What are good and inexpensive face whitening creams? Natura Siberica “Black Currant”

Find excellent and budget-friendly whitening products pharmaceutical products for face against age spots not so easy. Advertising assures us that the cream or lotion is most a short time will cope with pigmentation, whiten the skin and even out the tone of the face, but, unfortunately, it is lying.

Expensive products are sometimes completely useless, and sometimes even harmful. Each of the treatment methods has its own advantages and disadvantages, but only a few, which came to us from our grandmothers, have proven their effectiveness. Let's look at what pharmaceutical products will help whiten your facial skin.

The most popular means

Since ancient times the best remedy in the fight against pigmentation is hydroquinone. A unique substance that can inhibit the production of melanin by blocking tyrosinase.

In addition, it destroys concentrated melanocytes, whitening damaged areas of facial skin.

In order to receive maximum effect from the procedure, you must consult a doctor who will determine the individual concentration. At correct use The results will appear in 1.5-2 months.

The disadvantages of this remedy include side effects.

You can often encounter:

• severe itching;
• extensive redness;
• closed comedones;
• contact dermatitis.

To get a significant effect, you will need to wait much longer than a couple of months - from 3 to 12.

Retinol is one of the most effective products in the line of pharmaceutical products. It requires long-term use, but with daily use for one year it will restore skin damaged by ultraviolet radiation, promote the renewal of epidermal cells and return a fresh complexion. The only caveat: using this remedy, the skin of the face must be protected with sunscreen with a high protection factor.

Otherwise, the effect will be zero.

You can also use steroids, but this is quite dangerous, because if the dosage is incorrectly calculated, they can lead to sad consequences: acne and atrophy of facial tissue.

If the problem is quite extensive, it is best to contact a cosmetologist who can combine several various drugs into one and use them correctly. Only after the root causes of the disease have been identified can you resort to treating the problem, because the effectiveness of the method you choose depends only on this.

Recipes using pharmacy products:

1. Mix lavender and rosemary oils together in equal proportions, add lemon juice and lubricate the skin. After 20 minutes, rinse with warm water and be sure to apply moisturizer.
2. Clay that suits your skin type is mixed with lavender oil And lemon juice. Add a little water so that the mixture has a thick consistency. Apply on face for about a quarter of an hour. Wash off and moisturize the skin with cream.
3. You need to purchase St. John's wort tincture at the pharmacy. Every day, after washing, wipe your face.

Experts have identified five groups of vitamins that are prescribed for hyperpigmentation.

Vitamin A. Its effectiveness cannot be called absolute, but there is still a slight result. Daily rubbing into the skin of the face will improve its general condition and reduce pigmentation.

Before applying, you need to wash your face and wait 40-50 minutes to restore the fat layer. Then gently lubricate the skin, rubbing, going around the area around the eyes and lips. Limitation of use – 2 times per day.

Studies and tests indicate that age spots gradually begin to peel off. That is why you need to use the product very carefully so as not to harm the skin.

Vitamin C. Daily use of the product will help eliminate all age spots on the face and body and exhibit its whitening properties. Its highest concentration is in cabbage, citrus fruits, peppers and onions. Therefore, there is no need to buy it, since you can eat the listed products.

Vitamin E. It is able to reduce the level of pigmentation to the very minimum. This effect is achieved due to the action of active elements on melanin, its production is inhibited.

It is impossible to say for sure that the result will be lightning fast and one hundred percent, but there will be no harm to the skin. Moreover, after use, the skin will become soft and elastic.

You can purchase vitamin capsules and mix them into your morning face cream. Third use case - vitamin supplement to food.

Vitamin RR. Used as a prophylactic. If there is a shortage in the body of this vitamin, a person develops pellagra, which manifests itself in the formation of similar reddish spots on the legs, arms, face and décolleté. They gradually begin to peel off and grow.

In most cases, it is during pregnancy that there is an acute lack of nicotinic acid (vitamin PP). This is why redness can be found on the elbows and knees of pregnant women.

Vitamin B9. A minor component that promotes rapid absorption of the entire group of B vitamins. Thanks to the microelement, the development of age spots is inhibited, which makes it possible to whiten the skin.

To restore concentration folic acid in the body a person needs to take a course vitamin complexes or introduce green vegetables, buckwheat, cereals, watermelons/melons, and bananas into your diet.

It is very important to notice the presence of problems in time and begin a course of treatment. It is worth remembering that pigmentation can be caused by internal diseases organs, so pharmaceuticals do not always help.

Pigment spots on the face are cosmetic defect, which is observed in 23-25% of people with skin diseases. In most cases they are caused by ultraviolet radiation, but hyperpigmentation also occurs due to hormonal disorders, exposure to chemical factors. Dark spots appear as a result of skin diseases, and may also indicate diseases of the internal organs.

Although pigmentation does not cause pain, it is a significant defect that you want to eliminate as soon as possible. And sometimes even means are used that can harm the body. To prevent this from happening, we will tell you the basic rules by which you need to choose a cream for whitening your skin.

How does a pigment spot form?

A dark spot on the skin is formed by melanocyte cells. They are located in the superficial layer of the skin, the epidermis, among the cells that give rise to the entire epidermal layer. The task of the melanocyte is to synthesize the pigment melanin (it has a dark brown color) and transfer it to the cells of the epidermis. Then such cells with pigment, lined up in a row, will be able to protect the deep layers of the epidermis (especially its lowest, germinal layer) from ultraviolet radiation.

Melanocytes transmit the pigment synthesized in them through their processes, which extend long distances from the cell body. Melanin is produced in special organelles - melanosomes, it is formed from the amino acid tyrosine, and the reaction of converting tyrosine into melanin is carried out by the enzyme tyrosinase. For the formation of melanin, zinc and copper ions and molecular oxygen are also needed.

The central endocrine organs are responsible for the formation of melanin: the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. The pineal gland, on the contrary, inhibits the production of melanin. The process is also influenced by sex hormones, growth hormone, and thyroid-stimulating hormone.

The number of melanocyte cells in people of any race is almost the same: 1200 cells per 1 square centimeter of skin (1 melanocyte per 36 “regular” epidermal cells). Only the activity of pigment-forming cells differs. The development of this process depends on the amount of antioxidants in the skin. When they are deficient, the DNA of melanocytes is damaged, and local immune cells are involved in the process, which leads to the production of a large amount of pigment. The triggering factor for the formation of hyperpigmentation in almost all cases is ultraviolet radiation.

Skin Whitening Basics

Considering the mechanisms of melanin formation, to whiten the skin, you need to:

1. “Switch off” the enzyme tyrosinase so that melanin is not formed from tyrosine.
2. Block the transfer of melanin from the cells in which it is formed to the main epidermal cells.
3. Accelerate the process of desquamation of those cells that contain a large number of melanin.
4. During treatment with cream to eliminate age spots and after the course of treatment, be sure to use photoprotective creams or sprays, even if you live in a city with little sunlight.

Each individual topical product only serves one purpose, which is why there are several types of skin lightening creams available. To enhance the effect, you need to correctly, with the help of a doctor, select a combination of these drugs.

The pharmacy sells only some local products. Usually these are the brands Vichy, Hirudo Derm, Vitex, as well as the drug Skinoren. Most creams (Revlon, Clinicians Complex, Natura Siberica and others) can be found on the shelves of cosmetics stores. Similar lightening agents are produced by Avon, Faberlic, TianDe, Yves Rocher. They can be ordered through the catalog, on official websites and in specialized stores.

Tyrosinase inhibitors

The fact that the skin whitening cream for age spots belongs to this group of drugs is indicated by the presence in the composition (can be read on the label) of one of the following substances:

• Hydroquinone

Reduces tyrosinase activity by 90% and also has a toxic effect on the genome (DNA) of melanocytes. Hydroquinone has a therapeutic effect at a concentration of 2-10%; in higher concentrations the effect will occur faster, but the risk of side effects is higher. And although this substance used to be the main component of whitening creams, it is now prohibited for use.

• Arbutin

Consists of 1 molecule of hydroquinone bound to the same amount of glucose. Arbutin is obtained from pear leaves and some herbs. IN in rare cases the use of arbutin-based whitening cream for the skin around the eyes and other areas can lead to the opposite effect - increased pigmentation. Instead of arbutin, its more purified analogue, deoxyarbutin, which has fewer side effects, can be used.

• Aloesin

The substance is isolated from aloe. It inhibits tyrosinase, but does so slowly because it penetrates the skin slowly. Other substances should be added to the aloesin in the cream to make the integumentary tissue more permeable.

• Licorice (licorice) extract

Which contains glabridin (sometimes they simply indicate “glabridin”). The substance inhibits tyrosinase but does not affect DNA.

• Kojic acid

It is obtained from the fungi Aspergillus, Penicillium, and acetic acid bacteria. The acid acts on the copper ion, which is needed for the reaction of converting tyrosine into melanin. Does not affect DNA. Can only be used at a concentration of 1%, otherwise it may cause.

Vitamins E and C (tocopherol and ascorbic acid) in combination also have an inhibitory effect on tyrosinase.

Cream that whitens skin by destroying melanocytes

Azelaic acid belongs to this group of drugs. It is contained in medicines that are prescribed by a doctor and sold in pharmacies. These are “Skinoren”, “Aziks-derm”, “Azelik”.

The drugs can be used for men and women. They are usually used on the face, after thoroughly cleansing it, twice a day. If irritation appears at the application site, switch to a single use medicine. The course of treatment is 3 months.

Skin lightening with peeling agents

If the product contains fruit or AHA acids, trichloroacetic acid (TCA), tretinoin or Jessner's solution, they are bleaching agents. Their effect is based on the destruction of connections between the superficial or middle layers of the epidermis and exfoliation of cells.

Such peelings (almost every cosmetic company has them, for example, “ Chemical peeling with AHA acids" Faberlic) are good in combination with tyrosinase inhibitors. However, peeling cream is not suitable for lightening the skin around the eyes, but can be effectively used in all other areas. Tretinoin products are most effective for whitening spots that appear after skin inflammation or acne.

Other substances that have a whitening effect

The following can also be used as lightening agents:

• ascorbic acid, which is an antioxidant. If it is present in the cream in its natural state - in the form of an acid, then its whitening ability is questionable, since it is extremely unstable and quickly breaks down. Only esters of ascorbic acid can be stable;
• soy milk. It “knows how” to regulate the number of melanosomes that will pass from the melanocyte to the skin cell.

What creams are best to use?

Let's give examples best creams for skin whitening depending on the location of pigmentation.

Face brightening

The following creams are suitable for this localization:

1. F-Radiance. This includes glycolic acid for peeling, arbutin, antioxidants glutathione and sodium ascorbate, licorice extract, azelaic acid, bearberry extract. Can be applied to the entire face except the area under the eyes and eyelids.
2. Meladerm, which is based on licorice extract and a combination of AHA acids.
3. Clinicians Complex 6% whitening cream. Contains hydroquinone, bearberry extract, kojic acid, vitamins C and E, fruit acids.
4. Eldan, Premium lighting dimension 24h. The cream is based on bearberry leaf extract, vitamin E. It also contains panthenol, nicotinic acid, lecithin.
5. Cream from Faberlic Expert series “Microdermabrasion and enzyme micropeeling” (applied after products from the same series with AHA acids). It is based on the Novaftem-O2 oxygen complex, the composition is not specified, in combination with other components.
6. Oxygen whitening cream. Consists of licorice root, ginseng, camellia sinensis.
7. Microcellulaire with kojic acid. Its base is kojic acid, as well as other acids: glycolic, lactic, citric. It also contains lemon and cucumber extracts.
8. Vichy Idealia Pro is an age spot corrector serum. It has a complex composition, which includes glabridin, tocopherol, and salicylic acid.

Hand skin lightening

Body lightening

To whiten the skin of the body you can use creams:

• "Skinoren" and analogues, the main active ingredient of which is azelaic acid;
• “Melanative”, consisting of arbutin and kojic acid;
• “Achromin” from “Alen Mak”, which is based on hydroquinone;
• Donell Super Skin Crystal Scrub – scrub and cleansing gel;
• “Meladerm”, the product can be used not only for the face, but also for the body;
• "Alpha" based on green tea, kojic acid and mulberry extract.

For whitening underarm skin cream will do Lakshma MAXXI. It is also used for whitening bikinis and intimate area. The product is based on kojic acid. Manufacturers report its high effectiveness for representatives of any race, including Mongoloid and Negroid. It is reported that hair removal is not required before using this product.

1. Start whitening during the time of year when the sun's rays are inactive: autumn and winter. Before using any product, apply a drop of it to your forearm and leave for 20 minutes. The appearance of redness and/or itching indicates that the drug is not suitable for you.
2. Before using the product, be sure to cleanse your skin, and before going outside, treat exposed areas of your body with photoprotective cream. You need to use a local cosmetic product for no more than 2-3 weeks, then you need to take a break.
3. Finally, if the cream does not help whiten your skin, consult a cosmetologist. These specialists have a large number of different procedures in their arsenal: from microdermabrasion to.

The skin is influenced by various factors: ultraviolet radiation from the sun or solarium, nutrition, genetics. As a result, the level of melanin increases and spots form. Whitening face cream is a cosmetic product that is successfully used to lighten age spots on the skin, judging by reviews on the Internet. Read a review of the most effective means.

What is whitening cream

Due to excessive exposure to sunlight, the function of melanin production is disrupted. When there is an excess of pigment, dark spots appear, and when there is a deficiency, light spots appear. They arise from melanocyte cells in the dermis. Most whitening face creams destroy their structure. Old cells disintegrate, and in their place the skin becomes smoother. Spots on the skin may appear due to changes in hormonal levels (pregnancy, taking OCs), exposure to UV rays, or heredity.

With such congenital pathology Like vitiligo, whitening cosmetics for the face and body will not help. Cosmetological and pharmacy whitening preparations are used for the following conditions:

• with freckles;
• with abundant pigmentation on the body, face;
• to eliminate traces acne;
• with lentigo, vitiligo.

Compound

Before choosing a drug for age spots, you need to familiarize yourself with the active ingredients. The following active ingredients are used to even out skin tone:

• ascorbic acid (vitamin C);
• arbutin (based on bearberry leaves);
• kojic acid;
• hydroquinone.
• bismuth salt;
• rucinol;
• citric or lactic acid;
• jojoba or calendula oil;
• celandine or parsley extract;
• oil grape seeds;
• vitamin E.

Cream for age spots on the face

It is better to give preference to a facial skin whitening cream based on natural ingredients. Each drug comes with instructions, indicating the specifics of use during pregnancy and lactation. Before use, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist and do an allergy test on the crook of your elbow. Below is an overview of popular brightening face creams.

Eveline extra soft whitening

Face whitening cream is intended for prevention; it helps remove age spots and uneven skin after sunbathing. Tones and moisturizes the upper layer (epidermis). The drug has a dense, oily structure and is not prone to spreading:

• Name: Eveline extra soft whitening;
• Price: 115-150 rubles;
• Characteristics: volume – 200 ml, contains cucumber extract;
• Advantages: the main advantage of Evelyn cream is its affordable price. The drug eliminates dark and light spots, removes marks from scars and purulent acne. The remedy for Evelyn does not cause allergic reaction. Suitable for pregnant women;
• Disadvantages: facial skin whitening cream does not eliminate heavy manifestations. It affects small formations. The product removes the effect in the form of age spots, but not the cause of their formation.

Holy Land Cosmetics

The lotion removes old melanocytes. They contribute to the accumulation of melanin pigment, as a result of which the face acquires an uneven shade:

• Name: Holy Land ALPHA COMPLEX Face Lotion;
• Price: 1500-1600 rub.;
• Characteristics: the composition includes acids such as lactic, citric, glycolic, peach or fig extract. The volume of the drug is 125 ml;
• Advantages: the result of use is visible after 2-3 weeks. The lotion evens out the surface of the face and helps whiten age spots. Nutrients penetrate into the deep layers of the dermis and destroy the structure of melanocyte cells;
• Disadvantages: the disadvantage of the drug is the high price, individual intolerance to the components of the composition. Sometimes there may be severe peeling of the skin after. It also contains the substance bromo-2-nitropropane, which, according to doctors, accumulates in the body and has a negative effect.

• Name: Meladerm;
• Price: 5000 rub.;
• Characteristics: volume – 50 ml; the composition does not contain ammonia, natural ingredients predominate;
• Advantages: the drug does not contain steroids, parabens, or mercury. It can be used during pregnancy, when a woman's hormonal background, spots form. Helps get rid of profuse acne, freckles, pigmentation, nevi and moles;
• Disadvantages: minus of the drug - high price. In Moscow and Russia it is not so common. It is better to order Meladerm cream on the official website so as not to purchase a fake.

Achromin

The drug has a creamy structure with a rose scent. It suppresses the proliferation of cells in the dermis, causing them to gradually die, and the skin tone is evened out. Before use, it is advisable to apply the mixture to a small area of ​​skin and wait 30 minutes. If there are no side effects, then you can use:

• Name: Achromin;
• Price: 100-170 rub.
• Characteristics: volume – 45 ml, the main component is hydroquinone;
• Advantages: affordable price and effectiveness with regular use. Suitable for eliminating white, dark spots, acne and lightening freckles. You can apply a bleaching product in summer as a protective cream;
• Disadvantages: Achromin is not suitable for the treatment of global hyperpigmentation or vitiligo. Able to affect small areas of skin that are not subject to abundant accumulation of melanocytes. Sometimes the drug causes itching, an allergic reaction, swelling or hyperemia. Do not use if pregnant or breastfeeding.

Himalaya herbals

The drug lightens dark spots on the face and makes the skin smooth. Has moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties. The main substance is considered to be licorice extract, which has a positive effect on the epidermis:

• Name: Himalaya herbals Bleminor;
• Price: 550-600 rub.;
• Characteristics: volume – 30 ml, country of origin – India, applied to cleansed skin;
• Advantages: has affordable price, gives long-term results. The product contains Indian rhubarb. This herb deeply cleanses and brightens the skin, stimulates blood flow in areas with brown and dark spots;
• Disadvantages: lightening face cream can cause itching and burns if it comes into contact with mucous membranes (eyes, mouth, genitals), and complications may develop.

Vitex

Vitex face mask is used to even out skin tone, eliminate age spots, freckles and blackheads. The composition is dominated by natural ingredients What makes the cream anti-allergenic:

• Name: Belita-Vitex Day SPF 20;
• Price: 260 rub.;
• Characteristics: volume – 100 ml, country of origin – Belarus, applied to the face 2 times a day for 15 minutes;
• Advantages: the drug helps lighten age spots, gives elasticity and removes expression wrinkles. Contains Indian Valteria leaf extract and citric acid. They penetrate the dermis and destroy the accumulation of melanocytes. Reduction of spots and freckles is observed after 3-5 weeks regular use;
• Disadvantages: The mask should be used with caution by people with sensitive skin. Because of citric acid it may sting slightly and the skin may turn red.

Often about summer vacation It resembles not only a tan, but also brown islands of pigmentation that pop up here and there, regardless of the SPF level of our sunscreen. Popular recipes against this misunderstanding are rather a guide to the inappropriate use of food. Perhaps someone is ready to wipe their face with cucumber-lemon infusion several times a day, scare their neighbors with yogurt or yogurt frozen on the skin (which needs to be removed cotton pad, soaked in a decoction of linden blossom) or mix sour milk with horseradish and oatmeal to make whitening compresses. Maybe...

But progress does not stand still and, fortunately, Today there are much more effective and aesthetic methods for whitening the skin of the face and body. Let's leave fruits and vegetables, and take a closer look at cosmetics and procedures in clinics and beauty salons.

Species theory: hyperpigmentation comes in different forms

A few years ago in London, at the presentation of the serum for correcting skin tone Even Better Clinical, Clinique, doctor of biochemistry Paolo Giacomoni explained to journalists. “It’s very simple,” said the scientist. - Melanin, which is produced by melanocyte cells, is involved in skin pigmentation. Sometimes it happens that too much melanin is produced, and then a problem arises in the form of thickening of the horn and the appearance of dark spots various sizes and shades.

Just don’t confuse congenital and acquired pigmentation. As a rule, products intended for whitening work in to a greater extent with uneven skin tone and specifically with age spots, but in no case with freckles. There’s no need to fight freckles at all!”

The same idea is confirmed by Sofia Bigvava, Ph.D., dermatocosmetologist, chief physician anti-aging and aesthetic medicine Bellefontaine: “Pigmentation is divided into congenital and acquired. For us, cosmetologists, the acquired one is of greatest importance. These are cases when the sensitivity of melanocytes to various unfavorable factors increases.

What else is there to fear? Some medications: there are groups of antibiotics, as well as hormonal contraceptives, the use of which literally affects the skin. But here everything is very individual.”

Skin whitening preparations

It has long been the “gold standard” in the treatment of hyperpigmentation itself. of various origins Doctors say it's hydroquinone. This is a substance that stops the production of melanin molecules by simply blocking the enzyme tyrosinase. But the matter does not stop there. Hydroquinone promotes the destruction of previously accumulated melanocytes, gradually lightening the affected areas of the skin.

As a rule, for effective whitening skin creams with hydroquinone are used - the doctor will tell you what concentration you need. If you do everything correctly, the first results will appear in five to seven weeks. However, not everything is so simple here: when applying the drug, redness and slight itching sometimes appear, and with prolonged use, even contact dermatitis. In general, to achieve a pronounced effect, you will have to wait from three months to a year. And no one wants to wait (although positive result will be required).

Another slow, but quite reliable fighter against age spots is retinol (aka vitamin A). Gradually, over the course of a year or two, it and its derivatives will restore sun-damaged skin, day after day stimulating cell renewal, the synthesis of whitening substances and collagen. However, while taking such a course, one must not forget for a minute about sunscreens- otherwise there will only be more stains.

You can still be treated with steroids, but it’s better to think carefully, since in a small concentration (1% hydrocortisone) they do not give a pronounced effect, and in medium and strong concentrations they work, but they threaten serious complications, such as tissue atrophy and acne.

But, as a rule, experienced dermatologists use for whitening various combinations drugs, not limited to any one drug. A good doctor should choose a program that will allow you to achieve maximum quick results, but will minimize side effects.

“Brightening” cosmetic procedures

Some desperate fighters against hyperpigmentation insist on lungs and even know how to do them themselves, without turning to a specialized specialist. The mechanism of their lightening action is clear. A composition is applied to the skin that causes active exfoliation. Layer by layer brown tint disappears.

The effectiveness and, importantly, the safety of the method largely depends on how deeply the acid penetrates into the tissue and what chemical agents are used. Therefore, it is always very important to follow the instructions exactly, without trying to speed up or intensify the process. With special care chemical peels people need to be treated with fair skin with frequent relapses of herpes simplex on the face.

Most often, professionals use peeling based on retinol, lactic or trichloroacetic acid to whiten facial skin. Alpha hydroxy acids, which scare many people, despite their scary name, are just a group of organic compounds widely present in natural vegetables and fruits.

Light brown spots lie in the superficial layers of the skin and are amenable to external treatment methods. The situation with deep dark brown pigmentation is somewhat different. You definitely can’t do without a course of procedures in a salon or clinic.

One option is cryotherapy (liquid nitrogen treatment). Some melanocytes are sensitive to cold. So why not take advantage of this? Another way is; in this case, these are injections of bleaching substances (including ascorbic acid) directly into the focus of pigmentation. Treatment occurs quickly and precisely.

And finally, the heavy artillery - the destruction of dark spots with a laser and exposure to selective pulsed light (phototherapy), after which the spots darken and peel off a few days after the procedure. And most importantly, they no longer appear in the same place. It is better to take such programs in autumn or winter, when solar activity is minimal.

The right place: the best salon skin whitening programs and procedures in Moscow

• Anti-aging and aesthetic medicine clinic Bellefontaine

A special program has been developed here to eliminate hyperpigmentation using laser device DEKA and cosmetics. Laser beams destroy melanin, after the procedure the pigment darkens, active exfoliation occurs within two weeks, which ultimately leads to lightening of the problem area. Well laser therapy ranges from two to four procedures. In the interval between hardware treatments, Bellefontaine professional lightening treatment is prescribed. This team copes well even with age-related pigmentation. In six weeks, not only dark spots are lightened, but also the tone and structure of the skin is evened out and improved.

• Beauty salon "White Garden"

Along with various peelings and mesotherapy using cocktails based on vitamin C, minerals and, this salon uses the multifunctional SharpLight system for skin whitening. The smart machine is equipped with special attachments with pulsed light technology that quickly and safely work on superficial pigment spots on the face, chest and hands. The doctor applies the nozzle to problem area, pulsed light energy gradually turns into heat and, as a result of heating, only those areas of the skin where melanin has accumulated are destroyed. All actions take a specialist from 15 to 45 minutes. In the first 5-12 days after the session, the treated areas often darken, but then they lighten significantly - until they completely disappear at the end of the course. But there is one thing important condition: For the SharpLight procedure to be successful, the skin must not be tanned.

• Phyt's beauty salon

A very cozy salon where the atmosphere of Provence reigns and everything organic is revered. Therefore, there are no devices or injections here, but there are Phyt's cosmetics, created by a naturopathic biologist, and the hands of masters. For whitening care for the face and body (as for all other procedures), small common jars of cream are used, and an individual set of ampoules that contain active substances in high concentration.Your personal set of products opens and a comfortable ritual begins with a long good massage. Bioactive whitening is based on the high efficiency of a patented complex of plant extracts and essential oils. Listing the composition of White Bio-Active products is reminiscent of a botanical encyclopedia: aloe, licorice, parsley, wheat oil and bitter orange... This is already enough to win the hearts of lovers of all things natural.

Rating of the best cosmetics for combating pigmentation, lightening and whitening skin

Our short list includes proven products that are backed by both the impeccable reputation of the manufacturers and positive user reviews. We recommend that you familiarize yourself with each of them in more detail and choose the most suitable for yourself and your skin:

	Means	Description
	It is a two-stage peeling system - skin cleansing and whitening + rejuvenating active complex. The RES gel technology provokes skin cells to intensively regenerate. Price: ~17,000 rubles (30 cleansing wipes and peeling gel)
	Developed using the latest biochemical technologies and intended primarily for the care of skin with excessive pigmentation. The effect is achieved through natural vitamin extracts. Actively lightens not only age spots, but also freckles, redness from scars and scars, as well as signs of chloasma during pregnancy. Price: ~150 euros (for 100 ml volume)
	Whitening system Soin White Bio-Active, Phyt's	With daily use of this complex of natural products with a delicate texture, the skin noticeably brightens, pigment spots completely disappear by the end of the second week of use. Thanks to the use of the innovative PWE complex in creams, the skin acquires a natural glow, becomes clean and smooth. Price: ~3500 rubles per complex.
	Anti-pigmentation serum Forever Light Creator, Yves Saint Laurent	The product is intended for face whitening when age-related pigmentation. After just one week of use, skin color is noticeably evened out. Due to the use of the innovative property of reflected light rays in the serum, a noticeable effect of skin rejuvenation occurs. Price: $42-125, depending on the volume of the bottle.
	Whitening serum Belle de Jour, KenzoKi	The white lotus extract used in its production has an astringent property and helps tighten pores, protecting skin cells from pollution. Besides, natural properties The drugs help block sunlight on the surface of the skin, preventing ultraviolet radiation from penetrating into the deeper layers and protecting the skin from photoaging. Cost: ~5700 rubles (volume 30 ml).
	Pigment spot corrector Melascreen, Ducray	The product is designed for local application to areas of the skin that have darkened due to age-related changes, photosensitivity to sunlight, congenital hyperpigmentation and during pregnancy. Wonderfully evens out the skin, creating a rejuvenating effect. Price: ~1200 rubles (volume 30 ml).
	System "Clean Skin", Inneov	Cleansing complex, recommended for use 1-2 times a year for people with problem skin, with dark and age spots, with excessive exposure to the sun, with metabolic disorders. Helps restore skin elasticity and radiance. Price: ~1500 rubles (per package, 40 tablets).
	An extremely effective remedy for lightening the face with hyperpigmentation. Through the use of natural lightening components (bearberry extract, licorice extract, kojic acid), melanin synthesis is blocked in skin cells. Price: ~1850 rubles (volume 30 ml).
	Helps even out skin color, gives it a matte tone, eliminates pigment spots, prevents the premature appearance of wrinkles and age-related darkening of the skin. The product is enriched with extracts of natural herbal preparations with strong whitening effect. Price: ~8000 rubles (volume 50 ml).
	Even Better Clinical Skin Tone Correcting Serum, Clinique	An innovative development designed to smooth and lighten the skin, get rid of age spots, eliminate the effect of skin aging under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, and damage and scarring of the skin. Price: ~4500 rubles (volume 50 ml).
	Brightening serum Crystal Shot, Metatron	It has a comprehensive effect on the skin, cleansing, rejuvenating and lightening age spots. The active ingredients of the serum protect skin cells from aging, help the production of light melanin and effectively lighten natural dark melanin. Price: ~5000 rubles (volume 20 ml).
	Basic skin tone evening product, Melaperfect, Darphin	Thanks to the innovative high-tech complex MELA SYSTEM, this cosmetic product actively strives for ideal even color skin, helping to get rid of pigmentation, nourishes and protects the skin. Price: ~4000 rubles (volume 30 ml).

• When is whitening necessary?
• Types of pigmentation
• Features of the composition
• Rules of application

Causes of age spots

Before we fight pigmentation, let's find out what it is. “Dark spots on the skin that appear as a result of a local increase in the production of melanin pigment are called hyperpigmentation,” explains Elena Eliseeva, medical expert at Vichy. “Melanin gives color to human skin and hair, and its synthesis increases under the influence of certain factors.”

Age spots can occur in people of any skin color at any age and even during intrauterine development(this applies to nevi, or so-called birthmarks). But for the most part, pigmentation disorders are directly related with exposure to ultraviolet radiation on the skin and appear in adults. Moreover, what older man, the more extensive, dark and difficult to remove the spots become.

Photodamage has a cumulative effect, and the higher the level of “accumulation”, the more pronounced new spots will be, even with minimal additional insolation.

In white-skinned people, pigmentation disorders are more noticeable (and in general they tolerate the sun more difficult). However, girls with dark skin It may be difficult to use depigmenting agents, so they should be prescribed by a specialist.

As already mentioned, the main provocateurs of pigmentation are UV rays. Although there are other reasons.

Pigment spots appear regardless of gender, age and skin tone of a person. © iStock

Hormonal changes

Pregnancy period, intake oral contraceptives, the onset of menopause - all these factors cause hormonal imbalance and, as a result, contribute to pigmentation disorders.

Skin injuries

The skin acquires an uneven tone due to traces of acne, after a chemical or thermal burn. Post-inflammatory pigmentation - real problem plastic surgery, since many patients after surgery do not use photoprotective agents and do not avoid the sun, despite the warnings of doctors.

In some cases, there is a risk of hyperpigmentation after plastic surgery so great that the use of antipigment agents is required both before and after the intervention.

Diseases of internal organs

If there is a disruption in the functioning of the intestines, diseases of the liver, gall bladder or kidneys, there is also a risk of developing an unhealthy complexion and “spotting”.

When is whitening necessary?

Now there are many ways to get rid of age spots. Not completely, of course, but at least make them less noticeable. At your service:

1. 1

   cosmetics for home use: creams, serums, renewing peelings;

2. 2

   cosmetological techniques that significantly lighten pigmentation.

“I would like to warn you: before you start looking for a whitening cream or choosing a procedure in a clinic, consult a cosmetologist or dermatologist,” says Elena Eliseeva. “Otherwise, there is a high risk of skin irritation or not achieving the desired effect.”

The main provocateur of pigmentation is ultraviolet radiation. © iStock

Types of pigmentation

There are several types of stains that are useful to know about.

Moles

They are also called pigmented nevi and are the most common type of pigmentation. Every person has moles; they can appear throughout life, especially actively in adulthood.

Some moles are at risk of developing into melanoma. For prevention, suspicious nevi should be checked by a dermatologist every 6–12 months. The doctor may recommend removing them using hardware procedures after preliminary dermatoscopy.

Freckles

The scientific name for freckles is ephelides. They usually occur in children, teenagers and young adults. Spots of this type are clearly visible on the back, shoulders, face and neck, especially in summer when the sun is active. By winter, the ephelides turn pale.

If freckles are too annoying, they can be lightened slightly with a whitening cream.

Age spots

Their appearance (usually occurs after 40 years) is associated with a decrease in immune protective properties skin when it is unable to resist photoaging. With age, such spots darken, and it becomes more difficult to remove them, because the regenerative abilities of the skin weaken.

Prevention age spots- UV protection and anti-pigment creams that normalize melanin production.

Prevention of age spots - UV protection. © iStock

Acne marks

The pigment in post-acne conditions is distributed differently than in the case of moles or freckles. But the methods of preventing and preventing pigmentation are not much different from the basic ones.

Solar lentigo

The most worrying thing is caused by ordinary sunspots, or solar lentigo - brown or yellowish formations with wavy edges that appear after exposure to the sun. There are two recommendations here:

1. 1

   use cream with SPF not only on the beach, but also in the city;

2. 2

   correct age spots using whitening creams.

Properties of cream for age spots

Cosmetics for age spots, unfortunately, cannot perform a miracle and completely get rid of these imperfections. But it can definitely lighten the pigment and prevent its further formation.

Good anti-pigmentation cream:

promotes the process of renewal of epidermal cells;

reduces melanin synthesis in the skin;

strengthens cell protection against free radicals;

has a whitening effect.

Creams for age spots most often contain acids. © iStock

The effectiveness of whitening cream

Spots will not disappear without a trace as soon as you start using anti-pigment cream. So far, cosmetics are not capable of this. But homemade beauty products can even out skin tone and reduce the size and brightness of spots. True, only with regular use.

Features of the composition

Anti-pigmentation creams usually contain acids, plant extracts and vitamins. High positions in the ranking of ingredients are occupied by:

Salicylic acid promotes the exfoliation process, makes stains less noticeable.

Glycolic acid With a powerful exfoliating and whitening effect, it helps reduce pigmentation and rejuvenate the skin.

Ferulic acid increases the activity of vitamin C - the most effective component in whitening cosmetics.

Alpha hydroxy acids (fruit, lactic) have an exfoliating effect and are used to correct surface pigmentation.

Ellagic acid normalizes excess melanin synthesis.

Kojic acid reduces the production of tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for the synthesis of melanin. Fights free radicals, suitable for sensitive skin.

Retinol (vitamin A) helps in skin regeneration and even distribution of melanin.

Vitamin C regulates melanin synthesis, is a powerful antioxidant, stimulates collagen production.

Arbutin its action resembles hydroquinone (this powerful bleaching agent with high toxicity is prohibited for use in many European countries and Russia), slows down the synthesis of melanin.

Pigment spots include moles and freckles. © iStock

Rules of application

Creams and serums for age spots contain acids and retinol - the most effective anti-pigment components. It is best to use products based on them at night, and during the day - in autumn and winter, during periods of low solar activity.

Top 5 best anti-pigmentation creams

Those who struggle with age spots will find the rating of the best, according to the editors of the website, products with a lightening effect useful.

Cosmetics against pigmentation

Product name	Rules of application	Active Ingredients
Moisturizer for skin tone correction Pigmentclar UV, SPF 30, La Roche-Posay	Apply every morning to face, décolleté and back of hands.	advanced protective complex La Roche-Posay with acids
Highly effective anti-pigmentation cream-care Advanced Pigment Corrector, SkinCeuticals	Use twice a day, applying to the entire face or locally to an age spot.	acids, yeast extract
Intensive care-corrector Visionnaire Corrector Advanced Skin, Lancôme	Apply in the morning after cleansing your skin.	exclusive development of Lancôme
Strengthening care against signs of aging at different stages Slow Age, Vichy	Apply to cleansed face every morning, avoiding the eye area.	baicalin, vitamins C and E, probiotic Bifidus, mineralizing thermal Vichy water, SPF 25
Epidermal Re-Texturizing Micro-Dermabrasion, Kiehl’s	Use no more than 3 times a week. Apply to clean skin upward movements, except for the area around the eyes.	aluminum oxide powder, alginate, diatomaceous earth, fireweed angustifolia