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The Ultimate Guide to Banishing Pigmentation in Summer
Correct your dark spots 101.
Pigmentation woes? We hear you! Whether you're battling post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, Melasma, or sun damage, we've researched amazing pigmentation-fighting products that have earned their place in the bathroom cabinets, so you don't have to. Get cozy with these pigment busting products below.
Words By Erin Visagie
Vitamin C Goodness
It has been proven that vitamin C is a powerful, naturally occurring skincare ingredient capable of repairing skin damage as well as brightening pigmentation and acne scars, whilst simultaneously protecting against free-radical damage and stimulating collagen synthesis. It is one powerful antioxidant!
When it comes to using Vitamin C product (or any antioxidant for that matter), it’s best to apply them in the morning, and follow up with SPF, always. Unless of course the product has been designed to brighten the complexion or pigment, while you sleep.
Try the Yuzu Vitamin C Sleep Mask to brighten your pigmentation while you sleep. There is 3x more Vitamin C in the Yuzu fruit than in any other citrus fruit, so you know this jelly textured mask is going to work very hard. Along with other ingredients, it treats pesky spots, ageing, dullness and hydrates while it’s doing its thing.
It’s hard to go wrong with The Ordinary’s Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2% serum. Vitamin C and Alpha Arbutin are included in the formula to reduce signs of ageing, uneven skin tone, hyperpigmentation, and scarring. In addition, the product leaves your skin soft and is bank-friendly!
Skincare lovers willing to splurge will love this dermatologist-recommended eye gel: The Universal C Eye Perfector by BeautyStat Cosmetics, using ingredients like Vitamin C caffeine and hemp oil, this gel improves skin radiance, removes dark circles and fine lines under the eyes, and brightens the discolouration in the delicate eye area.
BeautyStat Cosmetics Universal C Eye Perfector, $106.03, Revolve Clothing
Retinol
The skin-saving ingredient retinol plumps the skin by stimulating collagen production and elastin production, minimising/preventing wrinkles, diminishing hyperpigmentation and acne scarring.
There are two types of retinoids that are gentle on the skin: retinyl palmite and retinyl acetate, and granactive retinoids are one of the easiest retinoids to use on dry or sensitive skin, containing .01 to .03 per cent or a low percentage of retinol.
DR. DENNIS GROSS SKINCARE Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Texture Renewal Serum is recommended by dermatologists to help fight signs of pigmentation. With this product, you will benefit from the effects of retinol in combination with Bakuchiol (which works just like retinol without any redness or irritation) and rambutan (which targets fine lines and wrinkles). Additionally, the product doesn’t irritate sensitive skin, so, sensitive girlies, you can rejoice!
The Skinstitut Retinol serum is another to try. By using this cream, you can achieve more hydrated, plumper skin and avoid age spots and pigmentation. Adding it to your nighttime routine once a week is a good (great) idea.
Those who are willing to splurge should try Alpha-H Liquid Gold Midnight Reboot Serum. The serum contains glycolic acid, which stimulates skin renewal, collagen production, hyaluronic acid production, and Granactive retinoid (Vitamin A), which contributes to healthy, youthful skin, as well as an antioxidant coenzyme Q10. Definitely worth the money if you’re committed to battling stubborn pigmentation.
SPF
SPF is an essential part of your skincare arsenal to prevent pigmentation, sun damage, fine lines, and most importantly, skin cancer. There is no doubt that sunscreen is one of the most effective products you can use for prevention and protection.
For those with sensitive skin, La Roche Posay Anthelios XL Ultra Light Tinted SPF 50+ is an excellent sunscreen. Added to your morning routine, its lightly-tinted formula provides UVA/UVB protection without leaving a white cast and does not leave a sticky residue behind. It’s fantastic, affordable and powerful!
If you’re looking for a sunscreen that’s packed with benefits, try the AB LAB Dewy C Facial Sun Milk, which includes Vitamin C, Kakadu Plum (an excellent source of Vitamin C), Carnosine and Reserveratol. Carnosine is useful in preventing the onset of conditions such as Melasma and hyperpigmentation, this is because it shields the skin from UVA/UVB rays and blue light emitted from screens.
One of our favourite products is Ultra Violette Supreme Screen, which has broad-spectrum sun protection, hydration, and a makeup primer all in one. Suitable for any skincare routine, it prevents future dark spots and pigmentation on the go and is invisible on the skin.
Ultra Violette Supreme Screen 125ml, was $70 now $59.50, Adore Beauty
Face Masks & Patches
A face mask or patch is a powerful way to reduce hyperpigmentation and brighten dark spots on your skin that just don’t seem to budge.
A Zitsticka Hyperfade Micro Dart patch helps blur residual marks after a pimple has settled overnight. After multiple uses, the patch restores your skin tone and texture to normal with skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and vitamin C.
There are a number of effective masks you can use to fight pigmentation. These include the Aceology Hydro Glow Energizing Green Tea Eye Mask and the Sand & Sky Australian Pink Clay Pore Refining Face Mask.
Using a blend of Green Tea extract, caffeine, and cucumber extract to moisturise and brighten the pigmentation under your eyes, the Aceology Hydrating Glow and Energizing Green Tea Eye Mask invigorates, refreshes, and brightens your skin and eyes.
You can pamper yourself with the Sand & Sky Australian Pink Clay Porefining Face Mask. This mask brightens and evens your skin tone while helping get rid of toxins, impurities, pollutants and leaves you with a natural, even toned glow!
ZitSticka Hyperfade Microdart Blur Patch, $49, Look Fantastic
Serums & Cleansers
Serums and cleansers are skincare go-to’s, especially when battling pigmentation. But, of course, every comprehensive skincare routine incorporates both. So we’ve put together some fantastic options for you to try.
An excellent cleanser to try is Murad’s AHA/BHA cleanser. This cleanser revitalises skin by exfoliating and polishing away dullness using salicylic acid, lactic acid, glycolic acid, and jojoba. This will help create a youthful glow, brighten any pigmentation and leave your skin beautifully moisturised.
If you are looking to combat dark spots and pigmentation, two worthwhile serums to try include Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Serum and the Indie Lee Squalane Facial Oil.
Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution is a product that minimises the appearance of dark spots over time. With continued use, skin clarity is improved while dark spots are diminished. In addition, it evens your overall skin tone when used all over the face, and is suitable for all skin types.
Another effective ingredient that helps with reducing skin discolouration and hyperpigmentation is squalene, so give Indie Lee’s Squalane Facial Oil a try. The oil is ideal for all skin types, is non-comedogenic, moisturises, and reduces pigmentation over time!
Natural Ingredients
You should keep an eye out for Kakadu Plum in skincare. Besides being an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant ingredient, this native Australian powerhouse soothes sensitive skin, reduces inflammation caused by sun exposure and sensitivities, and improves the skin’s barrier function.
As a result of its highly concentrated Vitamin C content, Kakadu Plum has also been used by First Nation Australians for nutritional purposes, for tens of thousands of years.
A product to try is the SALT BY HENDRIX Botanical Facial serum, which fights visible signs of ageing, prevents free radical damage, and improves skin tone, thanks to the powerful nature of Kakadu Plum.
Those who enjoy cream products should consider Minenssey Nutrious Face & Neck Cream. With antioxidants like Kakadu Plum, pomegranate, acer rubrum (red maple), and Waratah flower, this cream helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles, whilst lightning the signs of pigmentation.
It creates a brighter look and protects against environmental aggressors. A powerful concoction of both native Australian, and other botanical ingredients to help fight signs of pigmentation, with no addition of nasties.
RMS Beauty Kakadu Evening Beauty Elixir 15ml, $68.83, Net-a-Porter
