Pigmented and Uneven Skin Tone is a big concern for many of us, especially as we get older. However these conditions are not physically harmful, and if you have enough confidence, there is no problem with stepping out with a bare face. However, if you’d like to stop hiding dark pigmentation under concealers and BB creams, and flaunt your beautiful naturally even-toned skin, then our proprietary ‘DevaBright’ formula can be your new best friend!
Why do we get Hyperpigmentation or Uneven skin tone?
Melanin is a pigment that our body produces to determine the color of our eyes, hair, and skin tone, and is produced by ‘Melanocytes’ cells. When these melanocytes become unhealthy, damaged or are overactive, they start producing excess melanin in some areas. This causes the areas to darken and your skin may appear to look uneven and unhealthy.
To treat hyperpigmentation effectively, it’s important to understand the root cause. Some of the main reasons for Hyperpigmentation:
- Sun Spots – Sun spots are areas of discoloration on the skin. Parts of the skin that have repeatedly been exposed to UV rays, such as the face, shoulders and back can develop darker blotches due to this excess melanin production. People over 40 years old are more prone to sun spots as a result.
- Age Spots – Appearing as brown, black, grey or tan spots on the skin, age spots are triggered by overactive melanin production (melanin starts clumping in certain areas or are produced in higher concentrations). Age spots generally appear after 50 years old, and are often accompanied by changes in the skin such as wrinkles, fine lines, freckles, dark circles and crow’s feet.
Medications or conditions that can cause temporary or permanent hyperpigmentation are:
- Melasma – More common in women, Melasma is generally caused by hormonal changes. Areas that receive a great deal of sun exposure, such as the forehead, cheeks, upper lip and nose may turn dark brown in patches. Melasma is very common during pregnancy, as well as post-partum.
- Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH) – Spots of discoloration of the skin can appear following an injury to the skin such an insect bite, a cut or acne.
- Medications – Non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory, anti-malarial, antibiotic (tetracyclines) as well as many other drugs can have the side effect of ‘drug-induced pigmentation’.
- Endocrine Diseases – Certain endocrine diseases such as Addison’s disease disrupt hormonal levels, and can create excessive melanin production.
Today there are various professional treatments available such as Intensive Pulsed Light (IPL), Laser Resurfacing, Chemical peels, Cryotherapy and Microneedling which promise to eliminate pigmented skin. Chemically synthesized ‘Hydroquinone’ is a toxic ingredient used in nearly all skin lightening products. Unfortunately these methods can have negative and long-lasting detrimental effects, such as permanent scarring and hyperpigmentation. Hydroquinone can cause deletory skin issues like severe burning, redness, stinging, skin dryness, and blue or black discoloration.
Natural Treatment for Hyperpigmentation – the ‘DevaBright’ formula
In order to avoid the side effects of these harsh, and/or invasive depigmenting methods, slow, natural methods are recommended, as they provide long-lasting benefits, and have no side-effects.
For beautifully even skin tone, here at PuraVeda Organics, we use the three most powerful botanical Ayurvedic ingredients in our proprietary herbal blend called “DevaBright”:
“‘BioScience Peptide Complex’ and ‘Sun Protect SPF 30+’ are the two products containing our DevaBright’ formula along with other anti-aging and skin protecting herbs, essential oils and vitamins, and are suitable for all dosha types.”
1. Uva Ursi
Commonly known as bearberry, Uva Ursi is ayurvedically prescribed to those who suffer from melasma and ochronosis (bluish-black patches). The skin lightening properties of Uva Ursi are duet to its natural chemical blend of Arbutin, natural Hydroquinone and Tannins. These compounds are responsible for blocking harmful effects of ultraviolet light and treat sun spots quite effectively. Tannins also promote healing and reduce the growth of bacteria and other pathogens. Arbutin inactivates melanin production to brighten/lighten skin tone naturally.
2. Kojic Acid
Kojic Acid is a compound that is extracted from beneficiary strains of fungus ( mushrooms or Aspergillus). It is also a by-product of certain foods such as red wine, Japanese sake and soy sauce.
Kojic acid works to inhibit synthesis of the protein ‘tyrosinase’. Specifically speaking, it blocks ‘catecholase’ action – the most important step in the production of melanin. By blocking the skin’s ability to produce melanin, kojic acid helps prevent hyperpigmentation. As effective as the chemical skin lightening agent Hydroquinone, Kojic acid is devoid of all toxic side effects.
3. Licorice Root
Licorice root is often used in natural sunscreen formulas to help protect skin from hyperpigmentation and sunburn. It’s powerful antioxidants are especially helpful for sensitive skin. Containing the active compounds ‘glabridin’ and ‘licochalcone’ (skin lightening properties), applying licorice root extract regularly removes dark patches, sun spots and other types of skin discoloration. Licorice root also enhances the efficiency of other botanical skin actives, and has anti-inflammatory properties. Known to improve skin conditions like rosacea, psoriasis, eczema, skin rashes and dry skin, licorice root also helps regulate under or overproduction of sebum (skin oils).
Boostimg the properties of these three ingredients, Aloe Vera and Green Tea are two vital ingredients which help provide maximum effectivenessin the battle against hyperpigmentation. The active compounds in Aloe Vera,‘Aloin’ and ‘Aloesin’ are scientifically proven to lighten hyperpigmentation, including stubborn sunspots. According to research, Green Tea is a very effective depigmenting botanical. Both of these ingredients, along with Vitamin C and E work synergistically in the DevaBright formula to provide fast, effective results.
