Skin Brightening is a must in any skin care routine. But the why is almost as interesting as the why.
What's all the fuss about?
If, like me, in the evenings while you're chilling out, you're scrolling through Instagram reels, you've no doubt seen skincare routine videos. These women and men are out here just living their best lives with the most perfect skin. Because I work in the skincare industry, it's my business to know how these beauties are getting their results. And beside the regular tips and tricks, expensive procedures and drinking bucket loads of water, what else can we do to have Instagram worthy skin? I've got you though! So, part of the process is making sure that your skin is even toned. This means reducing hyperpigmentation, blemishes and dark marks. This is not to be confused with skin lightening, because we are not about that life. It's about embracing your natural tone but helping it along.
Hyperpigmentation, Dark Marks and Blemishes?
According to The American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, "Hyperpigmentation is a common, usually harmless condition in which patches of skin become darker in color than the normal surrounding skin." Hyperpigmentation can occur in any colour skin. Melanin, which is what gives our skin its colour but is also responsible for eye colour, is the same culprit that causes dark marks and blemishes on our skin. Now, all three of these conditions can be caused by environmental factors such as sun exposure, or internal issues such as hormonal changes and skin irritation to name just a few. Not all hyperpigmentation, blemishes and dark marks are cause for concern, but it can be an area that is sometimes neglected in a skincare routine. By combating pigmentation changes in our skin, we can retain that youthful, dewy Insta glow.
So, if you're into getting that uniformity into your skin, we have the perfect skincare routine and it all starts with exfoliating and cleansing.
Step 1: Brightening Cleansing Wash
Cleansing is my go to, my be all and end all of skin care. I adore a good cleanser, the yummy feeling of getting the day's dirt off my skin, getting the make up off, feeling refreshed. Our Brightening Cleansing Wash should be used first to remove dirt and impurities from our skin which gives a chance for all the the following steps to take hold. Our Brightening Scrub contains Alpha Arbutin which, according to Yunyoung Claire Chang, M.D. is a board-certified and fellowship-trained cosmetic dermatologist who provides comprehensive medical and cosmetic dermatologic care for her patients, "[It] works by slowly releasing hydroquinone over time, inhibiting tyrosinase, the key enzyme responsible for the production of melanin, or pigment, in the skin,"
But, we haven't stopped there, we've added Gigawhite which "It is a natural radiant skin bioactive ingredient that keeps the skin at its luminous best."
Step 2: Brightening Scrub
Exfoliating is king! "Getting rid of dead skin cells is key, as it helps to leave the skin looking radiant and refreshed," says Dr. Marisa Garshick, a board-certified dermatologist based out of MCDS dermatology in New York City. Exfoliating also helps prime skin for incoming hydration, serums, actives and treatments. And with our Brightening Scrub, we're doubling down on the Alpha Arbutin and Gigawhite.
Step 3: Brightening Toner
When I was a kid, toner was massive. That was many dust bowls ago but I'm still out here preaching the benefits of a good toner. And I'm not the only one, "Facial toner is basically the in-between skincare step. It's meant to be used after washing your face but before applying your serum or moisturizer." and, according to Dr Kim, face toners prep the skin for moisturizers and serum while getting rid of excess oil and stubborn dirt or makeup leftover on your face after you wash it. Our Brightening Toner uses Gigawhite and Melfade J, which according to Dr. Elaine’s Skin Care, "Melfade J inhibits the enzyme tyrosinase reducing melanin production and pigmentation."
Step 4: Brightening Serum
Serums are light weight and should be used before a moisturizer. Our Brightening Serum combines the powerful active Niacinamide with Vitamin C. Niacinamide is known to combat hyperpigmentation, reduce redness and blotching while reducing fine lines and wrinkles. Vitamin C, "are among the most potent skin-care products you can have in your collection for tackling some of the most common skin-care concerns — from dullness and discoloration to fine lines and uneven skin texture."
Step 5: Brightening Cream
Last, but not least, is our moisturizing step because you have to get that glow girl! Our Brightening Cream contains both Niacinamide and Alpha Arbutin. No only does it help illuminate your skin, but it also helps to hydrate your skin, especially after using an exfoliator and toner. It also helps to soothe skin, repair daily environmental damage and nourish skin so we can get that even tone.
In the end, it's not about lightening skin, but brightening it, evening it, and sticking to a skincare routine that works for you and promotes gentle and positive aging. For R350.00 you can get the entire Brightening Facial Range which includes a Cleanser, Exfoliator, Toner, Serum and Cream.
~ Jess
Comments