Hiding Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation is characterized as the production of more melanin (color) in some areas of the skin than others. Hyperpigmentation is often referred to as age spots, sun spots or liver spots. Hyperpigmentation often develops before, during or after pregnancy and is referred to as melasma or a pregnancy mask; however it is commonly found to develop among people who are not and have never became pregnant.


Hyperpigmentation is treated with ingredients such as vitamin C, hydroquinone, kojic acid, glycolic acid, salicylic acid and lactic acid. Prescription-strength products, such as a 4% hydroquinone, can also be prescribed by a dermatologist or physician. Generally, depending on the severity, treatment is more effective if hyperpigmentation is addressed as soon as it appears.


Hyperpigmentation can be camouflaged or hidden as well as treated and minimized. For concealing these areas, I suggest Dermablend products. The Dermablend Leg & Body Cover covers up great and can last up to 16 hours. For treating the area, Murad Age Spot & Pigment Lightening Gel reduces melanin concentrations while brightening the skin.

Products for sensitive skin

Finding products for sensitive skin can be difficult. Sensitive skin is easily damaged or irritated by outside influences. People with sensitive skin are likely to experience such discomforts as redness, stinging, burning and itching from skin care products, as well as extreme heat and cold. Your skin type is usually determined by heredity, but it can also be manipulated by things like medications such as Accutane.


So what products are right for sensitive skin? Look for products that are free of the usual ingredients: dyes, fragrance, lanolin, parabens or formaldehyde. I suggest Pharmaceutical Specialties Free and Clear Liquid Cleanser, along with Pharmaceutical Specialties Vanicream Skin Cream for your daily moisturizer. Also, because sensitive skin is usually greatly affected by sun exposure, I suggest a sunscreen such as Pharmaceutical Specialties Vanicream Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin SPF 30.

All about Antioxidants

What are antioxidants? Antioxidants are substances contained in all living cells that slow or halt oxidation, which is chemical damage to the cells done by assailants such as free radicals. Free radicals can be helpful within the body but can also damage our skin cells and cause the skin to age.

How can you tell if your skin care products contain antioxidants and fight free radical damage? Look for ingredients such as vitamins A, C and E, green tea, silymarin, grape seed and wheat germ, among others.

I recommend trying SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic; this product actually boosts the efficacy of your sunscreen. Or try Cellex-C Seline-E Cream, which contains vitamin E and bioflavonoids to enhance vitamin C products.

Long term use of antioxidants have actually been proven to decrease the long term effects of the sun of the skin, such as hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, sun spots and a generally dull appearance on the skin. All of these skin issues are a great reason to incorporate antioxidant products into your daily skin care regimen.

Benefits of Vitamin C products

Almost all anti-aging products share one ingredient in common – vitamin C. But why? Vitamin C is an antioxidant required for production of collagen, which breaks down everyday as we age. It can actually boost the efficacy of sunscreens when used together, and is also reported to prevent UV immunosupression, a reaction that occurs in more than 90% of skin cancer patients.

Because vitamin C is the most unstable of all vitamins, it loses its efficacy quickly if not formulated and packaged professionally. That is why when choosing vitamin C products, you want to choose a reputable brand such as Murad.The Vitamin C Infusion System by Murad works great; it works similarly to the professional treatment administered by a licensed esthetician or doctor. Pevonia Botanica "C" Complexe contains a high concentration of vitamin C to reduce wrinkles, smooth the skin and enhance elasticity.

Keep in mind that not only is it important to apply a topical vitamin C but you can also get vitamin C benefits from foods, especially fruits and vegetables.