Skin Care
HealthNewsDigest.com Skincare Editor Wendy Lewis Has The Scoop on LUMIXYL, the Newest Skin Lightener
By
May 31, 2009 - 12:25:38 AM

(HealthNewsDigest.com) - Over time exposure to UV radiation contributes to signs of premature aging, resulting in the premature appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven pigmentation. During the summer when your skin is more exposed to UV rays, the tendency towards increased discoloration is heightened. To minimize the appearance of photo damage and help prevent future skin damage requires a comprehensive regimen and consistent use of broad spectrum sun protection.

An influx of skin lightening ingredients is on the market, and non-hydroquinone based skin brighteners and lighteners are growing in popularity as consumers desire a more even toned appearance for their skin without some of the harsh effects of pharmaceutical agents. In light of the controversies surrounding the long term use and safety of hydroquinone, alternatives are a welcome addition to the array of age reversing cosmeceuticals.

Research focusing on how skin color reflects light has shown that as skin ages, the ability to reflect light diminishes because proteins in the epidermis or outer become more rigid, resulting in an overall loss of radiance. Age spots and blotches are quite simply caused by the sun; melanin accumulates where the sun has caused damage. Darker skin types are more prone to prolonged dark patches even after acne, scars and insect bites have healed up, called post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Skin brighteners and lighteners can enhance clarity, help even out skin tone, reduce discoloration, and boost radiance by harnessing the potency of botanicals such as licorice, mulberry, and arbutin. They can renew lustre to the skin while also reducing superficial sun spots.

One of the most exciting new technologies to come along to address skin lightening is LUMIXYL™ (www.basismedtech.com), an alternative to hydroquinone that has been proven to even-out skin tone and improve overall skin health and boost radiance. Developed by Dr. Basil Hantash at Stanford University, LUMIXYL™ is derived from a synthetic peptide composed of ten amino acids to improve the appearance of mild to moderate hyperpigmentation. Clinical trials conducted in Canada have reported that LUMIXYL™ has been shown to improve melasma, post inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and photo damage, and restore luminosity to the skin.

Collagen fibers are made up of peptides, which are proteins known for skin strengthening and smoothing out lines. Several peptides have been shown to generate the production of new collagen, most notably the pentapeptide (referring 5 amino acid chains) PAL-KTTS which is commonly known as Matrixl, found in Olay Regenerist, and the hexapeptide (as in 6) called Argirilene. With continued use, peptides have been shown to maintain skin tone and firm texture. A synthetic peptide, LUMIXYL™ is non-irritating and does not topically bleach the skin nor does is act like hydroquinone. Rather LUMIXYL™ creme works in a gentler way to improve the appearance of hyperpigmentation by inhibiting tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for the production of melanin. It is safe for all skin types, even darker or bronze skin, and can be used in combination with peels, microdermabrasion and light based treatments. Found only in physicians' offices and upscale medspas, LUMIXYL retails for about $120.

To keep your complexion even toned, sun protection is a must all year round. Sunscreen should be last step before your makeup goes on. You will get better protection from a dedicated sunscreen product than from a moisturizer or foundation that doubles as a sun protectant. In this way you will be able to choose the level of SPF you want, and to keep skin clear, an SPF 30 or higher is preferable.

Wendy Lewis is President of Wendy Lewis & Co Ltd, Global Aesthetics Consultancy, and the author of 10 books including Plastic Makes Perfect (Orion) Wendy Lewis Beauty

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