Hydroquinone is a strong inhibitor of melanin production that has long been established as the most effective ingredient for reducing and potentially eliminating melasma (Source: Journal of Dermatological Science, August, 2001, Supplemental, pages 68-75). In different concentrations it inhibits or prevents skin from making the substance responsible for skin color. Hydroquinone does not bleach the […]

Perhaps no other aspect of skin care can prevent, reduce, and potentially eliminate sun- induced and hormonal skin discolorations than the diligent use of a sunscreen. No other aspect of controlling or reducing skin discolorations is as important as the use of sunscreen, SPF 15 or greater with the UVA-protecting ingredients avobenzone (butyl methoxydibenzyl – […]

Skin-lightening products abound in the cosmetics industry. Their promise—of making skin lighter or lightening and removing brown skin discolorations—shows up worldwide, but most notably in Asian and Middle Eastern countries where the beautiful darker skin colors are apparently considered less aesthetically appealing than lighter skin tones. The names of the products in this arena are […]

Brown spots on skin are called hyperpigmentation, chloasma, or melasma, and can appear for several reasons. One repercussion of sun damage is areas of skin discoloration known as solar lentigenes, more popularly called liver spots, sun spots, or age spots. They are definitely not associated with the liver, but they often have everything to do […]

the basics TWICE a day: Gentle cleanser (preferably fragrance free with no coloring agents added) Recommended cleansers: Clinique Liquid Facial Soap, Mild Formula; Paula’s Choice One Step Face Cleanser for Normal to Dry Skin; Paula’s Choice One Step Cleanser for Normal to Oily/Combination Skin; Kiehl’s Ultra-Moisturizing Cleansing Cream; Neutrogena Extra Gentle Cleanser. NIGHTTIME: Makeup remover […]

The following information is from www. drweil. com. Dr. Andrew Weil is the author of many books on alternative and medical remedies and treatments for an immense range of health concerns. These are his suggestions for oral supplements or dietary additions to treat perimenopausal or menopausal symptoms. Soy foods. The isoflavones in soy foods help […]

What about the use of effective AHAs and BHA for menopausal women? Does exfoliating help all skin types? For the most part the answer to this question is yes. Removing built-up layers of dead skin cells gently and without abrading skin (as can happen with scrubs) can be incredibly effective for all ages. How often […]

I would love to say that there are traditional or state-of-the-art skin-care products out there that positively address the changes that occur in perimenopausal and menopausal skin, but there aren’t. There is simply no information available to suggest that applying soy extract, black cohosh, or evening primrose oil to skin can mitigate any of the […]

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) or Estrogen Replacement Therapy (ERT) describes prescription-only treatments that give your body estrogen and/or progesterone. HRT, taken in pills or via skin patches, has been shown to restore some amount of the skin’s support tissue and elastic quality. A number of studies have demonstrated that ERT and HRT can increase the […]