During the earlier stages of life, the skin repairs itself more rapidly and produces a higher amount of collagen, the key ingredient needed for skin smoothness and plumpness. Throughout the aging process, the gene-expression patterns that have skin cells rapidly repairing themselves and keeps them looking youthful begin to slow down. This decline results in pesky wrinkles, evidence of sun damage, uneven skin tone, and an overall dull complexion.
Many people find that it is often the dark spots and pigmentation on the face, neck, chest, and hands that give away age more quickly than the fine lines and wrinkles that start to appear over time.
Aside from natural aging, there are several environmental factors and even ingredients contained in common anti-aging products that speed along the aging process. If a client is already showing common signs of aging, there are several ways to minimize the appearance of dark spots and bring brightness back to their skin in the healthiest way possible.
Lackluster complexion is usually a result of the buildup of dead skin cells. This buildup causes skin to scatter light instead of reflecting it evenly. This scatter effect can result in a loss of radiance in the skin and can cause the complexion to appear uneven and muddy. Similarly, hyperpigmentation can lead to dullness and is caused by a variety of factors that could have nothing to do with aging. Most commonly, dark spots are caused by excessive unprotected ultraviolet exposure, acne scars, and hormonal changes.
The textbook steps to remedy dullness and reduce the appearance of uneven pigmentation are to drink more water, sleep a full eight hours, eat more antioxidant-rich foods, and to limit drinking alcohol and smoking. Usually, that is easier said than done. As a result, there are certain products that can easily be incorporated into an existing routine that are specifically targeted at helping these skin issues.
When looking for products that brighten the skin, look for ingredient lists with bioactive ingredients, such as a stabilized form of vitamin C and Swiss snow algae; both of these ingredients are proven to alleviate dullness and visibly brighten the skin.
Vitamin C (tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate) is a powerful antioxidant and great skin brightener that works naturally and will not bleach the skin or leave it more susceptible to sun damage (like many other “brightening” ingredients on the market). Rather than lighten the skin, vitamin C evens skin tone by affecting the way it produces pigment to counteract the effects of sun damage. For this reason, products containing this ingredient as their primary bioactive ingredient are great for all skin types. Vitamin C has other benefits as well; this multifunctional ingredient also fights free radical damage, aids in cell turnover, and supports healthy collagen production for a brighter, suppler, and youthful appearance.
Swiss snow algae (Coenochloris signiensis extract) is an innovative, all-natural ingredient in skin care products that thrives in one of the world’s most forbidding climates, the Swiss Alps. It is valued for its ability to hydrate, rejuvenate, and protect the skin from harsh environmental factors. Skin that is protected with ingredients like Swiss snow algae is less likely to show signs of damage and repair itself more quickly. Similarly, skin that is properly hydrated naturally appears more youthful, bright, and glowing.
When looking for either of these ingredients on labels, the higher the amount of the ingredient in the product, the earlier it will show up on the label. Ingredients in high concentrations show up first while ingredients in small concentrations show up last. Beware of companies that tout effective functional ingredients but include them in such small amounts they have very limited efficacy.
Additionally, when incorporating anti-aging products that brighten and even skin tone, it will likely take a few weeks for clients to begin seeing results. It takes years to develop this type of damage to the skin, so it typically takes a full skin cycle (about six weeks) to begin seeing the effects of brightening products.
As with any skin care regimen, it is important to find the steps and products that work best for the client’s skin and their routine. Take the time to do research and identify clean-label products that not only have proven results, but also will not cause further damage and are safe to be used long-term. Dramatic and invasive measures are not necessary to reverse the signs of aging, but being consistent with a routine and using the right skin care products will leave the client’s skin looking years younger.