Do you suffer from acne scars or post-summer dark spots and discolouration? Then it may be time to consider adding one of our natural brightening serums to your green beauty repertoire. Great for encouraging an even skin tone, reducing pigmentation and reviving a tired or dull complexion, we’ve rounded up our favourite products for fading pigmentation, featuring ingredients from some of nature’s most nutrient dense habitats to treat, correct, maintain and prevent hyper-pigmentation in all its guises.
Designed to both prevent and correct, brightening serums offer a concentrated source of targeted ingredients. Below we reveal some of our favourite ingredients sourced from nature’s own apothecary and where to find them.
From the Ocean: Algae and Seaweed
Utilising the potent antioxidant content present in sea-plants, studies have shown that bio-active compounds derived from marine algae act as effective skin lightening agents1. It makes sense when you think about it – all that time spent in the sun at sea, it’s no wonder algae and seaweed are adept at protecting themselves from discolouration. They make up a core part of some of our most popular natural skin brighteners.
Norwegian Kelp & Sea Fern
Norwegian Kelp has been proven to boost the skins melanin elimination process, with visible signs of skin renewal apparent after only 3 days2, whilst Sea Fern works to target the transfer process of melanin to pigmentation before skin discolouration is able to occur. Find both in the Tata Harper Concentrated Brightening Serum.
Laminara Ochroleuka
Otherwise known as brown algae, this seaweed extract has clinical trials showing it is proven to combat skin damage from excessive sun exposure whilst reducing inflammation and immune related ageing3. Find it in the S5 Skincare Illuminate Serum.
Japanese Wakame
Rich in vitamins A, C, E, and K, Wakame is thought to strengthen skin protecting it against UV rays and may also delay wrinkles. Find it in the Kahina Brightening Serum.
From the Garden: Herbs and Flowers
A field of wild flowers may be as pretty as a picture but when it comes to skin brightening they pack a powerful punch. Clinically proven to increase skin lightness, the following herbs and flowers have been shown to assist in blocking and reversing skin discolouration.
Seven Alpine Herbs
Cultivated in the Alpine mountains, a blend of seven alpine herbs including Mallow, Peppermint, Cowslip, Lady’s Mantle, Veronica, Yarrow and Melissa makes a blend of organic herbs proven to reduce the colour intensity of age spots and help reverse melanin synthesis at its source. Tests show this synergistic blend increases skin lightness by 15% and reduces colour by 30%, Find them in the S5 Skincare Illuminate Serum.
Narcissus
Narcissus has the ability to slow down the synthesis of melanin, reducing the occurrence of dark spots. Extracted from the bulb, which in winter becomes dormant and slows down cell growth, the topical effect is the same – slowing down the production of melanin. Find it in Tata Harper’s Rejuvenating Serum and Concentrated Brightening Essence.
Madonna Lily
Clinically proven, Madonna Lily has been shown to assist in blocking melanosomes (melanin’s cellular site of synthesis) from absorbing melanin that leads to the formation of skin discolouration. Find it in the Tata Harper Concentrated Brightening Serum.
From the Field: Fruits, Fungi and Roots
Here at Content we love our #skinfood, and these super varieties are no exception!
Tibet Kombucha
Some of you may recognise this as the name of your favourite fermented beverage, but did you know it’s just as good for your skin when applied topically? Often referred to as the ‘long life mushroom’, in Tibet it is traditionally fermented from sweet black tea and this particular variety has been proven to enhance the appearance of radiance by 15% and clarity by 11% whilst plumping and smoothing the skin3. Find it in the S5 Skincare Illuminate Serum.
Papaya Seed Oil
We have been using this one as a targeted treatment for a rather large ‘sun-spot’ and the results are impressive. Containing the enzyme papain, which dissolves dead skin cells and helps the skin to renew itself, it also has a gentle lightening effect which helps to fade brown spots. With only a few drops needed it’s easy to add into your daily skincare regime. Find it in the Odacite Hyperpigmentation Serum Concentrate.
Licorice
This super #skinfood features clinically proven brightening actives to help fade dark spots and even skin tone. Find it in the Whamisa Organic Flowers Sebum Treatment.
Shop All Natural Brightening Serums | Get Our Guide to Raw Skincare
- Mammone T., Marenus K., Muizzuddin N. & Maes D. Evidence and utility of melanin degrading enzymes. Journal of Cosmetic Science; 2004 Jan-Feb;55(1):116-7.
- Tata Harper Concentrated Brightening Serum. Retrieved September 15, 2014, from Tata Harper Skincare: http://www.tataharperskincare.com/concentrated-brightening-serum
- S5 Skincare Illuminate Serum. Retrieved September 15, 2014, from S5 Skincare: http://www.s5skincare.com/illuminate-serum-10ml-mini.html
