Four Tips to Erase Dark Spots
February 24, 2019
Are you tired of hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and discolorations ruining your complexion?
These stubborn dark spots are very difficult to conceal, even with heavy makeup. The bright matte pink and red lips that are the rage this season demand a flawless complexion – one that’s even in tone and free of discolorations.
I have four tips that will not only help you diminish existing dark spots but also help prevent new ones so you can have a visibly more flawless, even skin tone.
Sun protection
Even though sun exposure is not the only cause of discolorations it’s a significant one. SPF-containing moisturizer is key year-round – not just in the summer months. Did you know proper application really makes a difference? Researchers have found a properly applied SPF 15 provides more protection than a poorly applied SPF 30. No matter the SPF level you choose, make sure you apply it evenly.
Sun protection extends beyond sunscreen. Protective clothing and accessories are a must for cold-weather activities. Whatever your outdoor passion may be, adding hats and eye-wear really do make a difference because of how they block the sun’s rays. It may sound like common sense but an uncommonly low number of people actually do this!
Daily Resurfacing
Consistent exfoliation works wonders and lactic acid is one of the best exfoliating agents you can choose. It’s a gentler alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) because of its larger molecule size, and it also provides a better lightening result than other AHA’s because it inhibits melanin synthesis, the cause of brown patches, freckles and uneven skin tone; glycolic and salicylic acids do not. When you use lactic acid in a high concentration, as with our patented Dramatic Transformation Cream SPF 15, you experience all of the benefits of this power-packed ingredient – exfoliation, lightening, and collagen-building.
Safe and Effective Lightening
When it comes to discolorations, there are many lightening ingredients on the market and it can become confusing to know which to choose. Alpha Arbutin has been shown to have a more pronounced lightening effect at 30 days than kojic acid or hydroquinone. Alpha Arbutin is not only effective but also safe. Many don’t realize hydroquinone is banned in many countries due to carcinogenic concerns. This is why I choose to incorporate Alpha Arbutin rather than hydroquinone in our products.
Peels
Adding a low-strength peel (20-30%) to your regimen can really boost your lightening efforts. The frequency with which you receive your peels will depend on factors such as your skin’s tolerance and the peel itself. Lactic acid peels have become more popular in recent years, and have a bit more lightening effect than a glycolic. If you typically experience a lot of redness following a peel, a mandelic acid peel may be best for you because of its anti-inflammatory properties and also because its molecule is even larger than that of lactic acid so it’s gentler. Mandelic acid also inhibits the growth of melanin so it will help further lighten any discolorations.
If you put these four tips into practice, you will see a visible improvement in the appearance of your dark spots and reveal a luminous even-toned complexion.
Perfecting your skin is my passion!
Bethany Hilt,
VERTERE Skin Care Founder and President/CEO
