SUN AND AGE SPOTS

Dr. Riccardo Matera, Research and Development

The sun or senile skin spots they represent one unwelcome skin blemishes, characterized by a localized and uneven dark color.
Their gradual appearance on face, on hands and on shoulders increases with advancing age and is often associated with one incorrect exposure to the sun. These are blemishes that are usually hidden by a excessive make-up covering, especially if the affected area is the face.

How to act on skin blemishes?

The correct prevention of skin blemishes with high protection sun creams it certainly remains a good habit to follow, but it does not ensure the non-appearance of age-related discolorations, which become more pronounced with advancing age. There Sun protection it helps to prevent the formation of new spots , but unfortunately nothing it can do on those already formed.

Typically, the complex phenomenon that leads to a uneven complexion with localized or diffuse pigmentation it is generically described as hyperpigmentation in which the melanin of our skin, produced at an accelerated rate compared to normal, concentrates in small areas which are more visible with exposure to the sun's UV rays, or under the rays of a tanning bed.

Some remedies for topical use - prescribed by the dermatologist - have been used over the years for important cases of hyperpigmentation: these were dermatological formulations based on hydroquinone and retinoids which, although effective, had a certain toxicity and some side effects due to the limited tolerability of the assets.

Lighten skin blemishes with natural cosmetics

With the natural cosmetics it is possible to intervene on skin blemishes with lightening treatments that offer good results.

The depigmenting products contain functional substances capable of block or inhibit the synthesis of melanin with different mechanisms of action, including tyrosinase inhibitors (e.g. arbutin and kojic acid) and inhibitors of melanin transfer to keratinocytes.

The search for new natural ingredients from botany with a depigmenting action has represented a challenge in recent years in the natural cosmetics and has made it possible to evaluate numerous plant active ingredients for the treatment of sun spots and age spots in order to obtain active and effective formulations that are increasingly better tolerated. The depigmentants currently most used in the cosmetic field are mostly inhibitors of the activity of tyrosinase, a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of melanin. Among the most interesting botanical sources for its lightening properties, mention should be made of Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) and in particular one of its components - known as Glabridin – which represents the most powerful natural compound in inhibiting the tyrosinase enzyme.

In the design of Perla di Luna® , as an innovative lightening cream with multilevel action, we have chosen the Glabridin as the main functional active ingredient with a lightening action, combined with the extract of Melinj or (Gnetum gnemon): Both directly inhibit the tyrosinase enzyme. Furthermore, the extract of Artocarpus heterophyllus (breadfruit) and the Vitamin B3 they inhibit the transfer of melanin to keratinocytes, counteracting skin pigmentation. Retinol (Vitamin A), Willow and Cumin extract and the essential oils they stimulate the turnover cellular and the natural exfoliation of the skin, favoring the removal of already formed stains. That is, we have combined various precious elements of nature to act against hyperpigmentation in a coordinated and synergistic way, but respecting the physiology and health of the skin. Since age spots do not come alone, but are typically accompanied by the appearance of other signs of the times , the formulation research for Perla di Luna® she also focused on equipping her with one effective anti-aging action , thanks to BeC's experience and cosmetic tradition with the essential help of precious essential oils. The extract of Aloe , hyaluronic acid , olive unsaponifiable , le Vitamins E and C , the extract of Magnolia and the Ribose they exercise a profound nourishing action And anti-aging , defending the skin from free radicals, improving hydration and elasticity and reducing wrinkles in just 2 weeks.

In-depth analysis

Hydroquinone, which it acts through a drastic oxidative mechanism, it is banned for more than 15 years in the European Community because of the strong irritating effects found and for its excessiveness long-term toxicity. Other substances have been identified for this purpose, but they often have an aggressive action and inhibit pigmentation, killing melanocytes, inducing apoptosis = "suicide" of the cell.