One of the most common problems many of us are facing in the summer – is hyperpigmentation and dark spots because of the high exposure to the UV-rays.
Hyperpigmentation is a skin discoloration which appears in the spots with high sensitivity and inflammations. It is usually caused by high activity of melanin production and results in dark colored marks on the skin. The most common cause of pigmentation is the UV rays, but there also could be hormonal changes, skin sensitivity, damaged barrier and even medical condition.
Why do we get more pigmentation and skin discoloration in summer?
As we get more and more exposure to the sun rays, our skin activated the protective processes in the cells, which are usually performed by increased melanin production.
How to prevent hyperpigmentation this summer?
1) Never forget to wear SPF protection
As we already know, the main cause of hyperpigmentation is an overexposure to the UV rays, so it is essential to always have a good sun protection that matches your skin type. Sunscreen helps to prevent a negative effect of ultraviolet rays and damage of the cells. It is also important to remember to re-apply sunscreen regularly to keep highly effective protection.
2) Add some regular exfoliation
Chemical exfoliation is a must when fighting with hyperpigmentation and skin discoloration. Exfoliants help to remove dead skin cells and impurities, while also boosting cell turnover ratio, which helps to lighten up dark spots and acne marks, and even the skin tone.
3) Use antioxidants in your skincare routine
Antioxidant-rich products help to protect you skin from the damaging effect of free radicals that cause premature aging and hyperpigmentation. Free radicals can usually cause an increase in melanin production, since cells try to protect themselves, which could actually lead to skin discoloration and pigmentation. Antioxidants help to prevent an excessive oxidative process and reduce melanin produced.
One of the best antioxidants known today is Niacinamide, which can do miracles to the skin.
Niacinamide also known as Vitamin B3 is an essential part of our inner body processes. As a strong antioxidant it helps to protect skin cells from damage and boost the cell repair. Moreover, Niacinamide able to boost collagen production helping to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, as well as decrease melanin production, which helps to brighten pigmentation.
Among the main benefits of the Niacinamide, the one that everybody love are:
- ability to control and regulate sebum production
- ability to visibly reduce the appearance of pores
- ability to strengthen and restore skin barrier
- ability to brighten up the skin tone and reduce appearance of discolorations
The one combo, that you should definitely try out this summer - is a brightening line from Mary&May based on Niacinamide and other brightening antioxidants.
MARY&MAY: Niacinamide Vitamin C Brightening Mask Pack
Key ingredients: Niacinamide, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (vitamin C), Sodium Hyaluronate
Niacinamide Vitamin C Brightening Mask Pack – daily sheet masks made with 2% Niacinamide and 1000ppm of Vitamin C, which is also considered to be one of the strongest antioxidants and brightening agents.
- 2% of Niacinamide is a great optimal percentage that will not cause skin irritations and sensitivity. Niacinamide helps to minimize melanin production in the cells, as well as reduce activity of sebum generation and keep skin and pores clean.
- Mary&May’s sheet masks contain a pure stable form of Vitamin C – Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate. Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate is a mild version of Vitamin C, which is activated immediately after penetrating the skin and is not affected by the oxidative processes unlike other forms. Vitamin C is highly beneficial for reducing an effect of free radicals, boosting collagen and elastin production, and brightening the skin tone.
MARY&MAY: Tranexamic Acid + Glutathione Eye Cream
Key ingredients: Tranexamic Acid, Glutathione, Niacinamide, Ascorbic Acid (vitamin C)
Tranexamic Acid + Glutathione Eye Cream – daily eye cream that will help to brighten up dark circles and pigmentation. The functionality of the cream allows to use it in the under eye area and locally on the face.
- Glutathione is an effective component that helps to protect cells from external damage. The components is made of three different amino acids, which together work to brighten up the skin tone, fade discolorations, as well as restore protective properties of the skin. In the cream, it will help to brighten up dark spots and circles and reduce pigmentation spots.
- The eye cream also contains Tranexamic Acid, a synthetic derivative of amino acid lysine. In the traditional medicine it has been used to treat severe bleeding, but today it is well-known as a strong brightening component. Tranexamic acid helps to control the formation of melanin pigment and consequently reduce the appearance of pigmentation and discoloration.
Thanks to its stability, Niacinamide based products can be used in the morning (always remember to apply sunscreen after) and the night, and it works perfectly with other active components.