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Beauty Lab
Expert tips for Discoloration, Hyperpigmentation And Dark Spots with Guest Editor Corynne Corbett
Expert tips for Discoloration, Hyperpigmentation And Dark Spots with Guest Editor Corynne Corbett
Flawless skin is the ultimate beauty goal for women around the world, especially in Japan. A smooth, even complexion is a reflection not only of beauty but also of good health. Healthy skin has a luminescence that’s natural and is valued. Hyperpigmentation, however, is a condition that can get in the way of glowing skin. But it doesn’t have to. When there is a better understanding of the contributing factors of what causes hyperpigmentation, who it impacts, how it manifests itself and the ingredients and products that are designed to combat it, skin can be restored to its radiant best.
The Melanin Factor
Melanin is a pigment found in the body that creates skin, eye, and hair colors formed by melanocytes cells. Everyone is born with melanin, but the question is how much; the darker the skin, however, the more melanin is present. Its primary function is to provide a level of natural protection from ultraviolet light. (However, there is never enough melanin present in the skin to ever skip sunscreen). When skin is exposed to sunlight, it automatically triggers melanin production.
The Melanin Factor
Melanin is a pigment found in the body that creates skin, eye, and hair colors formed by melanocytes cells. Everyone is born with melanin, but the question is how much; the darker the skin, however, the more melanin is present. Its primary function is to provide a level of natural protection from ultraviolet light. (However, there is never enough melanin present in the skin to ever skip sunscreen). When skin is exposed to sunlight, it automatically triggers melanin production.
But hyperpigmentation comes into play when factors trigger excessive melanin production as a result of the body’s effort to protect the skin. The excess pigment pools together to form deposits in the skin resulting in brown or dark spots known as hyperpigmentation. There is more than one way for hyperpigmentation to occur. Overexposure to ultraviolet light, for example, can result in freckles or small dark spots known as sun or age spots. While injuries to the skin, which can range from rashes to cuts to blemishes and acne, create inflammation causing extra melanin production. This sometimes leads to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. The dark spots brought on by the side effects of acne may be more bothersome than the blemishes themselves. Other contributing factors, including oral contraceptives and medications, may interact adversely with ultraviolet light and trigger hyperpigmentation. Furthermore, pregnancy may result in a more intense form known as melasma.
A Challenge For Every Skin Tone and Age
Hyperpigmentation is a condition that impacts women of all skin tones and ages. However, it is a more troubling concern for women of color than fine lines and wrinkles. Asian, Hispanic, and Black women are more prone to the condition in part because the dark spots may be more noticeable. And because the skin may be more sensitive, women of color are wary of harsh chemicals and treatments that may trigger additional problems.
A Powerhouse Duo that Gently Treats and Prevents Dark Spots
As leaders in melanin research, Decorté leverages cutting-edge dermatology and proprietary technology to develop breakthrough products that help inhibit the production of melanin and prevent hyperpigmentation and dark spots. The brand’s AQ Brightening Emulsion and AQ Brightening Lotion are a power duo formulated with an exclusive complex of ingredients to prevent discoloration. It includes GL Kojic Acid, which blocks pigment production. Pink Lapacho extract and Magnolia gently diminish dark spots and dullness while leaving skin hydrated. These two products are also formulated with a trio of botanical ingredients that focus on radiance and renewal. White Mucuna Extract regenerates the skin as it destresses it and gets it glowing. White Birch Water, a rare ingredient enriched with minerals and amino acids, provides intense nourishment that helps renew skin. And, Night-Blooming Cerus, a legendary flower that blooms once a summer's night, imbues the products with a scent that promotes relaxation to calm the skin.
A Japanese Ritual for Even Skin Tone and Radiance
Create a daily ritual for radiant skin with these luxurious brightening products that are great for all skin types and tones. Take the time to gently cleanse the skin, and then apply the Brightening Emulsion with the Decorté Facial Pure Cotton for maximum absorption and press into the face, neck and decolletage lightly followed by the Brightening Lotion. Pat your skin with your fingertips in a circular motion to create a massage effect after you have completed applying the products. Japanese beauty is a multi-sensorial experience, and this ritual should be practiced morning and night to achieve and maintain soft, youthful luminous skin.
Beauty and lifestyle expert Corynne Corbett is currently the President of The Chic Jones Company and CEO & Founder of Beauty BizCamp®. Corbett has enjoyed a storied career in magazine publishing, with highlights including: Beauty Director of Essence, Executive Editor at Real Simple, Editor-in-chief of Heart & Soul and Mode, Senior beauty, health, and fitness editor at Elle.