Behind the brown stain
Brown spots have a big impact on how old people think we are. One study showed that an unbalanced skin tone can make a person look more than 12 years older! The big questions: where do they come from, and what can be done about them?
It's helpful to understand the science behind brown spots. The official term for brown spots and other forms of skin discoloration is hyperpigmentation. Unlike freckles, hyperpigmentation doesn't fade in the winter, and unfortunately it becomes more visible as we age.
But what are the causes? Irregular production of melanin (the brown or reddish pigment of the skin). Certain triggers - particularly unprotected sun exposure - cause this irregular production, which leads to a clumping of skin color. Other causes include hormonal factors (birth control pills and pregnancy) and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), which is caused by previous trauma or scarring (such as a popped zit or deep cut). Hormonal hyperpigmentation and PIH are both exacerbated by sun exposure.
30 minutes of unprotected exposure to the sun can negate an entire month's efforts to fight hyperpigmentation
So what can you do about it? Here's how to find out the cause of your brown spots - and what you can do about it.
Consult the experts
Ask a Dermalogica skin therapist for a free Face Mapping® skin analysis and consultation to get to the bottom of your brown spots. Once you know your personal triggers, you can find the best treatment. They can even recommend professional treatments that can help you get rid of dark spots faster!
Apply SPF daily
Sunscreen prevents UV light from bringing new spots to the surface - and it also helps control the color intensity of the spots you can see. Apply it daily to get the most out of the treatments you try - just 30 minutes spent unprotected in the sun can negate a whole month's efforts in fighting hyperpigmentation!
Know ingredients
There are a number of ingredients that can help fight hyperpigmentation, but vitamin C is one of the most effective. As one of the most powerful antioxidants, it is a highly effective free radical scavenger. New research shows that it can also boost the skin's natural defense system and help it protect itself against future oxidative stress - brightening skin from the inside and out. Just be sure to choose a vitamin C formula that is both ultra-stable and highly bioavailable.
Be patient
There's no quick fix for hyperpigmentation: it may take you at least 30 days of skincare (with sunscreen) before you see any progress. Also, some spots may look darker at first before they lighten. This is because they gradually rise to the surface of the skin with continued exfoliation. But if you keep at it, you'll see brighter, tighter, more radiant skin over time!BioLumin-C Serum is a high potency vitamin C serum that works with the skin's own defenses to brighten and tighten the skin.