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Sun spots. Age spots. Dark spots. Melasma. All of these skin concerns fall under one condition, otherwise known as hyperpigmentation. Skin hyperpigmentation is a common condition where patches of skin become darker than the surrounding area, caused by an excess production of melanin (the pigment responsible for skin and hair colour).
Fortunately, there are certain skincare ingredients to look out for in your skincare products that work to treat dark spots and hyperpigmentation! We’ve rounded up the top six ingredients and the associated dermalogica hyperpigmentation treatment products to start incorporating into your skin care routine.
active ingredients to look for in serums for dark spots
Hexylresorcinol
This potent active ingredient inhibits the activity of the enzyme that creates melanin, leading to a decrease in melanin production. Hexylresorcinol has antimicrobial properties making it a great ingredient in skin creams to improve skin tone and reduce hyperpigmentation. It is also an antioxidant that can help protect the skin from environmental stressors and signs of aging. It is considered an alternative to hydroquinone for its skin-brightening effects. Hexylresorcinol is commonly found in products targeting dark spots and you can find it in PowerBright Dark Spot Serum, which evens the appearance of uneven pigmentation fast and fades dark spots over time.
Niacinamide
Niacinamide, also known as Vitamin B3, helps reduce the transfer of pigment from melanocytes to surrounding keratinocytes, which can reduce the appearance of uneven pigmentation and dark spots. Niacinamide is not only effective in treating uneven pigmentation but also helps reduce the appearance of enlarged pores and fine lines. Niacinamide is generally good for most skin types and is most effectively used alongside other active ingredients like hyaluronic acid or retinol.
For a reliable niacinamide serum, this active ingredient can be found in our PowerBright Moisturiser SPF50, alongside Brown Algae, Hyaluronic Acid, Licorice Root Extract and Bisabolol. This daily SPF moisturiser not only helps shield against dark spots but also combats oxidative stress caused by pollution.
Shiitake Mushroom
Shiitake mushrooms aren’t just delicious — they’re good for your skin, too. They help even skin tone by degrading melanin, and are also a source of beta-glucans. Shiitake mushroom helps to decrease uneven skin tone caused by visible sun damage, age spots or scarring. Shiitake mushrooms are a great way to remove age spots naturally with as little use of artificial chemicals as possible.
Find the active ingredient shiitake mushroom in dermalogica's PowerBright Dark Spot Serum. This facial serum is specifically designed to treat darks spots on the face and contains ingredients that helps target skin spots naturally.
Adaptogenic Ashwagandha
This ancient medicinal herb is actually classified as an adaptogen, which means it can help your body manage stress. The benefits of Ashwagandha come to light in skincare because of the connection between stress and skin ageing, including fine lines and wrinkles. Ashwagandha delivers antioxidants to help normalise skin’s functions, and it also has a root in Ayurveda, with its leaves being recommended for reducing inflammation. This active ingredient also promotes collagen production, improving skin elasticity and targeting skin concerns at the source. This ingredient can also be found in our PowerBright Dark Spot Serum, alongside Niacinamide, Hexylrecorcinol, Shiitake Mushroom, Black Currant Oil, Peony Flower, and skin-shielding actives.
Peony Flower + Black Currant Oil
Both Peony Flower and Black Currant Oil help to reduce the action of tyrosinase, which helps to decrease the amount of melanin production in the skin. Peony extract is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, allowing you to target excess melanin in your skin. The combination of Peony Flower with Black Currant Oil helps to boost skin’s natural luminosity, as black currant extract is rich in fatty acids and helps keep skin hydrated, nourished and more youthful-looking. Peony flower extract and black currant oil are both active ingredients in the dermalogica Powerbright Dark Spot Serum which also contains other important active ingredients to target face hyperpigmentation and leaves skin looking and feeling smooth.
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
It is fairly well known that Vitamin C is a powerful ingredient to address hyperpigmentation and dark spots, as it is highly effective at scavenging free radicals, helping the skin defend itself against future oxidative stress, and brightening skin. Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate is a stabilized form of Vitamin C that delivers high-performance brightening and provides the skin with antioxidant benefits. Vitamin C cream is particularly beneficial as it is gentle on skin which makes it an ideal active ingredient for sensitive skin.
Find Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate in nighttime cream PowerBright Overnight Cream alongside Niacinamide, Hexylresorcinol, Pumpkin Enzyme, Cranberry and Raspberry Seed Oils, and Licorice Extract. Our PowerBright Overnight Cream is ideal for use as a hyperpigmentation night cream that also helps with reducing dark spots on the face. This nourishing nighttime cream optimises skin moisture recovery and helps restore luminosity.
If you are looking to remove dark spots and age spots effectively, dermalogica has the products for you. Want to learn more about which skin care products and ingredients are right for you and your specific skin concerns? Visit your local Dermalogica skin therapist for a completely customised regimen.