Pigmentation and uneven skin tone often don't show up until later in life but the truth is the damage has usually been done when you are much younger. You have been using SPF in recent years but you have started to notice it creeping in on your face. The earlier sun exposure (hello, sunbeds and baby oil tans, I know I was one of these people, I was a sunworshipper at is best) can catch up with you. But just because the damage is done, doesn't mean it's permanent. With the right steps, you can protect your skin from any further damage and even reverse the effects.
So what can you do right now summer is here:
Wear SPF Every Single Day – And Apply It Properly
Only using SPF on sunny days or relying on the one in your foundation isn't enough. For real protection, you need a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, applied daily, come rain or shine. Most people wouldn't use enough foundation of moisturiser to get the protection it says on the bottle.
Top tip: Use a separate sunscreen not just the one in your makeup — and apply enough to cover your face, neck, and chest. Look for multi-taskers like Synergy 6, which also hydrates, has anti-ageing peptides, protects against heat and pollution. What more could you ask for from an SPF.
Stop Chasing a Tan
There's no such thing as a "safe" or "healthy" tan. Whether from the sun or sunbeds, tanning damages skin and makes pigmentation worse. Opt for bronzing drops or self-tanners instead. Did you know when you have a sun tan this is actually inflammation in your skin. When the skin is exposed to UV rays be it from the natural sun or a sunbed, to protect itself it releases melanin which is what shows up as a suntan, but it can produce uneven amounts in differing skin cells leading to some areas having dark spots> certain medications such as hormonal contraception can also cause this to present as melasma in your skin (much more difficult to treat).
Top tip: Always apply SPF before your fake tan. It won't affect your glow but will protect your skin underneath. The tropics Sun drops can be added to your moisturiser for that sun kissed glow.
Use a tyrosinase inhibitor
First of all what is a tyrosinase inhibitor? It breaks the cycle of the skin cell releasing melanin this lessening the tan on your skin. This is important as if the melanin is deposited unequally this is what causes pigmentation.
So what ingredients are you looking out for?
Vitamin C, in the form of l-ascorbic acid as this is the most abundant form. This will also help to bright the skin tone.
Arbutin, is a natural and plant-based and gentler than hydroquinone.
Resveratrol, found in grapes and red wine; antioxidant and tyrosinase-inhibiting.
There are of course prescription strength formulas, available from health care professionals that can often work quicker but will sometimes have more side effects if not used appropriately and cautiously. Such as
Top tip: Introduce new actives gradually. Too many at once can cause irritation and make things worse.
Consider In-Clinic Treatments for Faster Results
At-home skincare helps, but professional treatments can speed things up. Laser therapy is the gold standard for pigmentation, while microneedling and chemical peels are also effective with less downtime. Yes these can all be safe to use during the summer, assuming you follow proper aftercare.
Top tip: Always book a consultation first. You need a bespoke plan based on your skin history not a generic fix.