For years, patients and dermatologists alike have tried to discern what ages the skin the most: Wrinkles? Sagging? Blotchiness? Loss of luster? Now researchers have determined that the number one thing that affects perceived skin age is skin’s coloration – that is, clarity and evenness.
In the study, Fink et. al. converted skin tone information from digital photographs of actual faces into 3D illustrations that kept facial structure, hair color and style, and eye color constant. Raters then evaluated the 3D creations and photographs for youthfulness, age, health, and attractiveness. The estimated age range for the 3D figures appears to be 20-31; while the actual age range of the photographed women was 11-76 (mean=37.39, S.D.=17.35). This suggests that skin coloration alone contributed about 12 years to age.
Considering the fact that further research has shown that women’s skin ages more quickly than men’s, it is a great thing then that women who wish to look younger can use cosmetics to make their skin look more smooth. In fact, women often report that they feel they look younger than men of a similar age do, but it makes sense – women can use cosmetics to keep their skin looking more even-toned – the number one sign of skin’s youth!
How to Keep Your Skin Looking Even
- *TriLuma (0.01% fluocinolone, 4% hydroquinone, and 0.05% tretinoin). FDA approved for the treatment of melasma, available by prescription.
- 4% hydroquinone. Available by prescription only.
- Peter Thomas Roth Ultra Gentle Skin Lightening Gel Complex with Hydroquinone (kojic acid, glycolic acid and 2% hydroquinone), and Age Advantage Laboratories Spot Life Serum (unknown concentrations of kojic acid, glycolic acid and hydroquinone). A clinically-proven combination of ingredients is 2% kojic acid, glycolic acid, and 2% hydroquinone when used twice daily for six weeks. These products come as close over-the-counter than any others that I have encountered.
- Skinceuticals CE Ferulic ($138.00, Dermstore.com). I personally used this product starting at age 19, and it eradicated by existing sun spots and prevented me from getting any ever since (and I’m now 25). Its skin-lightening ingredient is 15% L-ascorbic acid, a form of vitamin C.
Have a favorite way to keep your skin even-toned? Share it with other readers in Comments below!
Photo courtesy Psychology of Beauty Blog. Thank you!
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I think preventing acne is the number one thing for me…my pimples usually leave me with nasty red sacrs soo anti acne treatments are the best for me!
Currently up to 2% hydroquinone may be sold OTC in the US. Some studies showed that hydroquinone may act as a carcinogen or cancer-causing chemical in animals, probably in humans too. Hydroquinone also has been linked with the skin abnormality called ochronosis in which the skin becomes dark and thick, especially in people of color. Dome-shaped yellowish spots and grayish-brown spots are observed in ochronosis among black women and men. Ochronosis has been observed in conjunction with hydroquinone use even in persons who have used hydroquinone-containing cosmetics for a short time. The use of hydroquinone has already been banned in Japan, the European Union, Australia and South Africa. FDA has proposed a ban of hydroquinone in OTC products. In Ireland their was a mass recall of products containing hydroquinone.
I’M COMPLETELY AGAINST THE USE OF HYDROQUINONE.
Niacinamide would help reduce hyperpigmentation too, right?
Dear Vanessa,
Research has shown that niacinamide lightens and brightens the skin somewhat, but truth be told, 4% hydroquinone or the new Lumixyl are prescribed far more often to treat hyperpigmentation than 4% niacinamide.
Hope this helps!
Sincerely,
Nicki
L-ascorbic acid is vitamin C.
What about azelaic acid available both by prescription (eg. Finacea) and OTC.
is ptr skin lightening discontinued?
Hi Jay,
Yes, unfortunately, I think PTR Lightening is discontinued. As of a few days ago when I wrote this post, it was still available from an independent merchant selling on Amazon.com, but as of today, the link is not working. =(
I think that another great option is Lumixyl – ask your dermatologist what s/he thinks about it for you!
Sincerely,
Nicki