dr.NC Dermatologist’s tips to do this Summer!
As summer approaches the temperature is rising, the days are getting longer, and the UV rays are more intense. The perfect fertiliser to activate and stimulate pigmentation in your skin.
Pigmentation (think brown blotchy spots and dots in your skin) is one of the most complained-about signs of premature ageing. Especially in Australia thanks to our high levels of UV radiation, it’s a skin concern that affects around 80% of my patients and has inspired a number of my formulations to prevent, protect and remove this pesky problem.
It is important to stop pigmentation in its tracks by using effective formulations in your routine EVERY SINGLE DAY.
So, what is that brown stuff you see come alive in the months of summer on your face and body?
Hyperpigmentation is essentially increased and excess pigment (also known as melanin) that’s visible in the skin. The melanin is produced by cells known as melanocytes. These cells sit in the deeper parts of the epidermis and their job is to make pigment to protect our skin from the damaging UV rays. The problem is years of chronic long-term bits of sun exposure start making these cells produce excessive amounts of melanin.
When those cells go into overdrive, the excess melanin ends up clumping together to form blotchy patches of freckles, sunspots (also known as lentigos), age spots, melasma and general hyperpigmentation. Leaving you with uneven skin tone.
As we know prevention is much better than cure so NOT getting the sun exposure in the first place is the best way to “treat” pigmentation. But this is unrealistic, and most people get the damage in the first 15 years of their life which then presents 20 years later when the damage is already done.
So, what can we do to address pesky pigmentation, uneven skin tone and prevent new pigmentation and sun spots developing with our home use routines?
Dr.NC’s Tips to Remove, Improve and Prevent Pesky Pigmentation:
#1: PROTECTION
The sun is not only responsible for 80% of skin ageing, BUT it is the biggest factor and key fertiliser when it comes to skin pigmentation and uneven skin tone. SPF therefore is your skin’s BFF. When it comes to picking your daily protector there are some essentials you need to know:
- SPF 30 and above is essential
- Mineral over chemical, preferably zinc and titanium dioxide together as this gives the best coverage for both UVA and UVB (don’t trust lightweight zinc only formulations)
- Antioxidant in the formula to combat the inflammatory and environmental damage that feeds ageing and pigmentation. My tip, Niacinamide aka vitamin B3.
Check out my Concentrated CC+ Cream SPF 30, 100% mineral protection with anti-oxidant 5% Niacinamide (vitamin B3).
SHOP THE CONCENTRATED CC+ CREAM SPF30 NOW
#2: FADING AND REMOVING
Daily use of the right serum (yes, not all serums are created effectively), to lift and remove the pigmentation build up in your skin is key. Both AHA and BHA ingredients are needed every single day to fade and keep the pigmentation at bay. These mastermind ingredients have stood the test of time for very good reasons…yep, they work. They work by lifting and removing the pigment out of the skin. These superstars also exfoliate, stimulate collagen and elastin and upregulate your skin back to its 20-year-old self. Everything you need and nothing you don’t.
That’s why I have formulated the Concentrated Clarifier (AHA and BHA) to use every day and the Concentrated Micropeel wipes to use once a week at-home. A must have if you are serious about radiant & even toned skin.
SHOP THE CONCENTRATED CLARIFIER + CONCENTRATED MICROPEEL NOW
#3: PREVENTING PIGMENTATION
Daily anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory ingredients are key in the pigmentation prevention and management process.
My favourites are Niacinamide (vitamin B3), vitamin C and vitamin E.
I’ve made it easy for you with ALL 3 ingredients, in clinical proven concentrations, in the one serum: the Concentrated Illuminator which I consider it to be an anti-ageing treatment as well.
FIND IT IN THE CONCENTRATED ILLUMINATOR
Time for dull uneven skin tone to take a back seat and for you to begin your journey of glowing skin.
With Epidermal Love
Xox DrNC