Want a clear, glowing complexion? It’s time to get on top of your pigmentation
We might moan and groan about wrinkles, but blotchy, uneven skin tone can be even more ageing than fine lines and creases.
In fact, pigmentation can make us look up to 20 years older than we already are, according to ground-breaking research published in the journal Evolution and Human Behaviour1.
The study by the Ludwig-Boltzmann-Institute for Urban Ethology at the University of Vienna found women with lots of pigment problems were rated as less attractive and often far older than their even-toned counterparts1.
So for a bright, clear and radiant complexion, it’s worth getting on top of those not-so-subtle, brown-coloured smudges of bother.
So what exactly is pigmentation?
Dark spots, age spots, sun spots – all names given to pigmentation and hyperpigmentation, which describe patches or spots that are darker than your normal skin tone2.
They’re caused when the skin starts to produce extra melanin2.
Due to the uneven tone of the skin, your face will often look dull, blotchy and tired, making you look a lot older than you really are.
The most common trigger, particularly in our sun-drenched country, is sun exposure and UV damage3.
Injury, environmental stressors, hormonal changes and medication can also be to blame.
Who’s affected by pigmentation?
In one of those unfair facts of life, some skin types are more susceptible to pigmentation than others.
While those with dark tones can be more prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation because their skin contains more active pigments, fair-skinned folk are susceptible to sun induced pigmentation such as freckles and sunspots2.
In saying that, anyone can really be affected.
When can you get pigmentation?
While skin pigmentation tends to get worse as we hit our 40s, it can also affect younger women and men.
The good news is, it can be managed and there are precautionary steps we can take to help prevent the problem in the first place.
How to manage and help prevent pigmentation (and the hero ingredients you need to know about)
Sun exposure can cause a host of changes to our skin including premature skin ageing, skin cancer, pigmentation, rough and leathery skin and an uneven complexion.
It means wearing sunscreen with a high SPF is essential every single day, even in winter, and reapplying regularly.
Then look for products containing Vitamin C, B3 and Vitamin E.
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that combats free radical damage, helping to visibly brighten the skin and even skin tone.
Vitamin B3, also known as niacinamide, can improve skin texture and tone and helps reduce the look of wrinkles and vitamin E helps the skin maintain its normal barrier function.
Safflower seed oil and emblica fruit extract are moisturising, helping to soothe the skin and also help visibly reduce pigmentation.
The Elucent Even Tone range is infused with a combination of these ingredients to help target dark spots and help visibly reduce the appearance of pigmentation.
Focus on your skin and make this your season for a visibly bright, radiant and glowing complexion.
Always read the label. Follow the directions for use.
Prolonged high-risk sun exposure should be avoided. Frequent reapplication or use in accordance with directions is required for effective sun protection.
*This post is brought to you by Elucent Even Tone.
References
1 Fink B, Grammer K and Matts P. Visible skin color distribution plays a role in the perception of age, attractiveness, and health in female faces. Evol Hum Behav 2005: 27: 433-442.
2 Vashi NA and Kundu RU. Facial hyperpigmentation: causes and treatment. Brit J Derm 2013: 109(Suppl 3): 41-56.
3 Fajuyigbe D and Young AR. The impact of skin colour on human photobiological responses. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2016: 29: 607-618.
