Brown Spots, Melasma & Pigment Problems
Dear Readers - So many people have problems with uneven pigment due to sun damage, melasma, skin irritation and acne, that I'd like to give you the basic products that you need to use to help control and improve pigment problems. Below are the products that are a must. Hydroquinones are their own issue and need to be customized for each person. They may make pigment worse, especially if used for too long or in high concentrations.
When trying new products, always start one at a time about 3-7 days apart, so if you have a problem, you know which product it is!
Morning: 1) Gentle cleanser (over scrubbing makes pigment worse)
2) A potent antioxidant (they have been shown to decrease pigment over time)
3) Moisturizer if needed (dry skin is more easily irritated which makes pigment worse)
4) Double sunscreen layer with at least 10-20% zinc (no sunscreen blocks UVA perfectly but zinc is the best at it)
5) A hat whenever possible
2) A potent antioxidant (they have been shown to decrease pigment over time)
3) Moisturizer if needed (dry skin is more easily irritated which makes pigment worse)
4) Double sunscreen layer with at least 10-20% zinc (no sunscreen blocks UVA perfectly but zinc is the best at it)
5) A hat whenever possible
Evening: 1) Gentle cleanser
2) A plant based skin lightener/brightener
3) A gentle Vit A cousin - a retinoid (these help the pigment move out of the skin faster and disperse more evenly) A prescription version is fine also but make sure you don't get irritated - it makes pigment problems worse.
4) Moisturizer - Use the moisturizer first if retinoids tend to irritate you.
2) A plant based skin lightener/brightener
3) A gentle Vit A cousin - a retinoid (these help the pigment move out of the skin faster and disperse more evenly) A prescription version is fine also but make sure you don't get irritated - it makes pigment problems worse.
4) Moisturizer - Use the moisturizer first if retinoids tend to irritate you.
*Remember that cell growth factors, peptides and other marketed products have not been shown to help with pigment and are just marketing.
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