Marie Claire UK - 09.2019

126

Beauty

WORDS BY FIONA EMBLETON. PHOTOGRAPHS BY PIXELEYES

SKIN SOS

On the bright side

It’stime to tackle the toll summer has taken on our skin, especially the pigmentation we’ve

accrued on a sunlounger. Consider these shortcuts to a brighter, more even-toned complexion

Inthe wild, animals with spotted markings blend into

their surroundings.But on us, brown splotches on the upper lip,

forehead and cheekbones draw attention to a less-than-stellar

situation: overproduction of pigment in the skin cells. So much

so, they might as well be flashing signs saying ‘overexposure

to UV rays’ or ‘hormonal changes’. At one time, the word

‘hyperpigmentation’ was only whispered behind closed clinic

doors, and an effective remedy came with a prescription and

hefty price tag. Now, we’re seeing more brands giving the

professionals a run for their money, like Eucerin’s new Anti-

Pigment range. Ten years in the making, scientists tested more

than 50,000 compounds before developing the ingredient

thiamidol. ‘We discovered it inhibits the production of

tyrosinase, the enzyme involved in producing melanin,’ says

Eucerin medical manager Dylan Griffiths. ‘We were the first

brand to test the molecule on the human version of the

enzyme, so we know how effective it is.’ With its Pure Vitamin

C10, La Roche-Posay has solved the problem of applying

a high ten per cent concentration of brightening vitamin C to

sensitive skin. ‘It is formulated at a pH of 5.5, so the ascorbic

acid is non-irritating and doesn’t disrupt the skin barrier,’ says

consultant dermatologist Dr Emma Wedgeworth. Meanwhile,

doctor brands are still good options and now more accessible

than ever. Is Clinical – powered by pharma-grade ingredients –

is available from Victoria Health, and Space NK is launching

Dr Dennis Gross Skincare IPL Dark Spot Concentrated

Serum, proven to work as well as prescription-strength

lightener hydroquinone. Be gone dark spot, indeed.

Is Clinical White Lightening

Serum,£102 (Skincity.co.uk)

This gives first-class post-holiday

results.Inside that chic bottle

there’s exfoliating glycolic acid

and two disruptors of melanin.

Eucerin Anti-Pigment Dual Serum, £38

One vial contains the thiamidol molecule to

reducediscolouration in just two weeks; the

other dispenses hyaluronic acid, so skin stays

plump and healthy-looking in the process.

No7Laboratories Dark Spot Correcting Booster Serum, £38

This has six times more skin-lightening tech than any other No7

serumand isprovento start fading dark spots in two weeks

thanks to melanin-regulating sephora, emblica and vitamin C.

La Roche-Posay Pure

VitaminC10, £38

A step changer

for sensitive skin,

as L-ascorbic

acid brightens and

providesantioxidant

protectionminus

any discomfort.

KateSomerville Kx

ActiveConcentrates

Ceramides +

Omegas Serum, £84

(Spacenk.com)

Amino acids

protect against

damage from

pollution, which can

cause pigmentation.

Use it before retinol

to safeguard

sensitive skin.

Dermalogica Age Bright Spot

Fader, £40.50 (Fabled.com)

Little-known fact: acne can also darken

skin. This two-in-one clears breakouts

with salicylic acid, while niacinamide fades scars.

DrDennis Gross

SkincareIPL

Dark Spot

Concentrated

Serum, £99

A cocktail of

acids and liquorice

root reduces

inflammation

and stops excess

pigment forming,

plusthis buffs

awayany

existing marks.