Suffering from acne-related hyperpigmentation, successive wrinkling, and uneven darkening of skin? These are categorized as stubborn skin issues and they tend to work in a loop, catalyzing one or two skin issues at a time. They are reluctant to fade and tend to leave marks, acne spots and pits.

Uneven skin tone is a blanket term that is often associated with stubborn skin issues such as discoloration, acne, hyperpigmentation, dark circles, and premature wrinkling. These are mostly triggered by the everyday bombardment of dust, pollutants, and solar radiation on our skin. This texture is also brought on by-

Internal factors such as-

• Lack of nutrition
• Lack of adequate exercise
• Genetics
• Lack of sleep and stress

External factors such as-

• Sun
• Pollutants
• Acne lesions
• Skin injury & Melasma

Target areas with increased melanin production and excessive dehydration also cause subsequent darkening of skin areas such as knees, elbows, underarms, and even dark circles. This often leads to a sense of social discomfort. However, wherever there is a problem, a solution always follows.

Acne and Acne Scars

Active breakouts are frustrating but the scars and acne pits they leave behind are much more to deal with, emotionally. Below are a few potent ingredients to look for in your formulations to get rid of the stubborn acne scars and pits -

• Onion extract - It is loaded with natural antioxidants and vitamins that help lighten dark spots and pigmentation marks.

• Daisy flower extract - It has natural skin brightening effects owing to its ability to increase cell turnover rate and fight free radical damage.

• Olea Europaea leaf extract - Effective in regulating sebum production, minimizing enlarged pores, and ameliorating acne effects and future breakouts.

• Rice bran extract - Highly effective in skin regeneration and reducing signs of premature wrinkling by retaining essential moisture content and imparting a luminous even-toned skin

• Boswellia serrata resin extract - It helps improve skin elasticity thereby reducing wrinkles, and fine lines and firming up the skin matrix.

Hyperpigmentation

This can cause the skin to develop darker skin tones due to the excess release of melanin, a pigment that gives skin its color. It leaves the skin with dark spots, a pitted texture, and uneven skin tone. You can look out for the following ingredients in your daily skincare formulations to reduce hyperpigmentation -

• White Curcumin - Efficient skin brightening agent and known to lighten pigmentation marks, blemishes and age spots

• White Willow Bark Extract - It is a gentle exfoliator that minimizes enlarged pores,firms the skin, reduces early signs of aging and regulates excess sebum production.

• Pterocarpus marsupium extract - A potent anti-inflammatory that deep nourishes and firms the skin matrix diminishing early signs of wrinkling and pigmentation

• Althaea officinalis Extract - It is a mild emollient that retains moisture content and soothes redness and skin inflammation

Pre-Mature Aging

Excessive and unprotected exposure to the sun, pollutants, and lack of sleep is known to be the major causes of premature ageing. A good skincare regime combined with healthy lifestyle ensures the delaying of these ealry signs of ageing. The best time our skin heals is when we sleep, making the pm skincare regime highly crucial for retaining skin elasticity and repairing wrinkles. Make sure, to begin with a light formulation of retinol with 0.1% concentration, even better when combined with-

• Bidens Pilosa Extract - Enriched with flavonoids and has skin-soothing effects, retains hydration levels and fights against free radical damage.

• Palm oil - Treats dark circles, puffy eyes and delays onset of premature signs of aging like discoloration, wrinkles and age spots.

• Rape seed oil - Known for its essential anti-oxidant properties, it is a great source of Vitamin K&E that helps reduce inflammation, maintain hydration levels, protects from UV damage and have multiple anti-aging properties.

The answer lies in your skin type and the skin issue at hand. If you have an oily skin type and suffer from acne, dark spots, scars, or pits, go for gel-based products as they are water-based and typically lack oil. Owing to the light textured base, they tend to get evaporated easily without clogging your pores implying re-application as per convenience.

Cream-based products are the answer if you innately have a dry skin type and tackle issues like pre-mature ageing, dark circles, and patchy darkening of knees and elbows. They have a rich, thick texture that leaves your skin with a long-lasting barrier of protection. The oil aids in the absorption of the beneficial components and stops moisture from evaporating too quickly. Cream-based products are more convenient to apply and are more nourishing and softening.