Hey Reader!
Are you ready to continue on a journey to brighter, more radiant skin? I have oily acne-prone skin so this is where I focus a TON of my energy. Getting my breakouts under control and then focusing on an evening out my skin tone is a huge part of what inspired me to dive deep into the science of skincare.
Last week we talked about the biological processes that are related to hyperpigmentation and brightening.
In this edition of the Relatable Skincare Report, we’re breaking down a basic brightening routine. We are talking about the importance of each step in your brightening skincare routine that will help you get rid of those stubborn dark spots. Let’s dive in!
Understanding the Basics of Brightening: A brightening routine is a key step towards achieving that coveted even skin complexion. But where do you start? Don’t worry we have simplified the process for you:
CLEANSE
The second best thing you can do for your skin (the best is step 4) if you want to tackle stubborn hyperpigmentation, especially if you have oily skin is to make sure you cleanse in the morning and evening.
Skin Type Specific Tip:
- If you have oily skin a cleanser with salicylic acid and/ or benzoyl peroxide is a MUST to help combat your acne
- If you have normal skin a cleanser that you love and will want to use consistently is most important.
- If you have dry skin try a creamy cleanser that will clean but not strip your skin.
PREVENT
The right serum is an important component of a brightening routine. There are a ton of skincare ingredients with scientific support to inhibit the formation and permanent incorporation of melanin in your skin. The most popular category of these types of skincare actives are called tyrosinase inhibitors. Opt for a brightening serum that contains ingredients such as niacinamide, vitamin C, licorice extract, or alpha arbutin.
You want to look for a product that has clinical support. Almost all brightening serums are a bit on the pricier side; so if are going to fork over the coins you want to make sure you are buying something that has been validated.
Related Post: Selecting the Perfect Brightening Serum, What You Need to Know
ACCELERATE
In moderation, getting on a routine of exfoliation and retinol is really important to brighten your skincare routine. Once dark spots get incorporated into your skin layers you have to wait until the lower layers of skin cells move to the outermost layer. This can take up to 3 months to take place.
And if we are being honest, most of us do not want to wait that long. So incorporating in your routine exfoliation to remove the old layer of skin cells and retinol to speed up the formation of new layers is important. But if you overdo it you can actually damage your skin barrier and make more dark spots.
PROTECT
Never skip the sunscreen (this is the MOST IMPORTANT part of a brightening routine)! UV rays can undo all your brightening efforts. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to protect your skin. It is very important you wear it every day (even during the cold months).
Related Post: Why Is Sunscreen Important?
In the meantime, I would love to hear from you! Do you have a go-to brightening product that you love? I would love to hear what it is and what you love about the product. Please let me know by responding to this email
Until Next Week, Wishing you a luminous and glowing complexion,
Allison