During this pandemic summer, we probably spent more time outdoors than ever. And while it certainly helped us create lasting memories, it may also have left its mark on our skin – in the form of “sun spots” or hyperpigmentation. Keep in mind that in addition to UV exposure, there are also other culprits that can cause hyperpigmentation, like post-inflammatory marks from acne, hormones, and aging.
During this pandemic summer, we probably spent more time outdoors than ever. And while it certainly helped us create lasting memories, it may also have left its mark on our skin – in the form of “sun spots” or hyperpigmentation. Keep in mind that in addition to UV exposure, there are also other culprits that can cause hyperpigmentation, like post-inflammatory marks from acne, hormones, and aging.
Licensed aesthetician and pigment disorder specialist Kelly Horton-Beeman of FACES SkinGym says that “the most common form of hyperpigmentation is excessive exposure to UV light, which causes your pigment producing cells to go into overdrive and leads to sunspots (solar lentigines) or liver spots. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) follows damage or trauma to the epidermis and/or dermis with increased melanin production. And, hormonal fluctuations and pregnancy can cause hyperpigmentation characterized by dark patches on the cheeks and temples or around the mouth. It can also be triggered by external hormones like oral contraceptive pills or from over-exposure to heat.”
While clinical and professional treatments like prescription creams, laser treatments, and chemical peels are all a means to fading these pesky spots and discoloration, not everyone has the budget or downtime. That’s where over-the-counter skin care products formulated with natural, clean beauty ingredients that can help fade dark spots and even-out skin tone come in – and they can easily be incorporated into your weekly skin care routine!
One naturally effective clean beauty ingredient to address hyperpigmentation is Niacinamide – a.k.a. Vitamin B3 – which is formulated in our Brightening Radiance Mask, along with Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Allantoin, Polyglutamic Acid (PGA) to help fade spots and restore your skin to a more even, glowing state.
Ginseng is another clean beauty ingredient known for its ability slow down melanin production by protecting skin from environmental stressors. Our Ginseng Vitality Sheet Masks deliver the benefits of Panax Ginseng Root Extract, plus another well-known ingredient for fading spots: Uralensis (Licorice) Root Extract. This mask also includes Hippophae Rhamnoides Water, Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract, Morus Alba Bark Extract, Glycyrrhiza Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, and Polyglutamic Acid (PGA) to re-energize and even-out your skin.
And then there’s Aloe Vera, which has also shown to reduce dark pigment in skin over time, among its many other skin care benefits (it’s formulated in many Aloisia Beauty's clean beauty products). Our Aloe Soothing Sheet Masks, with Aloe Vera Leaf Extract, Ganoderma Leaf Extract, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Sodium Hyaluronate, and our DEEP HYDRATING Aloe Gel Mist, featuring Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water and Aloe Vera Leaf Extract, plus Hydrolyzed Collagen, Centella Asiatica Extract, Witch Hazel, are two other products that can help you keep spots at bay, while also hydrating and soothing your skin.
While you work on reversing the appearance of dark spots and discoloration, don’t forget to wear sunscreen daily no matter the season – it will help protect your skin from future spotting!
-The Aloisia Beauty Team