It’s no secret that as we age our skin undergoes significant changes due to our environment, lifestyle and hormones. Fine lines and wrinkles are usually on our radar, but unfortunately, they aren’t the only signs of ageing. A dull, uneven skin tone can leave us looking tired and older than we are.

What is hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation occurs when the skin produces more melanin – the pigment that gives skin its colour. It is a common skin concern for many people – it can affect all skin types and be localised or widespread. Hyperpigmentation may appear as uneven skin tone, dark patches, hyperpigmentation or age spots¹.

So how can we reclaim an even skin tone and a glowing, spot-free complexion? The first step is to understand the causes of hyperpigmentation. Sun exposure can result in photo-ageing and pigmentation of the skin can become uneven as we age. Research has shown that increased sun-damage² and pigmented spots³ are linked with looking older than your age. Yikes! The parts of the body that are exposed regularly to the sun such as the face, neck and back of the hands tend to have more visible signs of ageing more rapidly than other areas of the body⁴.

Being exposed to free radicals, including pollution, smoke and stress, can also lead to hyperpigmentation. Then there are hormones and pregnancy. Melasma, which appears as dark or brown patches, is more common in women and usually appears on sun-exposed areas such as the upper lip, chin, forehead or the cheeks. It’s commonly seen in pregnant women (it’s also called chloasma, or the ‘mask of pregnancy’), and is possibly related to hormonal stimulation, estrogen and/or progesterone⁵.

How to treat hyperpigmentation 

To help fade stubborn dark spots and patches it’s important to use skincare with the right active ingredients. Elucent’s Even Tone range is all about improving the brightness and texture of your skin. It is Australian owned and made and features a range of scientifically-backed products that nurture and protect your skin. Combining innovative research with top skincare science, it has active-ingredient formulas that will help get your natural glow back!

Natural plant extracts used in topical skin-lightening products have been shown to help improve hyperpigmentation and the overall appearance of the skin⁶. The Even Tone range is formulated with a blend of powerful antioxidants and vitamins to target dark spots and discolouration caused by the sun.

All of the Elucent Even Tone products contain niacinamide, an active form of vitamin B3, which has been shown to reduce hyperpigmentation and increase skin lightness⁷.

When you wake up, use the Elucent Even Tone Moisturiser to give the skin a hydrating boost. The broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen will also help protect the skin from further damage and sun-induced darkening. For best results, use in combination with Elucent Even Tone Exfoliating Cleanser and Elucent Even Tone Night Moisturiser, which will work while you sleep. For confined areas of discolouration and dark spots, apply the Elucent Even Tone Dark Spot Corrector after cleansing. Its concentrated formula contains embilica fruit extract, safflower seed oil, and vitamins B3, C and E. Don’t forget the hands! The Elucent Even Tone Hand Cream is a skin brightening and moisturising cream, made specially for the hands. It helps protect, nourish and brighten the hands.

Always read the label. Follow the directions for use. Avoid prolonged sun exposure and wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear to further reduce risk. Frequent re-application is required.