One of the main objectives in treating hyperpigmentation and fading dark spots is to control the formation of melanin (the pigment cells responsible for dark colour) and deal with age related skin discolourations. This objective is achieved through the application of specialist, advanced skincare products which contain highly effective ingredients which have been proven to inhibit melanin formation and / or protect the skin from sun damage and ageing. 

A few of these ingredients have a 'hero' status as they continually outperform everything else and are usually only found in high end skincare products. Two of the most powerful ingredients are Alpha Arbutin (Bearberry Extract) & Niacinamide (Vitamin B3). 

Alpha Arbutin:
Scientists have discovered that alpha arbutin, a compound that comes from the leaves of the bearberry plant, shows a strong ability to suppress melanin formation.

This ability of alpha arbutin to effectively diminish melanin production has shown some extremely impressive results. Studies have shown that it has significantly more rapid and productive skin lightening effects than other common ingredients. In one recent test* of 80 people, scientists compared the effectiveness of alpha arbutin against hydroquinone for decreasing hyperpigmentation. They discovered alpha arbutin increased skin lightness by 60% more than hydroquinone.

In another test on age spots and sun damage, a three month study showed that more than 80% of users who applied a formula containing alpha arbutin saw a significant decrease in the appearance of the age spots.

Niacinamide:

While alpha-arbutin inhibits the formation of melanin to fade discoloured patches of skin, a niacinamide (a derivative of vitamin B3) operates through a totally different method with the same outcomes.

Scientists discovered that niacinamide decreased the transfer of melanin to nearby surface skin cells by 68%. This means, niacinamide actually stopped the accumulation of melanin in the outer layer of the skin.

In a recent clinical trial** of 18 women aged 25-60, a niacinamide cream was applied twice a day to the face. The effected part of the skin showed a reduction of hyperpigmentation by 25%. Many users in this test recorded that their skin had become lighter.

A very common but hard to treat skin disorder is melasma. This is a skin condition characterised by hyperpigmentation on the face. In a test over eight weeks of the application of niacinamide was shown to be extremely at treating melasma. Researchers concluded that niacinamide was “an effective, integral, and safe therapeutic alternative in the melasma treatment.”

To sum up, the 'hero' ingredients, alpha arbutin, and niacinamide, positively control melanin creation and transfer to fade or clear melasma, dark marks, sun damage, freckles, age spots, freckles. This results in a much more even toned, younger and brighter looking skin.

ref: * http://www.lifeextension.com/Magazine/2014/8/Remov...

** Hakozaki T, Minwalla L, Zhuang J, et al. The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer. Br J Dermatol. 2002;147:20-31.