Melanogenesis and skin pigmentation are the most important photoprotective factor in response to ultraviolet radiation damaging from the sun.
In layman’s terms? Your skin creates excess pigment in response to the UV from the sun in order to protect itself. And even if you’re vigilant with your sunscreen, no one is ever 100% perfect with application (or reapplication) meaning you’re going to acquire UV damage over time.
This is why if pigmentation is a main skin concern, including a “pigment condom” is a must! (This is a term I like to use because it’s silly and it helps to remember what they do!)
What I mean by a “pigment condom” is a product that includes tyrosinase inhibitors - these work by blocking the protein/enzyme tyrosinase that is needed to produce the 2 kinds of melanin skin pigments: eumelanin and pheomelanin. When this enzyme is blocked, neither type of skin melanin can be made.
There are MANY tyrosinase inhibiting ingredients on the market, so this is just five examples:
1. Kojic acid - reduces hyperpigmentation by inhibiting the production of free tyrosinase and is also a potent antioxidant
2. Licorice root - contains liquiritin that disperses existing melanin, helping new dark patches from forming, while fading existing ones
3. Alpha arbutin - diminishes the appearance of uneven skin tone and stubborn dark patches
4. Mulberry - mulberry extract is helpful in reducing the signs of environmental damage, and it inhibits tyrosinase so that new areas of hyperpigmentation are interrupted from appearing on the upper layers of the skin
5. Hexylresorcinol - a non-hydroquinone, multi-functional ingredient with skin brightening effects and powerful antioxidant protection.
My personal fave pigment condoms:
SkinBetter Science Even Tone Correcting Serum
Jan Marini Skin Research Luminate Face Lotion
Glymed+ Daily Skin Clarifier
ColoreScience Even Up Multi Correction Serum
Make sure to reach out to a skin pro to find the best “pigment condoms” for your skin!
In layman’s terms? Your skin creates excess pigment in response to the UV from the sun in order to protect itself. And even if you’re vigilant with your sunscreen, no one is ever 100% perfect with application (or reapplication) meaning you’re going to acquire UV damage over time.
This is why if pigmentation is a main skin concern, including a “pigment condom” is a must! (This is a term I like to use because it’s silly and it helps to remember what they do!)
What I mean by a “pigment condom” is a product that includes tyrosinase inhibitors - these work by blocking the protein/enzyme tyrosinase that is needed to produce the 2 kinds of melanin skin pigments: eumelanin and pheomelanin. When this enzyme is blocked, neither type of skin melanin can be made.
There are MANY tyrosinase inhibiting ingredients on the market, so this is just five examples:
1. Kojic acid - reduces hyperpigmentation by inhibiting the production of free tyrosinase and is also a potent antioxidant
2. Licorice root - contains liquiritin that disperses existing melanin, helping new dark patches from forming, while fading existing ones
3. Alpha arbutin - diminishes the appearance of uneven skin tone and stubborn dark patches
4. Mulberry - mulberry extract is helpful in reducing the signs of environmental damage, and it inhibits tyrosinase so that new areas of hyperpigmentation are interrupted from appearing on the upper layers of the skin
5. Hexylresorcinol - a non-hydroquinone, multi-functional ingredient with skin brightening effects and powerful antioxidant protection.
My personal fave pigment condoms:
SkinBetter Science Even Tone Correcting Serum
Jan Marini Skin Research Luminate Face Lotion
Glymed+ Daily Skin Clarifier
ColoreScience Even Up Multi Correction Serum
Make sure to reach out to a skin pro to find the best “pigment condoms” for your skin!