Bright, radiant, glowing and luminous. These are just some of the words we use to describe a healthy-looking, youthful appearance.
However, as we age, our skin’s texture and tone changes, leading to a more dull, lacklustre complexion¹. This is because our epidermal cell turnover rate slows and damage from our environment (sun and pollution) becomes more noticeable on the skin¹.
To help reduce the appearance of stubborn dark spots and patches, as well as brighten the skin, look for skincare containing ingredients that help to brighten our complexion and visibly improve skin tone. This is where Elucent Skincare can help. Australian owned and made, Elucent combines innovative research with top skincare science. Elucent Skincare’s Even Tone range contains carefully selected ingredients that work to help you get your natural glow back.
Indian Gooseberry (Phyllanthus emblica) fruit extract
Phyllanthus emblica fruit extract has been used for thousands of years for a range of different health problems², because it’s a rich source of ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) and gallic acid. It has been shown to be a strong antioxidant that can act as an ultraviolet (UV) protectant and an anti-ageing compound³. Phyllanthus emblica fruit extract also has skin brightening properties to help restore radiance⁴ ⁵.
Niacinamide (vitamin B3)
Many people know that Vitamin B3 is star skincare ingredient for its multiple benefits. Also known as niacinamide, it supports the skin’s barrier by helping to reduce water loss and retain moisture. In one study, niacinamide was shown to helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles⁶, as well improve hyperpigmented spots and elasticity⁶.
Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate (Vitamin C)
Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate is an oil soluble form of Vitamin C. In fact, Vitamin C is considered to be one of the most important antioxidants in skincare. Antioxidants are used because they can help prevent and repair photodamage (skin damage caused by the sun’s UV rays)⁷. However, ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate (Vitamin C) also doubles as a skin brightener⁸.
Carthamus tinctorius (safflower) seed oil
Safflower seed oil has anti-inflammatory effects⁹ and helps moisturise the skin¹⁰. Safflower Oil contains Linoleic acid, which helps to brighten the skin by helping to visibly reduce UV induced skin pigmentation¹¹.
Sodium lactate and lactic acid (AHAs)
Thousands of years ago, Cleopatra was said to be a fan of bathing in sour milk, which contains lactic acid, to help her maintain a youthful appearance¹². Fast-forward to today and lactic acid is widely used in skincare. Lactic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) – that can help exfoliate the skin and remove dead skin cells. By exfoliating the outermost layer of the epidermis (stratum corneum), a more fresh, glowing complexion can be revealed.
References:
1. Rodan K, Fields K, Majewski G, Falla T. Skincare Bootcamp: The Evolving Role of Skincare. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2016. [Internet] [cited 16 February 2022] Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5172479/
2. Chaudhuri, Ratan. (2002). Emblica Cascading Antioxidant: A Novel Natural Skin Care Ingredient. Skin pharmacology and applied skin physiology. [Internet] [cited 31 January 2022] Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/11152231_Emblica_Cascading_Antioxidant_A_Novel_Natural_Skin_Care_Ingredient
3. Majeed M., Bhat B., Anand S., Sivakumar A., Paliwal P and Geetha KG. (2011) Inhibition of UV-induced ROS and collagen damage by Phyllanthus emblica extract in normal human dermal fibroblasts. Journal of Cosmetic Science, 69: 49-56.
4. Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. Emblica™: A plant derived ingredient with multiple functions: October 2002, 2nd edition.
5. Merck Pty Limited. Rona Emblica the natural choice for skin brightening.
6. Bisset DL, Oblong JE, Berge CA. Niacinamide: a B Vitamin that improves aging facial skin appearance. Dermatol Surg 2005; 31:860-865.
7. Addor FAS. Antioxidants in dermatology. An Bras Dermatol. 2017. [Internet] [cited 24 January 2022] Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5514576/
8. Nikkol Chemicals Co Ltd. Stabilized oil-soluble vitamin c derivative VC-IP. VC-IP 2007-12. Tokyo, Japan.
9. Lin TK, Zhong L, Santiago JL. Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils. Int J Mol Sci. 2017. [Internet] [cited 25 March 2022] Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5796020/
10. Cherney, K. Is Safflower Oil Good for My Skin? Healthline. [Internet] [cited 25 March 2022] Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/safflower-oil-for-skin
11. Ando H, Ryu A, Hashimoto A et al. Linoleic acid and alpha-linoleic acid lightens ultraviolet-induced hyperpigmentation of the skin. Arch Dermatol Res 1998; 290(7):375-381.
12. Tran D, Townley JP, Barnes TM, Greive KA. An antiaging skin care system containing alpha hydroxy acids and vitamins improves the biomechanical parameters of facial skin. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2014.