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1. Smooth skin
"Sweeping away surface cells gives you a more light-reflective complexion and allows the products you'll apply next to penetrate better," says Deborah Sarnoff, MD, an associate clinical professor of dermatology at New York University School of Medicine. Use a cleanser that contains alpha- or beta-hydroxy acid; these gentle exfoliants are less likely to inflame skin than gritty scrubs. Try Jan Marini Bioglycolic Facial Cleanser ($27; 800-347-2223) or Kinerase Skin Smoothing Cleanser ($39; www.sephora.com).
2. Even out tone
To help clear hyperpigmentation, apply a lotion with 2% hydroquinone (HQ). "HQ works inside the pigment-producing cells to suppress the production of melanin, the substance that gives our skin color," says Alexa Boer Kimball, MD, MPH, director of the clinical unit for research trials in skin at Harvard Medical School. For speedier results, choose a product that contains HQ and an over-the counter retinoid like retinol (a form of vitamin A that repairs collagen and inhibits melanin production) and use it at night-vitamin A creams can lose potency when exposed to UV light. Try Avon Banishing Cream Skin Discoloration Lightener ($8.50; www.avon.com) or Rodan & Fields Reverse Skin Lightening Lotion ($65; www.rodanadfields.com).
Be diligent: It generally takes at least 2 months to notice improvement, but don't use HQ longer than instructed on the label-up to 60 days, no more than three times a year. If used improperly, serious side effects can result, including increased skin irritation and permanent darkening. (See "HQ in the Headlines," below, for more news on HQ.)
3. Moisturize and protect
Keeping skin hydrated always helps boost a blah complexion, but new lotions made with niacinamide do more than that. This form of vitamin B also helps prevent the transfer of skin-darkening melanin into skin cells. Find niacinamide in Olay Definity Correcting Protective Lotion with SPF 15 ($28; drugstores) and Patricia Wexler MD Skin Brightening Daily Moisturizer SPF 30 ($39.50; www.bathandbodyworks.com). The SPF in both lotions is also a must to shield skin against UV-triggered collagen breakdown and melanin production.
source: prevention.com
"Sweeping away surface cells gives you a more light-reflective complexion and allows the products you'll apply next to penetrate better," says Deborah Sarnoff, MD, an associate clinical professor of dermatology at New York University School of Medicine. Use a cleanser that contains alpha- or beta-hydroxy acid; these gentle exfoliants are less likely to inflame skin than gritty scrubs. Try Jan Marini Bioglycolic Facial Cleanser ($27; 800-347-2223) or Kinerase Skin Smoothing Cleanser ($39; www.sephora.com).
2. Even out tone
To help clear hyperpigmentation, apply a lotion with 2% hydroquinone (HQ). "HQ works inside the pigment-producing cells to suppress the production of melanin, the substance that gives our skin color," says Alexa Boer Kimball, MD, MPH, director of the clinical unit for research trials in skin at Harvard Medical School. For speedier results, choose a product that contains HQ and an over-the counter retinoid like retinol (a form of vitamin A that repairs collagen and inhibits melanin production) and use it at night-vitamin A creams can lose potency when exposed to UV light. Try Avon Banishing Cream Skin Discoloration Lightener ($8.50; www.avon.com) or Rodan & Fields Reverse Skin Lightening Lotion ($65; www.rodanadfields.com).
Be diligent: It generally takes at least 2 months to notice improvement, but don't use HQ longer than instructed on the label-up to 60 days, no more than three times a year. If used improperly, serious side effects can result, including increased skin irritation and permanent darkening. (See "HQ in the Headlines," below, for more news on HQ.)
3. Moisturize and protect
Keeping skin hydrated always helps boost a blah complexion, but new lotions made with niacinamide do more than that. This form of vitamin B also helps prevent the transfer of skin-darkening melanin into skin cells. Find niacinamide in Olay Definity Correcting Protective Lotion with SPF 15 ($28; drugstores) and Patricia Wexler MD Skin Brightening Daily Moisturizer SPF 30 ($39.50; www.bathandbodyworks.com). The SPF in both lotions is also a must to shield skin against UV-triggered collagen breakdown and melanin production.
source: prevention.com
