The pigment in our skin plays an important role in our health: it protects us from UV light. At Skin Actives Scientific, we’re very aware of this; Arizona is one of the sunniest places in the world! Melanin, skin’s pigmentation, absorbs UV across a wide spectrum, with the highest absorption in the shorter wavelengths that are most associated with DNA damage from UV.

When UV light reaches human skin it can lead to inflammation, DNA mutations, and more. Reactive oxygen species (ROS*) are induced in the skin by solar UV radiation and have long been suspected of contributing to the effects of skin damage by sunlight.

Main causes of uneven pigmentation

One of the ways our skin shows damage is uneven pigmentation, like brown spots. This can make people feel badly about themselves which pushes them to try risky remedies. For example, chemical peels and laser treatments can help with brown spots but can also cause further hyperpigmentation. This is why we feel it is important that we have healthy and safe ways to control pigmentation.

If you are experiencing a lack of evenness in your skin tone it could be due to any number of factors. Some are listed below, but remember, some of these are serious skin conditions. It’s best not to try and self diagnose.

• Aging: With skin aging comes dark spots, but also areas with loss of pigmentation. This is because mutations caused by UV in some areas lead to excess melanin production and accumulation, but in other areas the parts of the skin that produce melanin may have been lost or damaged.
• Melasma: Genetics, visible light, UV, hormonal changes, and laser treatment all affect skin with a tendency to develop melasma. The hormonal influence, via pregnancy or by birth control pills, may be weaker than previously thought. Melasma is often inherited and even visible light appears to affect melasma.
• Post-inflammatory pigmentation: Acne sufferers are probably most familiar with this problem. But be aware that some “home remedies” tried by melasma sufferers may also cause hyperpigmentation, because heating, laser, and peels all lead to stress and inflammation.
• Vitiligo: This is a condition that causes loss of pigmentation in sections of skin. It occurs when the parts of your skin that produce melanin die or are unable to function. The cause of vitiligo is unknown, but autoimmune mechanisms, oxidative stress, and viruses may be involved.
• Dark under-eye circles a.k.a. periocular pigmentation: There are many causes of dark under-eye pigmentation, ranging from chronic illnesses to dry skin, from hormonal imbalance to nutritional deficiencies.

What You Should Do About Uneven Skin Tone: The Skin Actives Way

At Skin Actives, our top priority is using safe and effective active ingredients. We have taken the research and put together a skin lightening formula that we feel works without the harsh side effects of strong retinoids, hydroquinone or corticosteroids. Skin Actives’ Skin Brightening Cream seeks to address the multiple ways that pigmentation problems can occur, including:

• Antioxidants - Vitamin C, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Antioxidant Booster
• Anti-inflammatories - Melatonin, Bisabolol, Luteolin
• Inhibitors of melanin production - Kojic Acid Dipalmitate, Arbutin, Glucosamine

The high amount of active ingredients in our Skin Brightening Cream will produce skin lightening over time. But don’t expect big changes quickly; healthy changes take time.

Way to Prevent Dark Spots and Hyperpigmentation

Of course at Skin Actives we are most concerned with prevention!

• Prevent hyperpigmentation caused by acne by controlling acne with our Flawless line.
• Prevent ROS* by avoiding the sun, using sunblock, using skin care products containing antioxidants, like our Anti-Aging Day Cream or Sunscreen with SPF 30.
• Don’t aggravate skin problems by using oxidants like benzoyl peroxide or hydroquinone.



This post only touches the surface when it comes to the causes and solutions for uneven skin tone, dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Pick up a jar of Skin Brightening Cream and try it for 6 weeks on your dark spots. It is good for all skin types. Apply to affected area once or twice daily for best results. We want you to look and feel your best!