector gently exfoliates to improve the appearance of brown patches while enhancing radiance.

Adding a retinol cream to your evening routine can help enhance the results achieved with an anti-discoloration skincare regimen. One of the most extensively studied and proven skincare ingredients for both preventing and improving the appearance of visible signs of aging and skin discoloration, this vitamin A derivative helps stimulate cellular turnover to keep fresh, healthy cells on the skin’s surface1. SkinCeuticals’ offerings include the retinol cream Retinol 0.3 for first-time users as well as Retinol 0.5 for conditioned skin, and these concentrated creams are formulated with soothing bisabolol to help minimize potential side effects like peeling, redness, and irritation.

3. How to Protect Your Skin from Skin Discoloration

Whether targeting skin discoloration, visible signs of aging, or any skin concern for that matter, all of your skincare efforts are for naught if a broad-spectrum SPF 50 mineral sunscreen isn’t part of your daily morning routine. This one simple step can help prevent further damage that may lead to additional skin changes and potentially help boost the results achieved with other skincare products. SkinCeuticals offers a range of SPF 50 mineral sunscreen options for every skin type and preference, including a radiance-enhancing tinted mineral sunscreen fluid, oil-absorbing tinted mousse that leaves skin with a long-lasting matte finish, and an ultra-lightweight sheer formulation that’s suitable for even the most sensitive skin.

A few words to the wise

It's important to understand that an effective daily skincare routine that includes a vitamin C serum, corrective treatments, and an SPF 50 mineral sunscreen (and reapplying as necessary) is just one part of a successful approach to improving skin discoloration. It’s also imperative to practice sun-safe behavior, which means avoiding direct sun exposure during mid-day hours and covering up as much as possible with long sleeves, long pants, a hat, and sunglasses. By committing to an advanced skincare routine and keeping the skin’s UV exposure to a minimum, you can significantly improve skin discoloration and prevent its recurrence.

¹Baumann, L. (2015) Cosmeceuticals and Cosmetic Ingredients (pp.306-310). New York: McGraw-Hill Medical