All the Best Ingredients for Fading and Evening Skin Discoloration

Fading dark spots and evening skin discoloration is risky business. (And no, we’re not talking about a young Tom Cruise gliding through the hallways in his underwear and an oversized button up. We wish we were.) There are many forms of hyperpigmentation; the primary ones being post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, sun spots and melasma. And when topicals fail us, what left is there to do? Turn 👏 to 👏 a 👏 potent👏 supplement. We’re popping onto your  screens to give you the lowdown on the best ingredients for blurring out dark spots and evening that complexion—all of which feature in our inside-out supplement, BLUR POTION.
 

Oligopin 

 

Oligopin, also known as french pine bark extract, is found in the pine tree Pinus pinaster. This extract, while lesser known than its other ingredient counterparts, is actually a phenomenal ingredient when it comes to anti-aging. A 12 week study that included 112 women that were experiencing photo-aged skin took Oligopin supplementation, and found that it significantly reduced pigmentation of age spots and overall hydration. This ingredient has been studied for years, and it’s been found that it contains high levels of antioxidants. Not only has it shown strong signs of reversing aging symptoms of sun spots/photo-aging, melasma, and skin lightening but it can also prevent chronic UVB radiation-induced skin damage and the development of melasma. This legend of an ingredient has been used throughout the years not only in skincare and supplements, but also in food products as well. Yet another bonus: A study conducted to assess the skin-lighting and anti-aging benefits of Oligopin found that daily use increased overall skin-elasticity If you don’t know, now you know. 
 

Grape Seed Extract

 

Grape seed extract comes from, you guessed it, grapes (They’re not only great for fruit salads, friends)! Grape seed extract contains a component called proanthocyanidin, which is an extremely powerful antioxidant. A 6-month study was conducted testing the efficacy of orally ingesting grape seed extract, and it was found to be successful in reducing hyperpigmentation and melasma. 
 
Not only is grape seed extract a KING at reducing hyperpigmentation and melasma, but it has multiple benefits for the rest of your body as well. Most notably, when taken as a supplement, it’s known to reduce blood pressure, improve blood flow, and increase collagen levels (which also leads back to maintaining healthy skin). Grape seed extract for prez!
 

Lutein & Zeaxanthin

These besties for the resties are a power duo. Lutein and zeaxanthin are two different types of carotenoids, which can be found in various vegetables and plants. Food fun fact: spinach is extremely high in lutein & zeaxanthin… make sure you’re throwing that ‘nach in your smoothies, dear readers. These two ingredients have a special power. A light-t blocking power. They’re famous for protecting the skin from sunlight, and especially blue light (the light we get emitting from our phones and laptops). 
 
Both of these components work to curb discoloration from melanin overproduction. A randomized 12-week study had 50 subjects take these two as supplements. The study found that overall skin tone and luminosity were significantly increased as a result.  
 

Beta Carotene 

Also known as provitamin A, beta carotene comes from the carotenoid family (a large family of over 500 carotenoids), which are naturally occurring pigments found in plants, fruits, and vegetables. When beta carotene is consumed, the body actually converts it into vitamin A, commercially known as a retinoid! Vitamin A has shown exquisite benefits when it comes to anti-aging. The main benefit being that it doubles as an antioxidant, throwing up a preventative screen against skin aging resulting from UV damage and pollution. The right dose of beta carotene can actually set your skin up to be less sensitive to the sun, which is one of the fastest aging agents. 
 

Vitamin E

Vitamin E might be the most well-known ingredient of the bunch. This fat soluble antioxidant is slicker than your average. She’s complex. So complex that she’s composed of 8 compounds called tocopherols. Tocopherols are things that work tirelessly to prevent your skin from free radical and UV damage. Vit E performs this magical spell by absorbing the energy from ultraviolet light for your skin. She basically sacrifices her well-being for your skin. We can get onboard with that. In addition, vitamin E deficiencies can result in visible redness of the skin, dryness, and discoloration. Furthermore, vitamin E also works to strengthen the skin’s barrier function. It keeps it hydrated from the inside, while also working as an anti-inflammatory ingredient.