RESCU: How does Clinique approach hyperpigmentation?
Debbie D’Aquino: “As with all of our skin care products we seek to find a balance between high performance efficacy while taking great care of everyone’s skin.
Our success came in the form of a multi-prong approach that treats the variety of reasons that can lead to the appearance of uneven skin tone and dark spots caused by hyperpigmentation. From technology that works to inhibit the initial appearance of those dark spots, to utilising ingredients that break up the appearance of existing dark spots, to utilising Clinique’s signature exfoliation technology to speed the departure of the darkened surface cells to encourage a more visibly even skin tone.”
RESCU: Is there an increasing number of women who are concerned with hyperpigmentation or only a rising awareness on it?
Debbie D’Aquino: “According to consumer market research, uneven skin stone and dark spots are the new sign of premature ageing. Women of all ages and all ethnicities, all around the world, are opening their eyes to this concern. Why is this happening? You can blame the years we exposed our skin to UV without daily sun protection coupled with the current increase in external assaults and environmental stressors, such as smoke and pollution. Add that to inflammatory responses the skin battles from conditions like acne and the overuse of harsh cosmetic treatments.
All this can act as a trigger, telling the skin to release excess and unnecessary melanin that leads to dark spots and discolourations. In fact, even your choice of cleanser can lead to uneven skin tone – so using the right basic care is critical to managing pigmentation issues.”
RESCU: How does Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector work?
Debbie D’Aquino: Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector is the first available skin tone and dark spot corrector from a prestige cosmetics brand clinically proven to perform equal to a leading prescription drug ingredient for evening skin tone. It is gentle enough for continued long term use, particularly important for those with sensitive skin who cannot tolerate certain topical drugs. The most exciting aspect is that this product is suitable for everyone – even those of various skin types and ethnicities.
RESCU: What is in the CL-302 complex?
Debbie D’Aquino: “Our patent-pending CL-302 complex is composed of a derivative of Dianella Ensifolia coupled Glucoside, Salicylic Acid, Glucosamine and Blackout Yeast Extract:
? An extract derived from Dianella Ensifolia (Border Silver), which originates in Southeast Asia, helps reduce and prevent the appearance of uneven, pigmented skin.
? Glucosamine and Salicylic Acid provide exfoliation benefits to help normalise cell turnover and assist the departure of surface pigmented skin cells for renewed clarity and brighter skin.
? A potent Vitamin C derivative, Ascorbyl Glucoside helps reduce the appearance of dark spots.
? Blackout Yeast Extract provides effective brightening results by breaking up the appearance of large clusters of pigment into smaller particles that are the diffused throughout the skins surface, helping to make the skin appear more even in tone.”
RESCU: How long did you work on this product?
Debbie D’Aquino: “Clinique has been researching hyperpigmentation of the skin for 20 years, challenging ourselves and evolving the technology. To take our science to the next level, we benchmarked against what is believed to be the gold standard in treating hyperpigmentation – 4% Hydroquinone, which is widely prescribed across the globe. And it was important that we do this without the redness, irritation and usage limitations often associated with 4% Hydroquinone.”
RESCU: Who should use this product?
Debbie D’Aquino: “If your main skin care concern is uneven skin tone or dark spots (which can be referred to as hyperpigmentation) due to non-hereditary causes such as sun, irritation or scarring, then Even Better Clinical is appropriate for you.”
RESCU: Do you apply the serum all over the face? Will the product only brighten the dark spots or the entire face?
Debbie D’Aquino: “Even Better Clinical should be applied all over the face. If you currently have discolouration in one area of the face, there is a strong likelihood that you will develop discolourations on other areas as well. Prevention is easier than reversal.
Using “dark spot” in the product name is visually addressing the issue TO OUR CLIENTS, but Even Better Clinical definitely evens out skin tone all over while fading the appearance of individual spots with continued use. “
RESCU: Where else can you use it? Can it be applied to the neck, chest and/or hands?
Debbie D’Aquino: “Even Better Clinical can be used on other parts of the body including the neck, chest and hands. Its primary use is for facial skin, always avoiding the eye area.
And please remember that applying a sunscreen product over Even Better Clinical, regardless of what area of the body you use it on is critical to seeing success.”
RESCU: How long until you see results?
Debbie D’Aquino: “With consistent use twice a day, results will be visible within 4 weeks. Our clinical tests revealed between a 42% and 46% improvement in evening skin tone amongst all four ethnicities tested. Other results include immediate improvement in clarity and brightness. Even Better Clinical can be used continuously unlike some prescription ingredients that can cause dryness, irritation and redness.”
RESCU: Will you get better results if you use Even Better Skin Tone Correcting Moisturizer SPF 15 with the Dark Spot Corrector?
Debbie D’Aquino: While Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector is designed to help treat and prevent the appearance of dark spots and discolourations, these two Even Better products work in tandem. It is important to use the serum morning and night while the moisturiser should be applied each morning for added sun protection. It is crucial to use a daily sunscreen to protect facial skin as UV exposure is still the number one cause of hyperpigmentation.
RESCU: Will hyperpigmentation return if you stop using Even Better products?
Debbie D’Aquino: “If you are noticing dark spots now, chances are you will continue to battle this skin concern throughout your years. The reality is, dealing with discolourations on skin is never easy – there are so many things that can impact your skin’s potential to hyperpigment. Of course, working towards not getting dark spots in the first place via protection and prevention skin care is important. But once you notice uneven skin, continual use of Even Better Clinical is imperative. Add a daily sun protection product and you should be able to keep your skin even in tone for many years to come.
RESCU: What else can women do to avoid future dark spots?
Debbie D’Aquino: “Since UV is still the number one cause of hyperpigmentation, making sure you use an adequate level (nothing less than SPF15) and an adequate amount of sunscreen daily is very important for success.
When possible, also try to avoid environmental stressors such smoke and pollution that can also trigger excess melanin synthesis. Using skin protection products that include antioxidants, such as Even Better Skin Tone Correcting Moisturizer SPF 15, is also a great help.“
RESCU: Does Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector make the skin more sensitive to UV rays?
Debbie D’Aquino: “No. It will not make skin more sun sensitive like some prescription competitors can. However, it is important to apply an SPF daily. UV is a main cause of dark spots and discolourations.”
RESCU: Is Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector a whitening product that permanently affects the skin?
Debbie D’Aquino: “It will not alter the skin away from your natural skin colouring. Clinique does not use bleaching agents or any other ingredients that change the genetics of the skin.
We always look for effective ways of treating skin in the kindness manner possible. Our products go through a long list of safety testing requirements to assure our clients of their gentleness.”
For more info about the Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector, see our product review and click here for an exclusive Rescu. only offer from Clinique.
