Hello Fall! We were blessed with an incredible summer soaking up the sun on walks, cottage docks and outdoor patios. In spite of being diligent about sun care, many of us may be noticing new dark spots (aka hyperpigmentation) on our face, chest or shoulders.
Fall is the ideal time to repair post-summer skin by incorporating these 3 ingredients:
1. ACIDS/ENZYMES
Acids and enzymes are exfoliators that slough away dead skin, even out skin tone, diminish age spots, sun damage and post acne discolouration. They also allow for better product penetration, rehydrate the skin and support healthy skin function.
Choose from a chemical/enzyme (apply and leave on) or manual (massage into the skin) exfoliant. Do not be tempted to over-exfoliate to speed up the lightening process. Follow product directions as over-exfoliation can lead to irritation and redness.
Our Favourite Exfoliators for Sun Damage:
- exfoliate, resurface and brighten sun-damaged skin. For all skin types.
- Skin Frequency Englighten Exfoliating Treatment A gentle brightening + exfoliating liquid formulated with Niacinamide, to brighten and reduce inflammation along with Willow Bark, a natural source of salicylic acid.
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LILFOX Tomato Milk Cleansing Enzyme Cocktail Microbiome-friendly fermented botanicals create a gentle enzyme + salicylic exfoliation that brightens, refines and supports the skin barrier.
2. VITAMIN C
There is probably no single ingredient as essential and effective to skin health as Vitamin C. It's an antioxidant that repairs sun damage by reducing pigmentation, evening out skin tone and protecting skin from sun damage by blocking an enzyme that causes skin discolouration. It also combats signs of aging by not only protecting existing collagen from free radicals (that break down skin) but also stimulating collagen production (a building block for smooth and firm skin). When Vitamin C oxidizes, it affects its efficacy so choose a stable form of Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) to brighten the skin, fade dark spots, even out skin tone, heal wounds, reduce scars and improve skin texture.
Our Favourite Vitamin C Serums for Sun Damage:
- Eminence Potent Citrus & Kale Serum: This powerhouse daily brightening and repairing serum contains a potent stable vitamin C with ferulic acid that helps reduce free radical damage by 47% in 3 hours, protects and repairs of the skin. A watery texture for all skin types.
- Laurel Sun Serum: A daily serum and elemental defense oil in one that repairs the effects of sun overexposure. It brightens, evens out skin tone and visibly reduces irritation and discoloration while firming the skin and offering a more supple appearance. It contains oils that offers natural sun support. For all skin types. Apply after the Elixir and massage. Follow with a Facial Balm as required. For all skin types.
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Kahina Brightening Serum: A lightweight daily fluid serum formulated with a potent blend of rare white lily and Japanese wakame seaweed to brighten the skin, to treat and prevent pigmentation. For all skin types.
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LILFOX Haute C Bright Serum Concentrate is formulated with a 15% VIT C + E and Ferulic Acid making it the most potent and active Vitamin C that we carry.
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a high-performance oil serum that delivers the brightening and firming benefits of a retinol + vitamin C routine, without the irritation.
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HUNA Rosehip Brightening Glow Oil Bakuchiol + Vitamin C Lightweight and fast-absorbing, this silky oil is suitable for all skin types, especially those dealing with dullness, uneven skin tone, sun-damage or dryness.
3. RETINOL
Retinol is a form of Vitamin A that helps minimize sun spots, decrease fine lines and improve the overall texture of the skin. For optimum results and to avoid irritation, it's critical to understand when and how to incorporate both into your skin care routine.
Our Favourite Retinol Serums for Sun Damage:
- Josh Rosebrook Active Infusion Oil is a concentrated blend of Retinoid and Vitamin C in one. This gentle regenerating retinoid facial oil is boosted with a concentration of skin brightening, stabilized Vitamin C which enhances the performance of the retinoid for greater efficacy and results. It improves texture and tone, reduces the appearance of fine lines, supports, regenerates and creates a radiant glow.
When you start using Retinol, apply every third day for the first two weeks. Then every two days if your skin can tolerate it. If you experience sensitivity or dryness, return to every third day. Retinoids increase skin’s sensitivity to the sun and the possibility of sunburn, so apply at night, apply SPF during the day and limit your sun exposure. Incorporate Retinol products with ingredients that are calming, soothing and hydrating: Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid or Peptides.
While Bakuchiol has been touted as a 'plant-based retinol', offers retinol-like functions but has no structural resemblance to retinoids. Retinol cannot be 'plant-based' - you cannot isolate retinol/vitamin A from a plant and use it in a cosmetic formula. Tretinoin and Retinol derivatives are lab synthesized and entirely sustainable.
When addressing sun damage and pigmentation, we recommend incorporating a facial treatment mask and gua sha to elevate your results.
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