Latest news with #hyperpigmentation
Daily Mail
16-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Nobel Prize-winning chemist develops at-home peel that fades scars and pigmentation (and in as little as four uses)
A reparative overnight mask created by a Nobel Prize-winning chemist is delivering clinical results to hyperpigmentation and scarring in just four uses. Users of the Noble Panacea The Overnight Chronobiology Peel are waking up to resurfaced and renewed skin in a dramatically short period thanks to its precisely controlled release of a complex of AHAs and BHA for a strong yet gentle exfoliating and refining treatment. And with zero downtime. Noble Panacea The Overnight Chronobiology Peel (8 Doses) For a chemical peel at home, shoppers are turning to the Overnight Chronobiology Peel from Noble Panacea. The peel is an intensive, leave-on treatment that promises to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, pores and uneven skin tone. Powered by the patented OSMV™ technology, it deeply yet gently exfoliates to reveal renewed, glowing skin in the morning. It's the only chemical peel on the market that is actually calibrated to the skin's natural overnight biorhythm. £280 Shop Clinical results speak for themselves, with 100 per cent of users agreeing that skin was calm, soothed and comfortable the next morning The Overnight Chronobiology Peel from science-based beauty brand Noble Panacea is giving new meaning to the term 'beauty sleep'. Far from a bog-standard overnight mask, this intensive, leave-on overnight treatment is powered by patented OSMV Technology for a gradual, and precisely controlled release of a complex of AHAs and BHA for a strong yet gentle exfoliating and refining treatment. Helping you wake with resurfaced and refined skin, with zero redness or flakiness, this could be the beauty treatment that fast-tracks you to glowing skin this summer. Noble Panacea is the culmination of Sir Fraser Stoddart's 50 years of research in molecular chemistry. A high-tech approach to luxury skin care, the brand's products are centered around Stoddart's Organic Super Molecular Vessel™ technology. This notable bit of tech encapsulates active ingredients and is 10,000 times smaller than a skin cell which helps to deliver ingredients deep into the skin. The brand's Overnight Chronobiology Peel is one of the brand's most iconic innovations. A revolutionary type of sleeping mask, it helps to target the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, pores and uneven skin tone while you sleep to reveal renewed, glowing skin in the morning. Standing out from your typical face masks, this peel is the only chemical peel on the market that is actually calibrated to the skin's natural overnight biorhythm. In layman's terms, it releases a micro-dose of potent active ingredients in stages throughout the sleep cycle, calibrated with when the skin is most receptive to each ingredient. By controlling the amount of ingredients released, the mask helps to minimise irritation and maximising skin benefits, so you get all the benefits of a skin-renewing peel without the side effects. While admittedly an investment, the £280 Noble Panacea Overnight Chronobiology Peel is a more attainable way of reaping the benefits of a peel from home, and without salon costs. And according to users, the results are notable. By keeping powerful hero ingredients at a high concentration with maximum potency preserved, and released in perfect step with your natural circadian rhythms in the right order, the results are pretty jaw-dropping. In fact, 100 per cent of users in the brand's clinical trial saw improvement in their pigmentation after four uses while 81 per cent said acne or any appearance of scarring appear reduced. Noble Panacea, the only skincare brand created by a Nobel Prize-winning Chemist, is available to shop on Amazon Luxury in the UK.
CNA
12-05-2025
- Health
- CNA
What causes elbows and knees to darken? Skincare tips on dealing with hyperpigmentation
With the return of Y2K fashion in full swing – think low-rise jeans, crop tops and micro-minis – showing more skin is back in style. Suddenly, dark elbows and patchy knees feel a lot more noticeable when your 2000s pop princess-inspired outfit requires showing off your limbs. First and foremost: Darker elbows and knees are completely natural. The skin in these areas is naturally thicker, often drier, and takes on more friction than the rest of our bodies. For people with more melanin-rich skin, this darkening is a normal variation – not something that needs 'fixing'. However, if this is something you'd like to address – whether for aesthetic preference, comfort or simply as an act of self-care – here's how to show your elbows and knees some TLC. WHY DO ELBOWS AND KNEES GET DARKER? Elbows and knees do a lot of heavy lifting – literally. These joints are constantly in motion and often come into contact with rough or hard surfaces. Whether you're leaning on your desk, kneeling during workouts, or crawling around after a toddler, this repeated friction and pressure can lead to skin thickening, dryness, and ultimately, hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation can happen when your skin responds to minor trauma or irritation by producing excess melanin, the pigment responsible for skin colour. Over time, this can cause those areas to appear darker than the surrounding skin. People with deeper skin tones may notice this more, as their skin naturally produces more melanin and is more prone to post-inflammatory darkening. Neglect plays a role in the darkening too. Elbows and knees are often skipped in our skincare routines, leading to a buildup of dead skin cells, dryness and dullness that makes discolouration more visible. In some cases, darker patches may also be caused by underlying medical factors like hormonal imbalances like Addison's disease, inflammation, certain medications, a vitamin B12 deficiency or allergic reactions. If you notice sudden darkening, changes in texture, rashes, or fatigue alongside pigmentation, it's a good idea to consult a healthcare professional. HOW TO BRIGHTEN HYPERPIGMENTED SKIN Unlike throwback fashion, good skin habits never go out of style. If you're looking to brighten your elbows and knees, the key is consistency, gentleness and patience. These spots didn't darken overnight, so they won't even out that quickly either. Here's how to care for your darkened elbows and knees: 1. EXFOLIATE GENTLY While scrubbing rough elbows and knees with grainy body scrubs or loofahs may feel satisfying in the moment, it can actually do more harm than good. Over-exfoliation causes micro tears, irritation, and inflammation – all of which can trigger even more pigmentation in these already-sensitive areas. Instead, opt for chemical exfoliants with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like lactic acid and glycolic acid, or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), such as salicylic acid. These actives work by gently dissolving dead skin cells and promoting even texture over time. Use them two to three times a week, and always follow up with a moisturiser and SPF. 2. HYDRATION IS KEY Dry, dull skin can make discolouration look more pronounced. Without proper hydration, your skin barrier becomes compromised, which can make it more prone to irritation from actives and environmental aggressors. Use rich moisturisers containing ceramides, shea butter, or urea to help soften rough patches and improve barrier function. Applying body lotion on damp skin (post-shower) can help to lock in hydration more effectively. For extra dry or thickened skin, consider body slugging – the K-beauty trick of applying an occlusive like petroleum jelly or a thick balm over your moisturiser to trap in hydration overnight. 3. INTRODUCE BRIGHTENING INGREDIENTS SLOWLY Once your skin is properly exfoliated and moisturised, it's time to bring in brightening products to reduce the appearance of excess pigmentation. Look for ingredients like niacinamide, vitamin C, azelaic acid and liquorice root extract, which are known for their brightening and anti-inflammatory properties. While you can use facial products on your body (no need to toss that serum that didn't work for your face), targeted body sticks containing these ingredients allow for more targeted application, making it easier to apply on small or curved areas without wasting product. If you're already using a brightening body lotion, you can layer a concentrated serum underneath to boost results. Start slow, especially if you're new to actives, then build up to daily use if your skin tolerates it well. For areas like elbows and knees, applying brightening products once a day in the evening is often enough. 4. DON'T FORGET SUNSCREEN Yes, even on your knees and elbows. Sun exposure is a major trigger for pigmentation, especially when using exfoliating acids or brightening actives. A broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher is non-negotiable if you're serious about fading dark spots. 5. CONSIDER PRESCRIPTION OPTIONS IF YOU'RE NOT SEEING RESULTS If you've been diligently exfoliating, hydrating and using brightening ingredients but still aren't seeing much improvement, don't be discouraged – some types of pigmentation run deeper and may require professional intervention. A dermatologist can assess the underlying cause and customise a treatment plan tailored to your skin type and needs. They may recommend prescription-strength topical treatments such as: Tretinoin (a powerful form of retinoid): Known for increasing cell turnover and encouraging collagen production, tretinoin helps fade hyperpigmentation over time while smoothing rough or thickened skin. It can also improve overall skin texture and tone. Hydroquinone: Known as one of the most effective ingredients for treating pigmentation, hydroquinone works by inhibiting melanin production. It's typically used short-term under medical supervision to avoid side effects like irritation or rebound pigmentation. Topical corticosteroids (eg hydrocortisone): These can reduce inflammation and are often prescribed in combination with other brightening agents to calm irritated or reactive skin. Custom compounded creams: Dermatologists may also prescribe tailor-made formulas that combine ingredients like retinoids, hydroquinone, azelaic acid and kojic acid in a single product for a synergistic effect. If your pigmentation is linked to hormonal imbalances or inflammatory skin conditions, your doctor might explore oral treatments as well. These may include hormonal medications, oral anti-inflammatories or nutritional supplements. 6. EXPLORE LASER AND IN-CLINIC TREATMENTS If topical treatments don't yield results or you're looking for a more targeted approach, you may want to explore laser or in-clinic procedures. These are best suited for persistent hyperpigmentation and are especially helpful if you've already ruled out underlying medical causes. Some common options include: Q-switched Nd:YAG lasers: These are often used for treating melasma or post-inflammatory pigmentation and can help break down excess melanin in the skin. Multiple sessions may be required, spaced several weeks apart. Fractional lasers or IPL (Intense Pulsed Light): These resurfacing treatments can help improve both pigmentation and skin texture. While effective, they may not be suitable for all skin tones, especially deeper complexions, due to the risk of post-treatment pigmentation.
Vogue
08-05-2025
- Health
- Vogue
Hyperpigmented Skin? Why Tranexamic Acid Is The Ingredient To Know
It wasn't long ago that tranexamic acid was the reserve of medicine. Wielded by doctors for its blood clotting properties, it was found effective at halting hemorrhages, and is still used as an intervention in bleeding symptoms today. But a fortuitous mistake ushered the ingredient into mainstream skincare when a patient prescribed oral tranexamic acid experienced skin lightening as a side effect. Now, tranexamic acid (also denoted by TXA) can be found over the counter and almost everywhere you look. As a beauty editor with skin prone to hyperpigmentation, tranexamic acid serums have been a saving grace. To find out how tranexamic acid works so well, I asked experts for a full breakdown. Ahead, you'll find everything you need to know about the ingredient, from the ideal concentration to all the best tranexamic acid products to use. Debbie Thomas is a skin and laser expert, VIP facialist and the founder of Clinic. is a skin and laser expert, VIP facialist and the founder of Clinic. Dr Tatyana Lapa-Wright is an aesthetic doctor and the owner of Hardwick Clinic. What is tranexamic acid? 'Tranexamic acid is a synthetic derivative of the amino acid lysine,' Dr. Lapa-Wright informs Vogue. It's not an acid in the conventional sense—it does not have exfoliating properties. But it does have brightening benefits on the skin. According to Thomas, tranexamic acid is used topically for treating pigmentation and inflammatory redness. 'It effectively reduces excess melanin production without bleaching or stripping the skin and is ideal for melasma, post-inflammatory pigmentation, and redness-prone skin.' How does tranexamic acid work on skin? Oral tranexamic acid is a controlled medicine, typically prescribed to help with menstrual symptoms or nosebleeds, though some dermatologists may prescribe the pills for melasma patients. Whether oral or topical, TXA works by inhibiting tyrosinase (an enzyme that triggers pigment production) to reduce the appearance of dark patches. Studies have shown that tranexamic acid can also reduce inflammation, which makes it helpful in the prevention and reduction of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Both of our experts add that TXA strengthens the skin barrier, evens skin tone, and can soothe redness when used as part of a dedicated routine. How to use tranexamic acid for hyperpigmentation: 'Apply tranexamic acid once daily (evening preferred), after cleansing and before moisturizer,' Thomas instructs. 'Avoid layering with strong acids or retinoids initially—use it on its own for two to three weeks before introducing other actives.' Per Dr. Lapa-Wright, beginners should start low and go slow, as TXA can be irritating on sensitive skin. And don't skip the sun protection, which Thomas says will protect your results: 'Use a broad spectrum SPF, and if it is tinted, even better.' How long does it take for tranexamic acid to work? Timelines given by our experts vary, but both agree that tranexamic acid offers 'gradual results, not overnight miracles.' On average, you can expect to notice visible improvements in 8 to 16 weeks with consistent use. What to look for in an effective tranexamic acid formula Optimal concentration : According to Thomas, effective tranexamic acid formulas will have TXA listed within the top half of the ingredients list, ideally at a 2 to 5% concentration. 'Higher isn't always better,' Dr. Lapa-Wright notes. : According to Thomas, effective tranexamic acid formulas will have TXA listed within the top half of the ingredients list, ideally at a 2 to 5% concentration. 'Higher isn't always better,' Dr. Lapa-Wright notes. Additional ingredients: Both experts recommend looking for TXA paired with complementary actives such as niacinamide, azelaic acid, and liquorice root, which safely enhance its effects. 'Avoid irritants like alcohol and fragrances, especially for sensitive skin.' Both experts recommend looking for TXA paired with complementary actives such as niacinamide, azelaic acid, and liquorice root, which safely enhance its effects. 'Avoid irritants like alcohol and fragrances, especially for sensitive skin.' Protective packaging: Per Thomas, look for airtight, opaque packaging that protects ingredient stability. Now you know what to look for and how best to introduce tranexamic acid into your skincare routine, you can try using the ingredient to get closer to your clear skin goals.
