Erase Your Sun Spots

Sheree Mutton investigates the brightening serums and cosmetic treatments that will deliver even skin tone and a glowing, spot-free complexion.

Over the past five years, there has been an influx of brightening products on the market, claiming to erase damage and the effects of pollution on the skin. With advances in technology, topical brightening products and minimally invasive cosmetic procedures have become mainstream, helping consumers to correct hyperpigmentation. They vary in intensity from extreme peels to gentler serums and creams, and show impressive results, but you do need to exercise caution.

What is hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation is the presence of excessive and uneven melanin in the skin and occurs when cells known as melanocytes become damaged due to sun exposure, inflammation (from acne), smoke and pollution, and hormones. This can result in those pesky dark spots, skin discolouration, blotchy patches, ephelides (freckles) and melasma (patchy brown discolouration of the skin on the face). “Pollution can cause oxidative skin stress and damage the skin’s outermost barrier, and some [pollutants], such as polyaromatic hydrocarbons, can contribute to skin ageing changes including hyperpigmentation,” explains Sydney dermatologist Dr John Sullivan. “Like ultraviolet rays, these can accelerate skin ageing, cause skin disease and skin cancer.”

Skin irritation, caused by overwashing, dry skin in winter and atopic dermatitis, can also lead to discoloured patches of skin.

Skin-brightening creams and serums