The ingredient became popular as an anti-ager when patients using it to treat acne noticed it not only got rid of their blemishes but also helped diminish wrinkles and reduce pigmentation.
Formulated with encapsulated retinol (for deeper penetration), niacinamide, licorice root extract, and three essential ceramides, Cerave's Resurfacing Retinol Serum tackles hyperpigmentation to reduce the appearance of post-acne marks. Over time, this product claims to smooth the skin's texture and brighten skin tone.
At night, use a retinol product. Retinol causes the skin cells to turn over. That begins the process of removing the pigmented cells that are there. As you peel off the dark spots, your skin replaces them with normally pigmented cells.
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
"Niacinamide is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-rich vitamin B3 derivative that has been scientifically shown to help with redness and discoloration in the skin," she explains.
The CeraVe resurfacing retinol serum is great for minimizing pores and dark spot signs of wrinkles but not active enough to completely diminish the skin challenges. CeraVe resurfacing retinol serum helps to reduce signs of dark spots, pores, and wrinkles.
CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion PM Ultra Lightweight
"All very good ingredients which will help with dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles." "Niacinamide stimulates fibroblasts that make collagen, so it helps with fine lines." Dr. Jaliman explains.
The unifying concept is that of strengthening the skin barrier; while these products won't brighten, resurface or plump like an active-packed regime, they will keep your skin surface protected which, in turn, prevents a host of skin issues (such as moisture loss and irritation) from arising.
Best Cream: CeraVe Ultra-Lightweight Facial Moisturizing Lotion PM.
In addition, ceramides can reduce free radicals in the skin that destroy elastin and collagen. This helps prevent metabolic processes that can lead to hyperpigmentation and age spots. Ceramides hold skin cells firmly together in the uppermost skin layer.
“If the retinol you're using is too strong for your skin causing inflammation, darker skin tones may have a higher risk of discoloration, or hyperpigmentation, from the use of it," she adds. Dr. Icecreamwala recommends starting with a retinol that is 0.3 or 0.5 percent.
Peer reviewed studies suggest you should consult your doctor if you're not seeing any results by week 12. In patients with sun-damaged skin, improvements in the skin usually are seen within the first 3-4 weeks of treatment. Brown spots begin to fade after 6-8 weeks.
Start with topical OTC whitening creams. “Treatments containing ingredients like vitamin C, licorice root, and kojic acid help reduce hyperpigmentation by inhibiting tyrosinase, an enzyme responsible for the formation of skin-darkening melanin," says Ni'Kita Wilson, a cosmetic chemist.
The short answer is yes, Retinol products can be as good for African American skin as it is for lighter skin tones. Retinol has a ton of anti-aging advantages, from minimizing dark spots to renewing collagen production.
Use alone or under makeup once or twice per day. It may take your skin some time to get used to retinol, so plan to slowly work your way up to daily use.
It is best to use a retinol serum in the evening, as this ingredient has been found to break down when exposed to sunlight, which reduces its effectiveness. If dryness or irritation occurs when starting to use retinol, reduce your application frequency until your skin adjusts.
Retinoids reduce fine lines and wrinkles by increasing the production of collagen. They also stimulate the production of new blood vessels in the skin, which improves skin color. Additional benefits include fading age spots and softening rough patches of skin.
Exfoliation is the act of removing dead skin cells from the skin. If the first layer of skin contains the hyperpigmentation, then exfoliation will help to get rid of the tricky skin cells on that top layer, leaving it soft and smooth.
CeraVe's retinol products are gentle enough to use every day. Whether you're wondering how to use retinol for acne, or looking to add an anti-aging serum to your skincare routine, or minimize the look of hyperpigmentation, we have a retinol formula just for you.
In case you are not familiar with it, Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant known for its ability to help diminish dark spots and discolorations, brighten dull skin tone and reduce the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles.
The truth: You can use vitamin C with retinol and retinoids. Get them as separate products so you can tailor the concentration of each and use them at the right time of day. Although vitamin C can be used day or night, it is ideal for daytime use, while retinol and retinoids should be applied at night.
Darkened areas on the skin are the main symptoms of hyperpigmentation. Patches can vary in size and develop anywhere on the body. The biggest risk factors for general hyperpigmentation are sun exposure and inflammation, as both situations can increase melanin production.