Sun-kissed skin can start to look dull when Autumn begins. Many women with darker skin suffer from blotches, freckles, panda eyes and other pigmentation problems. We speak to skin experts, Dr Jules Nabet and Emma Coleman, about what you can do to protect your dark skin from Autumn climes. Exfoliation Exfoliation and cleansing the skin is key to creating an even, clear and bright skin tone. This is because they rid the complexion of skin-dulling dead cells and impurities. Dr Jules Nabet, an international leading doctor in aesthetic medicine, recommends using skincare products containing glycolic acid, alpha hydroxyl acids (AHAs) and beta acids, which all boost cell renewal whilst unclogging pores to leave behind fresh, clear skin. 'Exfoliation allows the skin to regenerate naturally. Glycolic acid is derived from sugar cane and dissolves the bonds holding the older layers of skin in place to reveal the new skin beneath,' explains Dr Nabet. 'It is a small molecule, which allows it to penetrate deep into pores and kill the bacteria that cause spots.' Improve your skin long term The effects of even the best products will be short lived if you don't use them regularly and in the long term, warns Dr Nabet. For a more long-lasting improvement to skin tone, you could consider laser treatment, which removes unwanted areas of discolouration from the skin, such as freckles, benign flat moles, age spots and sun spots. 'The laser breaks up the brown spots into tiny particles, which disappear one to two weeks after your treatment,' says Dr Nabet. 'I use the MPX laser, which is multifunctional as it combines two different lasers, the Nd Yag and the Alexandrite, to treat a plethora of skin concerns from sun damage to skin rejuvenation. 'The Alexandrite laser deals with age spots, freckles and pigmentation, while the Nd Yag laser is used for broken thread veins and capillaries. It also boosts collagen stimulation. 'The lasers can be used simultaneously to ensure the right combination and to achieve the individual desired result. 'It is important to remember not to go in the sun four weeks before and after laser treatment. Use sunscreen at all times. 'In fact always use sunscreen every day - that is my key beauty tip to women of all ages and skin tones.' Nabet recommends using a sunscreen of at least SPF 15, even in the winter. This will help prevent melasma - dark spots - becoming deeper and more widespread. Brighten your skin Olive and darker skin tones are wonderfully soft and supple, but can appear a little yellow during the colder seasons. Also, due to their naturally high levels of pigmentation, these types of skin are more susceptible to melasma. Emma Coleman, founder of Inner-Soul Organics, says there are several natural ways to brighten sallowness and even out skin tone during the cooler months. 'Try a natural fruit peel: take an average sized tomato and squeeze all the juice into a clean bowl. 'Mix in a little lemon juice - around two squeezes - and one teaspoon of honey, then apply to the whole face, avoiding the eyes and contours - massaging into any areas of hyperpigmentation. 'The natural fruit acids will provide a gentle but effective peel whilst the honey will smooth and nourish. Rinse off using tepid water after five minutes and pat dry. 'Repeat once or twice weekly maximum.' Back to basics Emma also recommends using facial oils and creams containing real lemon extracts. 'These are great for lightning discoloured areas on the face. Lemon is high in natural antioxidants. 'Products containing rose hip seed extracts speed up skin rejuvenation, leaving the surface renewed and nourished.' However, if you are suffering from long-term sallow skin, this could be an indicator of jaundice, which can be a sign that the liver is not functioning as it should. Please consult your doctor for a blood test to rule out jaundice or liver dysfunction, particularly if you are taking regular medication. Under-eye circles Dark circles under the eyes can often appear more pronounced once the sun is gone. Dark eye circles are usually an inherited feature, but applying a slick of arnica cream or gel to your under eyes half an hour before applying make-up can improve the look of them. 'Leave the arnica on for around 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing off and patting dry. Wait 5 to 10 minutes before applying concealer and make up - chances are you may not even need any,' says Emma. 'To banish panda eyes, it is also important to drink plenty of water daily - aim for two litres. 'If you are having caffeine drinks during the day, have a glass of water or herbal tea to equal the number of cups of coffee or tea you're consuming. 'This will aid the body's elimination, as well as reduce puffiness and that bruised look beneath the eyes.' Source
