As much as I love the summer season, I hate what the sun does to my skin. Each time I’m exposed to its rays results in an unfortunate appearance of hyperpigmentation on my face, also known as Melasma. Even worse, it appears above my upper lip and gives the look of a mustache I’m genuinely embarrassed about.

I was under the impression Melasma only occurs to women who are/have been pregnant & the only way to “fix” it was with a chemical peel or laser treatment. After asking around & doing my own research, I found out the cause of Melasma in my case is because of my birth control & it will only cease to exist if I stop taking it. Medically that’s not a choice for me to pursue right now, as I take birth control primarily for Endometriosis.

Given that I’m stuck with a summer ‘stache for the time being, I had to find topical solutions that would help with the reduction of hyperpigmentation & the protection of my skin when faced with UV rays. The summer season also happens to be one that dries my skin out quicker, and causes me to squint more if I forget to wear sunglasses – squinting leads to wrinkles. Therefore, I tested out a couple skincare products that have dual purposes & benefits so my skin feels happy & healthy at all times.

Here are the skincare products I’m using that I’ve found VERY trustworthy when it comes to reducing dark spots, brightening & balancing skin tone, and maintaining all-day hydration with anti-aging benefits.

WHAT I’M USING

Brightening + Anti-Aging Serums

DERMALOGICA BIOLUMIN-C

A high-performance Vitamin C serum that works with skin’s own defenses to brighten and firm, helping to dramatically reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Smells like oranges & I’ve already noticed reduction of dark pigmentation above my upper lip after one week of use!

DERMALOGICA C-12 PURE BRIGHT

Lightweight, highly-active topical treatment combats hyperpigmentation (brown spots, discoloration and uneven skin tone) day and night. Advanced formula absorbs quickly to optimize efficacy while helping to increase skin luminosity. Leaves skin feeling super soft after application.

MAD HIPPIE VITAMIN C

A harmonious blend of antioxidants that work wonders on improving the overall appearance of the skin. I’m in serious love with this serum & what it’s done so far. My face has never looked or felt happier; ps, it also smells like oranges!

SUPERNATURAL BODY ORGANIC POSHEN

Here’s a wonderful daily moisturizer suitable for all skin types. This powerful serum is further enhanced with Hyaluronic Acid that helps deliver moisture deeper into the skin contributing to a supple and younger looking complexion. It absorbs super quickly into the skin and is vegan too!

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Daytime Protection

DERMALOGICA PURE LIGHT SPF50

This medium-weight daytime treatment features Oleosome technology, which uses natural plant spheres filled with sunscreens to increase SPF performance & helps to shield skin from UV-induced hyperpigmentation (brown spots, discoloration and uneven skin tone.)

DRUNK ELEPHANT C-FIRMA

A super-potent vitamin C day serum that mimics the antixoidant benefits of vitamin D, all working together to firm and brighten the appearance of skin while improving the signs of photoaging. C-Firma has a reservoir effect, which means it will stay active on skin for up to 72 hours and cannot be washed or rubbed off.

HYDROPEPTIDE SOLAR DEFENSE TINTED SPF30

This color-adjusting sunscreen perfectly blends with all skin tones to leave you with a flawless complexion. It helps to protect against free radical damage that leads to fine lines and wrinkles while replenishing your skin with hydration without feeling heavy.

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Evening Hydration

DERMALOGICA PURE NIGHT

This rich, nighttime moisturizer helps reduce the appearance of brown spots and uneven skin tone while you sleep with an active blend of skin-brightening agents. Smells good too!

DRUNK ELEPHANT B-HYDRA INTENSIVE HYDRATION GEL

B-Hydra is a cool glass of water for your thirsty skin. This ultra-hydrating vitamin B5 gel replenishes nutrients, visibly brightens and improves the appearance of skin texture and tone,  while delivering intense skin hydration throughout the night & into the next day.

DRUNK ELEPHANT PROTINI POLYPEPTIDE CREAM

Protini’s proprietary formula delivers younger, revived-looking skin, almost from the first application. Lines, wrinkles and signs of sun-damage appear reduced; depleted skin feels strengthened and moisturized. Think of it in your skincare routine like adding a shot of protein to your smoothie.

DRUNK ELEPHANT T.L.C. FRAMBOOS

This high-tech gel resurfaces dull skin, gently lifting dead skin cells away by dissolving the glue that holds them to the surface. The results are greater clarity and a smoother, more even looking complexion. Fine lines, wrinkles, discoloration along with excess oiliness and pores will appear dramatically diminished.

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Dark Circle Solutions

COLLAGEN GOLD POWDER EYE MASK

This paraben-free mask will help fade dark circles under the eyes and firming eye bags to smooth the skin of eye wrinkles. I’ve used these for months and have been very satisfied with the results, as well as the immediate restorative appearance after using them.

FOREO LUNA MINI 2 CLEANSING BRUSH

The T-Sonic pulsations deliver the unique ability to remove 99.5% of dirt and oil, as well as makeup residue and dead skin cells, and exfoliate without irritating the skin. I’ve been using this with DRUNK ELEPHANT VIRGIN MARULA OIL to help reduce the fluid contributing to the bags under my eyes. This also leaves my face feeling super soft after each use & is gentle enough to be used daily!

SUPERNATURAL BODY ORGANIC RENEW EYE GEL

A restorative eye gel that’s specifically designed to revive, firm, and hydrate the delicate area around the eye. It’s been supercharged with Moringa and Triphala to boost the concentration of key vitamins and antioxidants known for their ability to help retain skin moisture while minimizing fine lines and wrinkles.