Question
I’ve noticed patches of pigmentation starting to appear on my face. Is there anything I can do at home to remove them or at least lessen their appearance?
B. Wilkins, via e-mail
Answer
Tricia Haron, Clinique’s national education manager, says: “In the past, dark and uneven patches on the skin were blamed solely on UV exposure, but over time we’ve learned that sun isn’t the only culprit. We now know that internal aggressors, hormonal changes, improper cleansing, lack of moisture and even harsh treatment products can contribute to spots, uneven skin tone and pigmentation.”
Hyperpigmentation (simply, too much pigment) occurs when the melanocytes, the pigment-making cells in the skin, produce excess melanin, forming dark spots. “Hyperpigmentation usually responds well to at-home lightening and brightening ranges, which can take eight to 10 weeks to produce results,” says Tricia.
“Effective ingredients to look for include kojic acid, licorice root, bearberry extract and glycolic acid.”
Products such as the Clinique Derma White range target pigmentation in three simple steps. Firstly, they gently exfoliate to diminish the appearance of spots. Secondly, they work to break up the melanin in the skin, and thirdly, they prevent future damage.
“You can also prevent additional development of pigmentation by incorporating a good regimen of cleansing, exfoliating and moisturising into your daily skincare routine,” adds Tricia. “And remember to wear a good sunblock, as one unprotected day in the sun can reverse all the results.”
The AWW Beauty Team
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