Want to know the secret to even-toned skin?
Let's talk melanin! Achieving an even-toned complexion can be challenging for those with deeper, rich skin tones.
Dark spots, blemishes, and other irregularities are all too common.
But what's the secret to getting an even complexion? Let's look at the melanin pathways and see what products can help inhibit your melanin production to let that skin glow.
First up – What is Melanin?
Melanin is a hormone that gives our skin its color. It's produced by cells in our bodies called melanocytes.
Excess melanin production can cause dark spots and other unevenness in skin tone.
The melanin pathway is a sequence of events within our bodies that produces melanin—the pigment responsible for giving our skin its color.
It begins with an enzyme called tyrosinase, which converts tyrosine into DHICA. DHICA then combines with cysteine (an amino acid) to form DHI-cysteine, otherwise known as eumelanin.
This eumelanin is responsible for creating darker pigments in darker-toned skin.
So how do we get rid of it?
By targeting ALL steps that cause dark marks in your skincare routine
The key to achieving an even skin tone is by targeting all the steps that cause dark marks to begin with.
This includes preventing UV damage, controlling inflammation, inhibiting tyrosinase (an enzyme that stimulates melanin production), and reducing free radical damage from environmental toxins.
Now you understand the melanin formation process, you can begin targeting all steps that cause dark marks on your skin.
Start by using topical skincare products that contain tyrosinase inhibitors and antioxidants; these ingredients help reduce the amount of tyrosine (and thus DHICA) produced in your body, resulting in lighter pigments being produced instead of darker ones.
Additionally, look for products that contain vitamin C and kojic acid; both are effective at inhibiting tyrosinase activity and slowing down melanogenesis (the process by which our bodies produce pigment).
Finally, you MUST use daily sunscreen!
Sun exposure triggers the production of more pigment, so if dark spots and hyperpigmentation are bringing you down, show yourself some love and apply SPF daily and regularly if you want to keep your complexion looking bright and even-toned.
I'm talking about sunscreen that goes on top of your moisturizer and under your makeup for maximum protection. Do this, and I promise you will notice your dark spots aren't worsening within this step alone.
Shawishi Skincare Products can help.
Clarity Now is your staple exfoliating toner that helps remove skin impurities and primes your skin for applying skincare actives!
Nectar Drops This potent 20% Vitamin C formula is truly a Must-have. A powerful and preventative daily antioxidant serum combining 20% L'Ascorbic acid, Ferulic Acid, and Vitamin E in a water-free formulation for optimal efficacy.
As an antioxidant, Vitamin C is key to keeping your skin looking bright and youthful. First, it helps protect against harmful free radicals by neutralizing them, which, in turn, helps decrease the visible signs of aging on your face, such as fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, and moisture loss.
Hue New – Retinol Hue New is a lightweight, hydrating night serum that carries the convenience of quick absorption while leaving a unique powdery dry finish that helps control shine and oiliness.
It is also a powerhouse for an evening out skin tone and improving texture. It achieves this by inhibiting the key enzymes involved in synthesizing hyperpigmentation.
True Shade is our go-to non-Hydroquinone (non-HQ) skin brightening and illuminating serum that effortlessly minimizes the appearance of skin discoloration thanks to the formula's powerful combo of Alpha Arbutin & Kojic Acid and Niacinamide! Three major players are set to fight hyperpigmentation.
Throwing Shade delivers 100% broad-spectrum mineral sun protection with a blend of fatty acids to maintain the skin's lipid barrier.
Many products on the market are designed to stop melanin production and promote even skin tone.
These include topical creams containing vitamin C or retinoids (vitamin A derivatives) and serums with antioxidants such as ferulic acid or resveratrol, all ingredients you will find within our skincare formulations because our collection was created with your melanin in mind.
Other ingredients that effectively inhibit tyrosinase include azelaic acid, kojic acid, hydroquinone, arbutin, and licorice root extract.
In addition, using sunscreen daily and avoiding direct sun exposure (the perfect excuse to treat yourself to an elegant wide-brim hat) will help prevent further UV damage and reduce skin inflammation that can lead to hyperpigmentation over time.
Don't forget: Inflammation is the LEADING cause of hyperpigmentation, so target, treat, and protect your skin as you glow up.
If we've not met, I'm Dr. Sayyida, a board-certified Family Practitioner with fellowship training in Cosmetic Dermatology and Facial Aesthetics. I'm here to show you how to heal your skin with skincare.
Want to work with me for a virtual skincare consultation service and leave the DIY potions and lotions alone? Click here to find out more.