The journey to clearer skin starts with a better understanding of hyperpigmentation, and natural-based creams can help Canadians battling hyperpigmentation.
Our relationship with our skin can be complex. It’s our largest organ, yet we often find ourselves forgetting to take care of it properly — foregoing that lengthy skincare routine on nights we’re particularly exhausted or forgetting to apply sunscreen during daytime more often than we’d like to admit. As we age, we begin to see the impact of this disregard appear on our skin more frequently. Dryness, wrinkling, and hyperpigmentation are just some examples of how our skin’s physical properties can reflect our overall health.
Hyperpigmentation: not just a complex-sounding word
It all comes down to melanin. Melanin is an important part of the body’s makeup and is present naturally in our skin. It’s responsible for determining various pigments, and both hair and skin colour are determined primarily by melanin. However, while melanin plays an incredibly important role in shaping these aspects pre-birth, as we age, melanin may disperse across the skin differently, creating a phenomenon better known as hyperpigmentation. This common skin condition impacts millions of North Americans ¹.
Hyperpigmentation occurs when an excess of melanin results in an oversupply of brown pigment, producing deposits that appear on the skin as dark spots. It is often caused by prolonged sun exposure, resulting in damage to the skin, or in some cases caused by hormonal changes, either from pregnancy or simply as a result of the aging process itself.
Freckles may be the best-known example of hyperpigmentation, forming when melanin becomes concentrated in one area of the skin. However, they aren’t the only common form of hyperpigmentation. Lentigines — better known as age or liver spots — can usually appear in our middle years, resulting from sun damage. Melasma is a skin condition that can present as blotchy, brownish pigmentation.
Building a better relationship with our skin
It’s natural for our skin to grow and change over the years, but for some, skin can become an area of contention and cause feelings of self-consciousness, particularly when it comes to hyperpigmentation. By the time we hit middle age, most of us are certainly not alone in wishing we had access to some form of a time machine. While they may only exist in science fiction, new products and creams may be the next best thing, having shown promise in helping to reverse some of these changes and the impact of hyperpigmentation overall.
Lomelin® is one such example, a cream that uses natural ingredients to reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation in roughly six to eight weeks. The ingredients include 2% Alpha Arbutin, which reduces skin melanization by 24%² compared to non-treated skin, and 5% Melaslow, a nature-based citrus unshiu peel extract, which reduces skin melanization by 28% compared to non-treated skin³. The brainchild of Canadian company Seaford Pharmaceuticals, Lomelin® can be used on any skin spectrum and is fragrance-free, meaning users get a medical-grade product without the smell. The best part? Like any other cream, Lomelin® can be integrated easily into even the busiest daily routine. Each morning, simply use your favourite cleanser and toner, following it with an application of Lomelin. Skin can be sensitive after applying Lomelin®, so it’s critical to add a layer of sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher to your morning routine. Then, each evening before bed, re-apply Lomelin®. It’s as simple as that. During the process, users may notice a slight peeling effect⁴. Not to worry, it’s simply the mechanism in action and a necessary part of the journey to brighter skin.
References:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4942510/
- Nishimura T, Nomura K, et al. Inhibitory effects of alpha arbutin on melanin synthesis in cultured human melanoma cells and a three-dimensional human skin model. Biol. Pharm. Bull. 2004; 27(4):510-514.
- Melaslow™ Product Information, Sederma, France
- Lomelin® product label
