We have good and bad news — we’ll get through the bad news first. As you age, the skin you spent hours trying to tame during your youth will change once again. One shift you’ll notice is in the tone, which can become splotchy in pigment, and you might start to see those pesky sun spots. But when it comes to addressing dark skin spots, finding a solution can be tough. It’s a stubborn skin issue to fix because the root cause can range from hormonal changes to the negative effects of sun exposure. The good news is that beloved skincare company Medik8 just released a new product with a little-known ingredient intended to specifically target unwanted discoloration.
Hyperpigmentation is any skin darkening in the form of freckles, age spots, or general discoloration. It can be caused by hormonal changes, certain medications, or scarring, but it’s not always permanent or harmful. Everyone’s skin is different, and the causes of dark spots are individual, so it’s always best to talk to a dermatologist if you start spotting hyperpigmentation.
There are over-the-counter ways to treat hyperpigmentation, often in the form of serums containing antioxidants or acids like vitamin C and azelaic acid. These active ingredients can help reduce signs of aging caused by environmental stressors like pollution or sun exposure, but their effectiveness varies by person. Thankfully, there’s a new word buzzing around in the skincare community that we should be paying attention to: oxyresveratrol.
How can oxyresveratrol help get rid of dark skin spots?
Dermatologists are looking to oxyresveratrol (Oxy-R for short), a lesser-known antioxidant derived from the mulberry plant. Not unlike vitamin C, Oxy-R is proven to reduce and prevent the appearance of dark spots caused by sun damage, pollution, hormonal changes, or aging. While this may seem like a magical solution, it’s usually chemically unstable. That means it can be rendered useless if it’s not mixed or stored properly. But Medik8 is driving research on how to harness the power of Oxy-R and keep it fresh enough to work wonders.
Medik8, the skincare company known for dermatologist-approved, easy-to-use formulations, developed a two-step Oxy-R system that doesn’t require a chemistry degree to use. Storing Oxy-R in a bottle cap, separate from the rest of the formula’s contents, blocks out light and air so ingredients won’t break down or become ineffective. When you’re ready to use it, you simply press down on the cap (which has a button on the top), releasing the Oxy-R concentrate into a bottle full of hydrating hyaluronic acid below. Shake the bottle to combine the ingredients, and you’ve got yourself a moisturizing, brightening skincare cocktail that’s ready to be used.
The results from trials have been pretty incredible so far. Participants reported that Medik8’s Oxy-R serum reduced the appearance of dark spots in about a month, including those leftover from acne (or picking and popping said acne, which we’re all guilty of). Brighter and plumper skin also came about after a week of regular use, which is a bonus thanks to the inclusion of skin-loving hyaluronic acid.
We’re all about simplifying our skincare routine with products that tackle more than one concern, and this serum seems to address a handful. If you’re on the hunt for a new brightening serum, this could be the one for you.
