This month we get even with skincare
designed to tackle beauty’s latest bugbear - Pigmentation
Not all Pigmentation is created equally.
Take freckles for example Freckles are fun-loving, cheeky and youthful. Age
spots on the other are their bigger, boorish, ugly sisters who, as studies have
recently shown, affect people’s perception of age more than lines and wrinkles.
The causes of uneven melanin production are
complex. Hormonal fluctuations, especially those associated with pregnancy or
hormonal contraception are often to blame, but the most common culprit is UV
exposure.
In the past, the most effective way to get
rid of age spots was with lasers or creams containing hydroquinone, a
controversial ingredient used in skin whitening that’s popular in the Asian
market. But for those who like their skin tone just as it is, thank you very
much, the latest offerings from our trusted brands contain proven
skin-brighteners, such as vitamin C, as well as ingredients to help suppress
the production of pigment and accelerate its removal.
Unlike creams containing skin-bleaching
agents, these products can be used by any ethnicity and are gentle enough for
all skin types, although you might want to use your normal moisturizer as a
hydration top-up. A word of warning though, these should always be used in
conjunction with daily UV protection to ensure they do their job well and to
prevent further damage (but of course we do that anyway. Right, girls?).
La Roche-Posay Pigment Control, $43.5
This concentrated super-serum may initially
feel a little runny but the dropper helps with the application and it’s
instantly absorbed. It pepped up our weary complexions nicely.
La
Roche-Posay Pigment Control, $43.5
Dr Andrew Weil for Origins Mega-Bright, $69
The potent ingredients are also
anti-irritant, so even sensitive souls can slather it on. Despite being a serum
it still felt pleasantly hydrating.
Dr
Andrew Weil for Origins Mega-Bright, $69
Sisley Intensive Lightening Serum, $316.5
It may be pricey, but we loved how this
vitamin-C-packed serum seemed to give our skin an instant youth-boost.
Sisley
Intensive Lightening Serum, $316.5
Kiehl’s Dark Spot Solution, $54
Another super-liquidy texture but the
lightweight formula still made our skin feel as soft as a peach. Plus we loved
the spa-like aroma.
Kiehl’s
Dark Spot Solution, $54
La Mer The Brightening Essence Intense, $330
This went on like a dream without a hint of
stickiness and gave us a pleasing glow. Dry skins might need a moisture top-up
though.
La
Mer The Brightening Essence Intense, $330
Philosophy Dark Spot Corrector, $78
Don’t be put off by the slightly murky
colour. This clever little corrector smoothed our skin instantly, meaning our
foundation went on a treat afterwards.
Philosophy
Dark Spot Corrector, $78
