Photo: picdeer.org Uniform skin color is ensured by melanocytes - specialized cells that produce the melanin pigment. The level of facial pigmentation depends on the number of such cells.
And if they begin to concentrate in pathologically large quantities in a certain area on the skin, then it begins to become covered with pigment spots. Now this problem is easily solved with whitening serums.
. Let's consider the features of their action and application.
General information
The appearance of an uneven tone on the face is considered only a cosmetic defect and only in rare cases can it hide a serious illness (in which case a comprehensive examination and treatment selected by a specialist is necessary). Many products have been developed to eliminate hyperpigmentation. These include various creams, emulsions and gels, as well as serums. A feature of the latter is the need for individual selection: the product must be suitable for your skin type and act on the specific cause of the formation of age spots.
The active substance of whitening facial serums is presented in the form of small molecules that penetrate deeply into the skin. They are quite effective, so you should only apply the product twice a day - in the morning and before bed. If spots on the skin appear in the summer, then before using the serum you need to cover the skin with sunscreen or avoid contact with UV rays for several hours. You can buy whitening serum at any cosmetic store, choosing it by price category and properties.
Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector Serum, Clinique
24.09.2011
Sun spots
Today I want to talk about my experience using one of Clinique’s bestsellers, a product that has received a bunch of awards and is, in some way, the pride of the brand. This is Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector, an anti-pigmentation serum that evens out skin tone. Actually, this serum came into my hands almost a year ago, but since I don’t see pigment spots on my face, I didn’t start using it - why, if I can’t evaluate the result?
And then, after many months, I (suddenly!) remembered that I do have an age spot. And what! Now I’ll tell you a scary story, take your children away from blue screens.
In my happy barefoot childhood, my parents regularly traveled to the south, to the sea. Nobody knew anything about sunscreen back then, and I, like all the other children, sunbathed to my heart's content until I was in a chocolate state. Then, during the autumn and winter, the tan gradually washed off... But after the next trip, for some reason, it didn’t all wash off. Just below the right shoulder, the area of skin has not changed its chocolate color. When it remained like that in the spring, I was taken to a dermatologist. The diagnosis was made quickly: ultraviolet radiation. The pigmentation was not supposed to be removed in any way - except perhaps by skin transplantation, which seemed like a completely radical effect.
Since childhood, I have become so accustomed to this spot that I don’t really remember much about it - so it’s not surprising that I missed out on such a wonderful platform for testing the serum. But better late than never - and in the summer I started using Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector, applying it to the pigment spot area.
The consistency of the serum is a semi-gel substance, easily distributed over a large area of skin and quickly absorbed. Afterwards there is a slight stickiness on the skin, but it is not significant at all.
The most important thing, of course, is the promised effect. After a couple of months, I noticed that the spot began to fade around the edges. That is, maybe it wasn’t just pale at the edges, but it’s hard to appreciate when you look at the same area of skin every day - but I noticed the fact that the edges are starting to merge with the rest of the skin, untouched by pigmentation, I noticed absolutely right.
After using the serum for three months, I can absolutely say that the pigment spot has become much paler at the edges, the transition to healthy skin has become very smooth and almost imperceptible. The central part may have become paler, but it still remains. Actually, I didn’t even hope to solve such a disaster using home methods - so I assess the result as rather positive.
My verdict is this: the serum really copes with weak pigmentation. But magic does not exist, and serious stains will probably still have to be dealt with using clinical methods.
Approximate price - 2700 rubles.
Other serum tests: Part I Part II Part III Part IV Part V
Do you have experience dealing with pigmentation at home? And what would you recommend?
Mechanism of action
The principle of action of such products depends on the active substance in the composition, therefore some are specifically aimed at areas with increased pigmentation in order to whiten them, others - at the work of melanocytes for a deeper effect. Manufacturers try to rely not only on active ingredients, but also to saturate the product with tonic, moisturizing, nourishing and anti-inflammatory elements.
This allows you to have a comprehensive effect on the skin, saturate it with useful substances, while simultaneously preventing excessive pigment production. Because The mechanism of action depends on the active component, then it is worth considering the most common “main ingredients” of serums. Among them, the presence of:
- Hydroquinone - deeply affects the skin, reducing the activity of melanocytes to produce melanin.
- Kojic acid prevents the synthesis of pigment, while at the same time having a gentle effect on the skin. Therefore, kojic acid is suitable for people with hypersensitive skin.
- Hexylresorcinol - helps suppress melanin, having a complex effect on the site of application. It neutralizes free radicals and produces an antibacterial effect. According to reviews, whitening serums with this component are well suited for aging skin.
- Niacinamide is a substance that effectively eliminates pigmentation caused by the aging process.
- Vitamin C - whitening products may contain various forms of it. They have a good effect on melanocytes and eliminate uneven complexion, and also improve metabolism.
The effectiveness of serums against age spots on the face
A serum for age spots is used thanks to the active ingredients in its composition, which allow you to even out your complexion tone in the shortest possible time, whitening darkened skin. When applying the serum to the epidermis, the following occurs:
- the pigment responsible for skin color is destroyed;
- the activity of the pigment cell, including melanin granules, is reduced;
- melanin activity is inhibited;
- the accumulation of pigment in the cells stops;
- become lighter and problem areas on the skin completely disappear.
With proper use of serums, skin hypermelanosis will begin to lighten within 1-1.5 weeks. In addition, using high-quality cosmetics, you can achieve the following effects:
- facial tone becomes smoother;
- the color of the epidermis improves, namely, redness, pallor or yellowness disappear;
- the skin takes on a natural pinkish-red hue;
- Areas with increased accumulation of melanin disappear on the body.
How effective are serums?
The effectiveness of serums depends on the quality of its ingredients and the degree of compliance with the characteristics of the skin. Age, sensitivity, fat content - all this should be taken into account when choosing. If the product is selected with high quality, then you can expect the following results after 2 weeks of application:
- even skin tone;
- elimination of bright pigment spots;
- obtaining a natural complexion for a person;
- decrease in melanin concentration;
- preventing the appearance of new stains.
And by choosing a complex product, you will receive additional nutrition, hydration and saturation with useful elements.
How to choose a whitening serum
To make it easier for customers to understand such a large assortment, certain criteria for choosing a whitening serum are being developed:
- Composition - it must contain the main active substance, which reduces the activity of melanocytes.
- Possibility of an allergic reaction - such products are made on a hypoallergenic basis, however, when studying the composition, carefully study each component. If among them you find an element that can cause allergies, then it is better to look for its analogue.
- Product quality - the manufacturer of the product is very important. Companies that have developed a status after many years of work will not supply low-quality products. Therefore, the brand is of particular importance.
- Place of purchase - do not buy serums at dubious points (for example, in markets). There are pharmacies, cosmetic stores and salons for this.
Rating of the most popular whitening serums
According to customer reviews, the most effective and useful products were products from 4 brands:
- Librederm whitening serum. Librederm serum has a comprehensive effect on the skin of the face and, according to the manufacturer, after a month of application it completely eliminates the formation of age spots. The product produces an anti-inflammatory effect, prevents ultraviolet rays from affecting the skin, and protects against free radicals. Libriderm whitening serum for age spots should be applied pointwise to dry and clean skin every day. It will quickly penetrate the cellular structure and reduce the activity of melanocytes.
- Serum "White flax". Whitening serum “White Linen” is a budget product that eliminates pigmentation on aging skin. Its active ingredients are flax and bearberry extracts, which deeply affect the production of melanin. The product brightens, evens out tone, and thanks to UVA/UVB filters, it prevents the aging process from accelerating. Serum "White Linen" with a whitening effect has an intense effect with prolonged use. The result will be a reduction in the concentration of pigment cells, obtaining elastic skin without wrinkles.
- Whitening serum Achromin. This is another powerful product from the budget segment: it gently whitens and eliminates melanin production, increases elasticity, adds radiance to the skin, and smoothes out fine wrinkles. A special feature of the serum is that it contains niacyamide, a safe substance suitable for all skin types.
- Serum Isis Pharma Neotone. French whitening serum Neoton is an innovative product in the field of eliminating age spots. Its composition simultaneously lightens the skin superficially and affects the amount of melanin produced from the inside. The manufacturer recommends spot applying the product once a day as the basis of your basic care.
TOP 10 most productive whitening serums
Today, many women faced with severe pigmentation on the face prefer gentle ways to eliminate this defect.
According to reviews from those who have already used whitening facial serums for age spots, we were able to create a rating of the most effective and affordable ones.
Librederm
Serum with a complex effect on facial skin with strong whitening properties. According to the manufacturer, after just a month of using it, dark spots and other skin imperfections (pimples, redness) completely disappear.
Advantages of this tool:
- relieves inflammation;
- protects against the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation and free radicals;
- reduces melanin production by an average of 25-30%;
- has an antioxidant effect.
Libriderm serum concentrate is applied locally to problem areas in the morning and evening. The skin is pre-cleaned and dried. The recommended course to achieve the desired result is at least a month.
In order for the effect to last for a long time, you must use a lightening cream of the same brand together with the Libriderm serum. The serum costs about 500-700 rubles.
Vinoperfect (5 pluses)
A progressive lightening serum from the famous French brand Caudalie, which has captivated millions of women with its unique capabilities in eliminating age spots.
The product is absolutely harmless and does not cause an allergic reaction, since it consists mainly of natural ingredients.
Suitable for any skin type, even overly sensitive ones. And its delicate floral aroma mixed with orange, watermelon and mint is delightful.
Serum benefits:
- Gives the skin surface a radiant appearance.
- Eliminates dark spots on the skin.
- Evens out tone by almost 50%.
- Makes skin soft and silky.
- Tightens pores.
This remedy is used 2 times a day - in the morning and before bed. Apply the composition to the face and décolleté under daily cream.
To obtain a more lasting and even tan, it is recommended to apply this serum under sunscreen. In addition, it will prevent the appearance of age spots from prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.
The price of such a product is about 3 thousand rubles.
Bodyaga forte
This gel is used to eliminate bruises and pigmentation. Produced in Russia by Skimed.
The product increases blood flow, which destroys the pigment. Also, the product does not dry out the skin, which cannot be said about many similar drugs.
If there are cuts or burns on the skin, then stop using the gel. It is also prohibited to apply the product to mucous membranes.
This is an inexpensive product that costs about 120 rubles.
White linen
This serum is a budget option, but quite effective. The product is more suitable for women whose hyperpigmentation is caused by age-related changes.
The main active elements in the serum are flax and bearberry extract. They are able to counteract the increased production of melanin.
What does using serum provide:
- brightens the skin and evens out the tone;
- prevents early aging of the dermis;
- makes the skin elastic and smoothes out small networks of wrinkles.
A similar result is observed with long-term use of the serum.
Product cost: 120-150 rub.
Achromin
Another powerful budget-friendly whitening product. It gently whitens the skin and inhibits the production of melanin.
In addition to the fact that it removes pigmentation, it gives the skin elasticity, radiance and smoothes out wrinkles.
The advantage of the product is that the niacyamide contained in it does not cause allergies. Therefore, the serum is suitable for any skin.
You need to pay about 130 rubles for the product.
Elure
Manufacturer: NANNIC International. The product destroys melanin, promotes its transformation into ordinary molecules without any color.
The composition contains an enzyme that promotes the destruction of melanin, and the second is aimed at discoloration.
The manufacturer claims that after 7 days the skin will lighten, this is also confirmed by reviews.
The advantage of the product is that it does not cause irritation. It costs about 2 thousand rubles.
Isis Pharma Neotone
The whitening serum of the French manufacturer is considered an innovation in the field of cosmetology in terms of eliminating increased pigmentation on the face.
Its unique composition causes the active ingredients to penetrate deep into the skin, thereby minimizing the production of melanin.
Apply the product locally - to problem areas. One application per day is enough.
Product price: about 1300 rub.
Vichy Ideal
Vichy Idealia cream has antioxidant properties and can block melanin production.
Great for lightening freckles. Interestingly, the cream protects against UV rays.
The product can be used even by those who have very sensitive skin. To get the effect, you should use the cream for 14-16 days.
But such a product is not cheap - from 2.3 thousand rubles.
It's Skin Power 10 Formula Li Effector
Serum for age spots with licorice extract It`s skin power 10 formula li effector is an effective remedy with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
It relieves various irritations well, removes acne and redness, eliminates age spots (including freckles) and generally improves the structure of the epidermis.
What's included:
- Licorice extract. Soothes the skin, suppresses viral and bacterial activity, and also brightens the skin.
- Polyglutamic acid. Promotes hydration, regeneration and rejuvenation of tissues. This slows down the aging process. Thanks to it, the collagen synthesized in the body is stabilized, which prevents dryness and flaking.
- Triethanolamine. Cleanses the skin thoroughly and removes excess oil.
- Glycerol. A component that helps the epidermis become saturated with moisture and prevents its loss by cells.
The best results were observed with long-term use of the serum. For more details, see the manufacturer's recommendations in the instructions.
The product is available in dark blue glass bottles with a capacity of 30 ml. The kit includes a pipette, which is convenient for applying the composition locally.
Before applying the serum, the facial skin is cleansed and moisturized with any tonic. Then take a few drops with a pipette and apply to the desired area. Rub the liquid into the skin surface with light massage movements. After the serum is completely absorbed, apply the usual cream.
The product costs about 700 rubles.
Be loved
This corrector serum not only eliminates pigmentation, but also effectively fights rosacea.
Ideal for particularly sensitive skin. It contains valuable plant extracts and oils that have the following effects:
- make the face tone smoother;
- remove redness and pigmentation;
- transform the skin for the better: give elasticity, silkiness;
- have a calming effect;
- strengthen vascular walls;
- activate the synthesis of their own hyaluronic acid;
- stabilize the production of melanin by cells.
The composition is applied to cleansed skin, being careful not to affect the area around the eyes. You can use it together with night or day cream, or separately.
Costs about 450 rubles.
OBAGI Vitamin C Serum
This is a selection of serums with hydroquinone that have a brightening effect. It includes several forms of formulations that differ in the concentration of vitamin C - 5, 10 and 20%.
The special formula of the composition allows you to return the skin to a healthy and fresh appearance without any spotting in a short time.
Among the advantages of the product are:
- Reduces pores.
- Protects the dermis from negative external factors.
- The bottle has a pipette dispenser, which makes it easier to apply the liquid.
- One package lasts a long time.
The disadvantages include:
- the toxicity of hydroquinone, so you should first consult a cosmetologist;
- highly concentrated whey (20%) often contributes to the development of allergic
- reactions in the form of a rash on the face.
Learn how to use this product from the attached instructions. These are expensive products that cost about 8 thousand rubles.
Rules for applying whitening serums
Whitening serum concentrates require special, correct application. Only then will they bring effect. There are three important rules that must be followed.
- Apply the product to skin that has been previously cleansed of impurities or cosmetics.
- Don't rub it in, use your fingertips to gently spread the serum.
- Treat pigmentation with courses for 1-2 months (depending on the manufacturer).
- By following these rules and carefully selecting products, you can easily and quickly remove pigmentation and restore a healthy skin tone.
