My love of skincare and my desire to keep my skin looking youthful are totally at odds with my sunbathing habits – and I’ve paid dearly for it. Over the past several years, what started as a single dark spot on my cheek turned into a mass of melasma on my forehead, until one day last summer I looked in the mirror and didn’t even recognize my own skin. Years of sun worshiping finally caught up with me, and I had no choice but to take action. I made it my mission to treat this difficult pigmentation disorder and get rid of the spots on my face.
I started going to in-clinic treatments and tried chemical peels, three RF micro-needling sessions, and a new cryotherapy technique to help fade melasma. While these pro options have helped tremendously, I knew I would need to supplement with at-home products that would help maintain results and defend against future discoloration.
My search for a best-in-class product led me to ISDIN Isdinceutics Melaclear Advanced Dark Spot Corrector ($175), which I added to my routine in hopes of calming my concerns about melasma returning with the summer sun.
“Hyperpigmentation is an umbrella category of conditions that appear as dark areas on the skin,” he says. Deanne Mraz Robinson, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist and president and co-founder of Modern Dermatology. Under this umbrella, you’ll find the three most popular [discoloration] Conditions: sun/aging spots, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and melasma.”
While all of these conditions are exacerbated by UV exposure, melasma is unique in that it is directly related to your hormones. “Melasma is different because it’s caused by hormonal changes in the body, especially estrogen, which is why the condition is more common in women,” says Dr. Robinson.
While there are many products on the market that promise to slow down the melanin production that causes those pesky dark spots, ISDIN Isdinceutics Melaclear Advanced Serum does just that in its own unique way.
“The main component of hyperpigmentation is tranexamic acid, a synthetic amino acid derived from lysine, which inhibits UVB-induced melanin synthesis, a major factor in dark spots, melasma and hyperpigmentation in general,” says Dr. Robinson. It also contains the skin-brightening antioxidant niacinamide, which studies have shown may reduce the production of melanocytes (the cells that give our skin pigment) and work to brighten our complexion overall, while improving hydration. Along with these key ingredients, a blend of AHAs Exfoliants that renew skin cells, and licorice root extract help soothe skin and keep it hydrated.”
He says the product’s ingredients, which address skin pigment production at all four steps in the process, are new to the pigmentation market. Claire Wolinsky, MDShe is a board certified dermatologist and clinical instructor in dermatology at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine. In a week or two [of using the product] Surface melanin can be peeled off slightly, and over months of use, results can be attributed to ingredients that target the earlier steps of skin pigment production. “
After about two weeks of twice-daily use, you should start to see some results, but Dr. Robinson says you’ll need to wait at least four to eight weeks to see significant improvement. By 12 weeks, the full benefits should begin. Although the formula combines some active substances that may irritate the skin with those that soothe the skin to avoid irritation, if you Do Experiencing any sensitivities while using it, Dr. Robinson recommends using it only at night instead of twice a day.
After using the serum twice a day for about a month, i’m starting to see leftover dark spots fading almost completely. And after about 12 weeks of use, my results were – as expected – very noticeable
Actually stopping pigmentation from forming is the magic of the product. With everything i’ve done to get rid of melasma, after using it twice a day for about a month, i’m starting to see any leftover dark spots fading almost completely. After about 12 weeks of use, my results are very noticeable as expected.
be seen? There are no dark spots.
Dr. Robinson notes that the key to lasting results from the product — no surprise here — is to use proper sun protection to prevent any new UV damage. “Be diligent with an iron oxide mineral SPF 50+, a wide-brimmed hat, and avoid direct sun exposure if you can,” she says. “Even with the best UV avoidance, heat itself can be a trigger for melasma, so make time to cool off and take breaks from the heat!”
Bottom line: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Not only does the serum work, but your skin feels smoother after continued use. If you suffer from sun-induced melasma or hyperpigmentation in general, incorporating this serum into your daily routine is essential for keeping your skin looking radiant and preventing any new spots from forming.
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