A New Skin Care Routine | Hyperpigmentation

Imagine you reach your destination of sunny Scottsdale, Arizona and you are sitting by the pool. You are a good girl and have on sunscreen but you forgot your hat. Now fast forward one hour…you look in the mirror. Holy moly hyperpigmentation!!! Your face now resembles a world map. I am sorry to say this is exactly what happened to me two weeks ago. 

Mix together:

Hormonal changes – Hellooo?!?! IVF for two years, and then twin pregnancy. Heads up, this nonsense started when I was in my 30’s and on birth control...

Aging - In my forties people…

A sun loving Californian….

And you have a recipe for dark spots.  

What to do? I made myself an appointment at the hotel’s spa, Agave. I would highly recommend the hotel and spa by the way: the Westin Kierland Resort and Spa.

I told the aesthetician my issue and my thoughts on how to treat the issue which was basically a prescription of hydroquinone. Hydroquinone is a bit controversial. It has been ban in Japan, the European Union, and Australia due to studies in rodents that showed “some evidence” that hydroquinone may act as a carcinogen. It has yet been proven in humans..you can read more here. The lovely aesthetician suggested a much more gentle approach. 

Some of the products she suggest were not sold at the spa so I felt she was giving me sound advice and not just trying to sell me a bunch of stuff I did not need. I ended up buying everything she suggested, and I am now two weeks in. So far I am loving the products and the approach. If I don't see the results I desire I will consider a laser peel during the winter months, but for now this works. 

First up is a serum that I use morning and night. Eminence Bright Skin Licorice Booster-Serum which contains licorice,  a natural hydroquinone alternative 

Second, twice a week, I use Eminence Bright Skin Licorice Root Exfoliating Peel. I love this exfoliator because its so simple. You put it on with a cotton pad and leave it on. No rinsing! 

She also recommended PCA Skin C&E Strength. This is a cream you put on after the serum in the morning. If you are not using a vitamin C in the AM you really need to add one to your daily regimen. Vitamin C does wonders for preventing and treating sun damage. So find one you love and use it!  

Of course sunscreen!!! I am currently using No7 Lift & Luminate. I love the way it goes on and works beautifully under my makeup. 

The moral of the story is to wear sunscreen religiously and reapply throughout the day! I will keep you posted!