By Chloe BrinklowWhen it comes to skin whitening we aren’t talking about extreme bleaching a la Michael Jackson, or wanting to achieve geisha-like porcelain doll skin with no colour what-so-ever. Whitening is more about repairing the natural skin tone and texture, tackling all types of skin damage including sunspots, age spots and pigmentation.
Still Confused? Rescu. caught up with the experts at Shu Uemura to get all our pigmentation and skin whitening questions answered…
RESCU: What are the main causes for age spots and pigmentation?
Shu Uemura: The influencing factors of pigmentation and age spots are UV exposure, inflammation, scars, pimples and free radicals
RESCU: Are there different types of pigmentation?
Shu Uemura: There are many different types and causes of pigmentation namely Dark Spots, unsymmetrical brown spots in forehead or cheek. Freckles ,small brown spots from the nose the centre of the cheek. Blemishes, brown or reddish brown spots created after pimples get better and the most obvious, a suntan.
RESCU: What is the best treatment for pigmentation?
Shu Uemura: Proper cleansing, sufficient hydration and moisturisation, whitening care, protection from UV rays and stimulating skin turnover.
With so many different products on the market tackling different pigmentation concerns how do we pick the right whitening care? Rescu. brings you our comprehensive guide with new products that really do the trick…
Whitefficient by Shu Uemura
With over 40 years of dedicated research its no wonder Shu Uemura has developed Whitefficient, a science meets nature skin care range, containing whitening actives to promote, healthy, plumped, illuminated skin. As well as limiting the production of melanin, the cause of pigmentation and dark spots, this dual power range, helps boost the creation of new skin cells that are better and brighter than ever before.
Rescu. tip: Using whitening care as part of your daily beauty regime really boosts results. Shu Uemura has devised a 4 step system that we just can’t get enough of. Cleansing, lotion, essence and emulsion are all new Rescu. favourites.
Available from David Jones ($60 – $125)
White D-Tox Translu-Cell by Biotherm
A beautiful, dazzling complexion can now be yours with this new little wonder product from Biotherm. Containing natural plum, sweet-pea and sea algae extracts that fight together to limit melanin production and brighten. With a beauty from within mantra, Translu-Cell works right down into the deepest layers of the skin repairing from the inside, out making your skin appear and feels radiant from AM to PM.
Rescu. fact: In a trial of 50 women over 8 weeks, 100% (yes, each and every one) noted an improvement in brightness, clarity and transparency after testing the serum.
Moisture White Shiso Night Treatment by The Body Shop
Giving new meaning to the term ‘beauty-sleep’ this all natural night cream from The Body Shop will have you waking up every morning with a brighter, and more luminous complexion. Containing the super effective Japanese Shiso extract along with vitamin C, liquorice and aloe vera, it lightens and replenishes all in a night sleep.
The Added Bonus? The entire Moisture White Shiso range contains Community Fair Trade aloe vera, meaning it is grown without the use of pesticides, is hand harvested, washed and filleted to ensure its natural benefits are maintained throughout production and passed down to the customer. The program helps farmers in Guatemala plan for a brighter future, so we can help our skin and help others all in one application.
Available from The Body Shop ($59.95)
Ageless White Light Serum by Eleusian
A Rescu. favourite Eleusian skin care never fails to disappoint, and this super powerful whitening serum is no exception. A highly concentrated formula containing brightening ingredients Lumisphere and Delentigo as well as potent botanicals, it visibly lightens age spots, pigmentation and discolouration for more uniformed and even skin tone. We think that’s enough to brighten anyone’s day!
Rescu. tip: Using in conjunction with Ageless White Light Creme Concentrate will maximise results making skin brighter and more youthful.
Available from https://www.eleusian.com.au ($89.50)
Luminosity Pro by ANEW
Diminishing dull or dark spots has never been easier or more affordable with this brightening serum from ANEW. An inexpensive topical alternative to laser treatment, it evens out skin tone and fades skin issues, to a like-new state. Perfect for spot treatment, you can apply direct to your dark spots or if pigmentation is more wide spread all over the face and neck.
Rescu. tip: While injectable-grade L-Aspartic Acid may sound a little scary, it is a key ingredient that helps slow down pigment production causing dark spots, which means Luminosity Pro can be used as a preventative as well.
Available from AVON representatives ($54)
Purely White Skin Brightening Mist by Jurlique
A lightweight and refreshing mist perfect for minor pigmentation this gorgeous spray will have you looking and feeling radiant with just one spritz. With hydrating properties as well as a skin-brightening complex and rich botanicals, it improves skin tone and texture without the heavy or sticky feeling of some serums and creams.
Rescu. tip: If you suffer from dark pigmentation but can’t stand to wear anything too heavy during the day, apply Pure White Skin Brightening Mist in the morning and a more potent skin whitening formula at night! Rescu. recommends: Purely White Skin Brightening Night Treatment ($70)
Available from https://www.jurlique.com.au ($55)
Skin Vitalight by DermaQuest Skin Therapy
Sick of dry skin, uneven tone and dark spots you can’t get rid of? Never fear – this whitening wonder from DermaQuest has all bases covered, with a unique formula that tackles all your skin woes. Containing powerful antioxidants, natural extracts and peptides, the DermaQuest philosophy is to include the highest percentage of an active ingredient to ensure maximum results are achieved.
Rescu. tip: Apply morning and night for best results. For day wear, apply before your sunscreen – remember sun damage is one of the main causes of pigmentation, so while repairing it is important to protect from further damage as well.
Available from selected clinics, for more info visit www.dermaquest.com.au ($70)
