We’re looking at spectacular weather in the coming weeks and months. The sun beckons us out on the trail and to the beach, but many find themselves plagued by insecurities around dry, dull, and dark spot-ridden skin. Dark spots, or hyperpigmentation, is incredibly common and typically worsens under the summer sun. Thankfully, nature provides a wealth of solutions that can help reduce the appearance of dull and discoloured skin, leaving you feeling confident in any summer outfit.
What is Hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is when patches of skin have darkened due to excessive melanin production. You may also hear this condition referred to as dark spots, most popularly, but also sun spots, age spots, and liver spots. Hyperpigmentation can result from various things, including sun exposure, hormonal changes, and skin injuries.
Natural Dark Spot Removers
Some use steroidal treatments, like hydrocortisone cream, to tackle dark spots. However, several plant extracts can provide help naturally and are quickly gaining popularity for this reason. Let’s start with one of our stay players: Amla.
Amla / Indian Gooseberry
Indian gooseberry, also known as amla, is a superfruit absolutely packed with antioxidants. The benefits of amla for skin include helping to protect the skin from free radical damage and reducing the appearance of dark spots. Amla is also rich in vitamin C, which works to boost collagen production, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and naturally brighten your complexion. Incorporating Indian gooseberry extract into your skincare routine can help produce an even-toned and ageless look as well as aid in the general health of your skin.
Clover
Red clover extract is well-known for its ability to brighten skin and reduce the appearance of dark spots. Clover also contains isoflavones, a phytoestrogen that can replicate the effects of estrogen to the benefit of your skin's appearance. This study found isoflavone treatment in menopausal women resulted in a 9.46% increase in the thickness of the epidermis, an increased amount of collagen, and an increase in the number of elastic fibers. That is to say, better elasticity and less susceptible to visible fine lines and wrinkles.
Liquorice Root
Liquorice root benefits have been reaped since prehistoric times with use tracing back to the ancient Assyrian people of Mesopotamia, as well as Egypt, China, and India. Famous in traditional medicine for its skin-lightening and brighening properties, liquorice root contains a compound called glabridin. Glabridin is an isoflavane, from the same family as clover’s isoflavones, which similarly helps to inhibit the production of melanin and reduce the appearance of dark spots. Additionally, liquorice root has anti-inflammatory properties, making it a great choice to soothe sensitive or sun-damaged skin.
Mulberry Leaf
Lock that in that bright and even tone with mulberry leaf extract. Another natural ingredient capable of helping to reduce hyperpigmentation and produce an even-toned complexion due to enzymes that slow melanin production.
Astaxanthin
Astaxanthin is a red colour pigment, a type of carotenoid, deriving from algae. This potent compound has been shown to help protect skin cells against the oxidative damage from free-radicals, which can lead to and exacerbate hyperpigmentation. Studies have shown astaxanthin to improve skin elasticity and provide a dose of hydration, contributing to a more youthful-looking complexion.
New Nordic’s Pigment Clear™
Pigment Clear Cream™ from New Nordic combines amla (Indian gooseberry), clover, liquorice root, mulberry leaf, astaxanthin, and fine molecular hyaluronic acid for a potent addition to your skincare routine. Not only does this holy grail cream help to fade existing dark spots, but its plant extracts allow it to actually inhibit the enzymes that produce pigment, therefore helping to prevent new spots from forming. With this rejuvenating antioxidant-rich cream, benefits can include:
- Targeting dark spots and discolouration
- Brightness and radiance
- Even skin tone and texture
- Hydrate dry skin
- Reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Protection against free radical damage
- Help reduce skin inflammation
Conclusion
Steroidal and surgical options may be the preferred choice for some, but natural plant extracts like those found in New Nordic’s Pigment Clear™ Cream can provide a more holistic solution to hyperpigmentation and other skin concerns. With a consistent approach, you can achieve summer-ready skin to be proud of in any weather. Check out our blog on Deciphering Your Skin For a Healthy Summer Routine and find out ways to protect and nourish your skin from the inside out.
