Once again, we find ourselves in a second lockdown … but this time, we all seem to be a little better equipped. The air is no longer filled with as much fear and anguish, we’ve done this before, we can do it again!
There were a few things during the first lockdown that I encountered much comfort in, which enabled me to prepare for this one. The feeling of taking care of myself and my loved ones both emotionally and physically was of great importance; to make us feel good in whichever ways we could, but at a distance of course! Speaking via video phone calls, exchanging tips on gardening,
cleaning, culinary dishes, not to mention skincare! But I also found that I found great comfort in feeling enveloped in fragrances … to either induce calm, energy, comfort, sleep … I realised that scent has such a powerful effect on my mood. So, I thought I’d share some of my favourites with you; they helped me so I’m sharing the love!
"for comfort & SLEEP.."
For calm, I find the scent of jasmine extremely relaxing and rich. It seems to just float in the air constantly as opposed to catching a whiff of it here and there. Placed in my study is the Roja Jasmin De Grasse diffuser, releasing calm and focus.
For energy, the Eau Dynamisante Shower Gel by Clarins, most definitely invigorates me each and
every morning. I’m sure it’s a combination of fragrances, but Clarins seem to be talking about Ginseng a lot. Either way, if you wish to be shrouded in energy, this is definitely the one!
For comfort and sleep, which to me is the most important, a peppery but fresh rose smell definitely
does the job. The Dyptique Eau Rose is sprayed onto my pillow and inner wrists every evening before going to sleep, delivering an omnipresent sense of lightness, sweetness and oh so cherished deep slumber.
"i find it magical"
November has always been one of my favourite months of the year … it marks the sure end of
summer and the birth of the soon approaching winter season. The leaves turn rusty golden and crunch beneath our feet, the air is fresher and the sun is still poking its head through from time to time. It is the truest month of season change in the year, and I find it magical.
Pigmentation of any kind is such a nuisance; it seems to me to be a little unwanted gift from the beautiful summer sun, which most of us (including myself) seem to latch onto whenever possible …
The true difficulty with pigmentation is that it seems to recur. This is because we tend to stop the anti-pigmentation treatments too soon, as soon as we see that it’s lightened, we move onto other
interesting things like plumping, de-wrinkling or toning. The key here is perseverance, just like antibiotics, you must finish the course, and November is the perfect time to do so!
When the inflammation is caused by UV damage, and those brown spots appear, that’s what is referred to as Sun Spots. If the trigger for the inflammation is due to hormonal fluctuation, for example pregnancy or when taking the contraceptive pill, and larger patches of pigmentation occur, this is known as Melasma. The problem with Melasma is, unlike UV damage, it is not strictly environmental. Melasma can appear at any time, and is not necessarily triggered through sunlight.
Flare ups of Melasma can even be caused internally in the body, such as overheating, so if you get too hot and suddenly see a flare up patch on your skin, do not worry, this is normal with this skin condition.
As the Summer is now well and truly gone, now is the perfect time to treat hyperpigmentation, and
we are going to help you do exactly that. Using a combination of our most nourishing products and
the targeted PIGM 400 range, let’s see how we can manage, treat and get rid of hyperpigmentation
for good!
The Biologique Recherche PIGM 400 range is formulated to specifically target and reduce hyperpigmentation, however, during this process, these products can cause the skin to become very dry. That’s why we must include and incorporate very rich products to rebalance the skin and provide it with as much nourishment and hydration as possible during this time of treatment.
Let’s see exactly what this treatment entails then shall we!?
"easily & seamlessly"
Starting with the Lotion P50 PIGM 400, this is a product that can be incorporated into your nightly
routine easily and seamlessly!
The Lotion P50 range is famous around the world for ensuring our skin receives a soft and gradual exfoliation that gently removes the build-up of dead skin cells that we accumulate from day to day living. For removing dark spots caused by UV rays, we recommend using your regular Lotion P50, every evening, either the Lotion P50W or the Lotion P50V and then layering on top the Lotion P50 PIGM 400. However, this second layer is not to be used all over the face, it should be applied directly to the targeted areas of pigmentation you wish to brighten.
The Lotion P50 PIGM 400 is the latest formulation and is enriched with both the exfoliating active ingredients of the Lotion P50 and the brightening agents and antioxidants of the PIGM400 range. As with the rest of the PIGM 400 range, this is only used in the evening as your skin will become sensitive to sunlight whilst using these products and we want to avoid over-sensitising the skin.
Thanks to a combination of flavonoids and wasabi extracts, this version of the Lotion P50 also helps regulate melanin synthesis while respecting and protecting the skin. By layering your exfoliants, this
provides a complete solution that helps to recover a luminous and radiant skin with an even and lightened complexion. So, you can wave goodbye to patchy skin and revel in your new unified skin tone!
The next anti-pigmentation product is the most powerful within the range. When hyperpigmentation occurs, we need a product that solely focuses on eradicating the pigmentation and preventing it from recurring at the same time, the Serum PIGM 400 is a brightening and protective targeted serum that will work hard at lightening those stubborn brown patches.
Serum PIGM 400 is specially formulated with six concentrated active ingredients to prevent dark spots from appearing and reduces the appearance of existing dark spots. This brightening, spot-correcting serum will fight free radicals and offer photoprotection to defend the skin against sunlight and help to slow down skin ageing.
Containing Watercress Sprout Wakame Seaweed and Plum Pulp extracts, Serum PIGM 400 illuminates the complexion, leaving the skin visibly brighter and more uniform. This active formula only needs to be applied to localised areas in need of lightening. This is a very thick serum so only a small amount is needed.
As soon as the Serum PIGM 400 has dried in, you are ready for your final anti-pigmentation product!
Once the pigmentations spots have formed, they can start to become more apparent as tanned skin fades. Using a face cream that reduces the intensity of brown spots and brightens the complexion will leave it looking more uniform. The Crème PIGM 400 will do exactly that.
Crème PIGM 400 works to limit cell ageing, immediately brighten the skin and reduce the intensity of existing pigmentary spots. It reduces skin irregularities by unifying the complexion and even prevents the appearance of new pigmentation spots forming.
Containing whitening agents of Young Cress Shoots, Plump Pulp extract and Soybeans that act on the pigmentation process at all levels, from pigment creation right up until they reach the surface of the skin. Crème PIGM 400 also contains a number of active substances with antioxidant properties to protect the skin. When applying the Crème PIGM 400, make sure to gently pat it into the skin and not massage into the skin so that the Serum PIGM 400 is not moved underneath as we only want it lightening targeted areas.
As I mentioned above, the PIGM 400 range can be extremely drying and therefore, we need to incorporate some very nourishing products into your regime. Now, If you have an oilier skin tendency, I know what you’re thinking...” there’s no way I can use those products, surely I'll break out!?’. Well, the thing is, your usual skincare routine will be going out the window and you will be using products that you would never normally use. The more nourishment you have during this time, the better! This will ensure you have a strong and balanced skin for these anti-pigmentation products to really get to work on those stubborn brown patches. So, let’s see how we can incorporate a level of comfort and nourishment into this regime to leave your skin feeling as least stressed as possible.
Now we all know that any good routine must start with a good (and double) cleanse.
This is the most comforting and soothing cleanser we have, packed with extra vitamins and minerals, this rich milk cleanser is packed full of essential fatty acids, cellular extracts to form a protective barrier on the skin and protect it from daily aggressors.
More than just a cleanser, this comforting and plumping milk will reinvigorate devitalised skin, helping us to nourish our skin, exactly what is needed during this course of anti-pigmentation treatment. Whether it is morning or evening, you will feel a sense of relief when massaging this luscious milk into your skin as it gently feeds your skin with all the goodness it needs.
Both comforting and plumping, Lait E.V. will gently remove all traces of the daily grind, including make-up, and can be used with the BR Face Glove to penetrate the skin even further.
Another great way of maintaining softness and vitality of the skin throughout this process is by using a face mask 2-3 times a week. Masking Is essential in any normal skincare routine, but during an anti-pigmentation treatment, it has never been so important to use a face mask. Whether it’s while you’re currently working from home and on a long work call or you’re simply taking some time out relaxing in a bubble bath, you can be masking!
Let me introduce you to the ultimate nourishing mask:
Masque Visolastine + is an intensely nourishing face mask that will instantly hydrate and smooth the skin, leaving it feeling incredibly soft. This face mask actively works to provide the ultimate comforting factor to stressed and dehydrated skin.
Masque Visolastine + is rich in essential fatty acids and white clay, providing a comforting blanket to dehydrated and stressed skin, perfect for the duration of the anti-pigmentation treatment. Your skin will be left protected, revitalised, incredibly soft, and plump. This face mask can also be used around the eyes to soothe, nourish and boost hydration to rid of any unwanted fine lines.
If during this time your skin does start to feel really dry and uncomfortable, these next two serums are really going to help. Serums provide an intense and fast level of hydration thanks to their small molecular composition and ability to penetrate the skin deeper and more effectively than a face cream. Let me introduce you to our most intensive hydrating serum from the Biologique Recherche range, the:
Serum Colostrum is our strongest level of hydration serum and is an intensive SOS treatment for dehydrated and stressed skin.Combined with natural vitamins and amino acids, Colostrum is powerful enough to improve the skins protective shield, making it more resilient.
Serum Colostrum prevents drying and repairs the skin when it is feeling extremely dry and devitalised. With extracts of colostrum, your skin will feel replenished and plumped. This is ideal to use during an anti-pigmentation treatment to restore comfort and suppleness to the skin.
Once you have applied an intensive hydrating serum, and you feel your skin just needs that little extra comfort, try this ultra-nourishing targeted serum. This will immediately relieve your skin of any discomfort, I promise!
The Sérum T.E.W.L. is our absolute Go-To Rescue Elixir for skin that is in desperate need of lipidation. Not only does it deeply nourish your skin, it actually prevents it from loosing water by creating a barrier on the surface of your skin.
Helping to improve the skin’s defence system, this targeted serum will provide an immediate sense of comfort from dryness and help to maintain and replenish the lipids in your skin. Using this in the daytime will ensure your skin has enough nourishment in order to carry on with the anti-pigmentation treatment. The Sérum T.E.W.L will also protect the skin against extreme cold weather and low moisture conditions.
As we have mentioned above, keeping your skin nourished and hydrated throughout this process is of paramount importance, so below is an ultra-comforting and revitalising cream, that is going to protect and shield your skin, whilst leaving it feeling as soothed as possible. Introducing the most nourishing face cream in the range, the:
Crème VG Derm is a rich and intensely hydrating cream that will envelop your skin in pure comfort. Its thick, buttery texture works to immediately soothe and relieve any tightness making it a perfect option for skin that is going through an anti-pigmentation treatment. Once you put this on, your skin will go from feeling fragile to fabulous!
Containing Colostrum and hydrating Milk Peptides that are highly concentrated in nutritious proteins, Crème VG Derm will replenish and restore your skin and leave it feeling completely relieved and protected.
Working to revitalise your skin and rebuild its epidermal barrier Crème VG Derm will prevent water loss, helping to keep your skin at optimal hydration level during this course of treatment.
…And that brings us to the end of our article!
We hope that we have provided enough information to leave you feeling confident in your ability to tackle hyperpigmentation head on!
We also hope that this second lockdown brings as little stress as possible for everyone and if there is anything, we can do to help with any skin related queries, please do not hesitate to contact us at concierge@embassyofbeauty.co.uk
The EB Team x