Discoloration Serum promotes a brighter, clearer complexion. It improves the appearance of dark marks and patches plus fades the look of hyperpigmentation, blemish scars, sun damage and other signs of environmental stress.1
Its sensitive skin friendly formula is formulated without fragrance, essential oils and known/common allergens. It also works well with other serums and products like retinol and AHA/BHA exfoliators.
Brightens and Evens Skin Tone: Discoloration Serum
Dark spots and uneven skin tone are among the most common signs of aging, sun damage or other environmental stressors. A Discoloration Serum can lighten and even out your complexion to brighten up your look.
Typically, Discoloration Serums contain a blend of ingredients that are meant to treat various types of discoloration. Some contain natural lightening ingredients like kojic acid and vitamin C, which are known to brighten and even out the skin’s tone. Other ingredients, like niacinamide, milk thistle extract and resveratrol, are able to inhibit the production of melanin that can cause darker spots or hyperpigmentation.
A pigmentation serum is also designed to soothe the skin, reduce redness and glycation-related skin yellowing, leaving your complexion looking bright and healthy. Because many discoloration serums are rich in nourishing ingredients, they can be suitable for all skin types and textures. If you have dry skin, try to find a serum that contains hydration-boosting ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or glycerin. If you have a blemish-prone complexion, look for a serum with acne-fighting ingredients such as salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.
Some discoloration serums contain high concentrations of tranexamic acid, which is effective at improving the appearance of dark spots and other types of hyperpigmentation. This ingredient, along with niacinamide and alpha-arbutin, is especially beneficial for those with sensitive skin.
Reduces the Appearance of Dark Spots and Redness
Skin discoloration is a common issue that affects the appearance of the complexion. It is not a serious or life-threatening condition, but it can damage self-esteem. This is especially the case for those who have darker skin. Luckily, many over-the-counter discoloration serums help fade dark spots and even out the complexion.
Discoloration Serums are usually made of natural ingredients that target hyperpigmentation in different ways. Ingredients like kojic acid and vitamin C lighten dark spots while milk thistle helps even out skin tone and niacinamide reduces the appearance of post-breakout marks. Many of these ingredients are also able to shield the skin from free-radicals and UV damage.
A good discoloration serum is typically gentle and suitable for all skin types. It should be used after washing and before moisturizing to maximize penetration. It may take several weeks of consistent use before you see results. The most common type of discoloration that responds well to this product is red or pink post-breakout marks and melasma. However, it is important to note that these products are not designed to treat hypopigmentation (loss of pigment) which requires a medical-grade procedure and may be a sign of underlying issues.
Look for a Discoloration Serum that is formulated without fragrance, essential oils and known/common allergens to make sure it is safe for your skin type. It is also a good idea to patch test your anti-dark spot product before applying it all over your face.
Hydrates the Skin
Over time, discoloration can leave your skin looking uneven and damaged. It can also clue you in to skin problems that require further evaluation, like hyperpigmentation or acne scars1.
A serum with brightening and hydrating ingredients is ideal for fading the appearance of dark spots and redness. Ours features 3% tranexamic acid and 4% niacinamide, along with botanical extracts and natural plant pigments such as chlorophyll to improve the appearance of post-blemish marks, sun damage, enlarged pores, and hyperpigmentation.
For more stubborn hyperpigmentation and melasma, this product can be used in conjunction with other discolouration-fading ingredients such as retinol and vitamin C. Always use sunscreen and limit your sun exposure when using these ingredients as extended exposure can cause worsening of the discolouration.
Ours also contains the sensitive skin-friendly ingredient alpha-arbutin, a safer alternative to hydroquinone. This ingredient reduces tyrosinase activity to reduce the formation of melanin, fading dark patches without lightening or changing your overall skin tone.
It is important to know that it takes time to see results from this product and a consistent daily routine is key. This serum should be applied after cleansing and toning, but before moisturizing. This allows the ingredients to penetrate the skin more deeply and deliver maximum results. Skin discoloration serums should not be used on areas that are irritated, such as post-breakout marks or sunburn.
Reduces the Appearance of Fine Lines and Wrinkles
If your goal is to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, you may need to switch up your skin care regimen. Creams and lotions are formulated more for hydration than penetration, says esthetician Heather Bennett, while serums are more liquid and penetrate the layers of skin more effectively. Several ingredients have been linked to an improvement in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, including peptides, retinol, and glycolic acid.
Another effective ingredient is niacinamide (NYE-asin-a-mide), an anti-aging nutrient related to vitamin B-3. This skin-brightening ingredient reduces discoloration, redness and pore size, as well as improves skin tone, elasticity, texture, and radiance. Gmyrek recommends using a serum with niacinamide two times a day in combination with a moisturizer.
For more visible results, try a serum with peptides or niacinamide in combination with other antioxidants and skin-brighteners. This facial serum is free of fragrance, essential oils, and known/common allergens to ensure sensitivity-friendly results. It also contains kojic acid, a gentle exfoliant, and alpha-arbutin, a more soothing/safe alternative to harsher skin brighteners.
The formula is backed by clinical data showing that after 12 weeks, the serum significantly improved uneven skin pigmentation and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, skin firmness/elasticity, tone and resilience, and color and smoothness in comparison to a placebo. During the study, subjects were instructed to use Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash and apply facial serum twice daily followed by a moisturizer.