Starting around the age of 30, these brown spots that come from age, pregnancy, hormonal changes in the body, and genetics will slowly start to show up on the skin. If untreated, these spots or patches tend to become more apparent and darker as the skin ages. Not to worry! If you start addressing this skin problem now, with the right skin care routine and a little patience, you'll be on your way to more even-toned skin.

What Your Skin Needs

Studies show that the combination of exfoliation, skin lighteners, and daily use of an SPF, the pigmented cells will slowly start break down and fade in color. Exfoliation is beneficial for breaking up the pigmented cells, while a skin-lightening agent like Vitamin C or Hydroquinone will suppress the melanin cells and accelerate the fading process. Discoloration will always come back if ignored, so it's important to be ready to commit to proper care for keeping it under control.

Renée Rouleau Recommended Products

Vitamin C & E Complex - Our #2 best selling product! This unique serum helps to smooth lines, firm skin, reduce redness, and fade pigmentation with a no-sting, vitamin concentrate. The formula uses a unique time-released delivery system to slowly diffuse three stabilized forms of Vitamins C and E throughout the skin for anti-aging protection. You'll love the way this makes your skin look and feel. An anti-aging must!

Glycolic Serum Plus 17% - This serum is a non-drying, non-irritating exfoliant that dissolves dry skin cell buildup to encourage new cell growth and a healthy, smooth appearance. This also fades post-breakout marks and clears clogged pores.

Daily Protection SPF #30 - Our #1 best selling product! Protect your skin from daily UVA/UVB exposure with this moisturizing sunscreen. It absorbs easily, won't clog pores, and dries to a matte finish. Vitamin C, Japanese Green Tea, and 7% transparent Zinc Oxide makes this a lightweight and soothing formula.

Ingredients To Use In Your Skin Products

Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C) - This is a powerful and stable form of Vitamin C proven for its pigmentation-lightening capabilities, while providing anti-oxidant protection for the skin.

Glycolic Acid - This aggressively yet gently breaks down pigmented and discolored skin cells.

Elderberry Extract - This is an anti-inflammatory and natural antioxidant.

Ingredients To Avoid In Your Skin Products

Ascorbic Acid, L-Ascorbic Acid, or Alpha Lipoic Acid - Although these have antioxidant properties, they do not provide the lightening of pigmented cells as well as Magnesium Ascorbyl Phophate.

Fragrances - Listed as "fragrance" or "perfume" on an ingredient label, some studies indicate that products containing these ingredients can accelerate pigmentation of the skin when combined with sunlight.

Birth Control Pills - Although not an ingredient, "The Pill" is known to affect hormones and can be the source of pigmentation issues and discoloration. Talk with your doctor if you suspect this to be the culprit.

Recommended Renée Rouleau Service

Cranberry Brasion Facial (rated "Best Facial in Dallas" by Allure Magazine) - This incredible skin-smoothing facial utilizes both chemical and physical exfoliators to gently dissolve, digest, and remove pigmented cells to promote a more even-toned skin. Your skin will look and feel incredible. A series of six is recommended.

Skin Tips

Wear a sunscreen in your moisturizer daily, 365 days a year, rain or shine - Studies indicate that 78% of the sun exposure you get in a lifetime is incidental exposure. You may say, "I'm not out at all during the day." Just walking to your car, driving in your car, and sitting in your house next to windows will give you unnecessary sun damage. Windshields do nothing to protect you from UV rays! And we know that sun exposure is the #1 cause of aging and pigmentation! An SPF #15 or #30 built right into your moisturizer will give you the protection your skin needs.

Use a topical Vitamin C product daily - This is an absolute must for those who struggle with pigmentation. Topical applications of high amounts of stabilized vitamin C have been shown to prevent premature skin aging by fighting free radicals, lighten skin discoloration, and actually increase the sun protection in your daily sunscreen.

Get monthly exfoliating facials - If you really want to accelerate the fading of pigmented cells, home care products alone will not give you the results that you desire. Professional exfoliating facials give your skin a boost, enhancing your own care routine.

Which products are right for your skin? Check out our nine skin types.

For daily skin care tips, read our Beautiful Skin Blog, follow Renée on Twitter and like our Facebook page.

Contents copyright 2012, Renée Rouleau, Inc. All rights reserved. May not be reproduced in whole or part without permission.