Reapplying sun block SPF 50 religiously does not spare you from brown spots caused by sun damage. It just wards off as much of the sun’s damaging rays.

So if you want to erase brown spots and those that are just under the skin and waiting to emerge, skincare with effective brightening properties is a must.

Lancome and Clinique’s skin-brightening range are two non-Japanese or Korean brands that have impressed me with their quick and noticeable whitening results.

Lancome’s Blanc Expert Range is constantly improving its products; it has launched a new improved formula—the Crystal Brightness Activating Essence, which is designed to boost skin brightening power on the face and neck by cleaning up miniscule damage on and right under the face.

When used with the very potent activating Spot Eraser to target stubborn dark spots, the spots are broken down to smaller pieces, making them easier to eliminate. Use with the Maqui Blanc Miracle Compact SPF 35 powder foundation to keep skin looking fresh, smooth and semi matte for up to 12 hours. The lightening process continues every time we retouch.

Clinique Even Better SPF 15 foundation is also designed to be used above the Even Better Clinical Spot Corrector to boost skin’s whitening power. It’s great for normal to oily skin but may feel heavy for those with dry skin.

Smoothening effect

Keratosis Pillaris, also known as chicken skin, is mostly genetic and appears almost from infancy or childhood. Those that appear later in life are usually caused by hormonal fluctuations or through contact with certain chemicals such as varnish or gasoline.

Well, I found a way to unblock and smoothen the affected areas in my skin. My dermatologist prescribed the highest-dose glycolic acid peel, followed by a salt body scrub in her clinic every week for at least five sessions, with take-home cream Neostrata AHA 15 Lotion Plus applied twice a day on affected skin.

The body hair that has not sprouted for over eight months due to blocked pore openings—the cause of unsightly chicken skin—is coming out. When you pull them out, they are over an inch long coiled underneath. It’s a shame that the Glycolic peel is so potent and requires doctor’s supervision; hence, it is limited to the clinic and not allowed for personal take-home use. The treated area was just my right calf, so the entire procedure took five minutes maximum.

The Neostrata AHA 15 is strong enough to peel the dead excess skin that causes blockage. It’s a great exfoliant as well for face, neck and hands, especially for those with very dull, damaged skin and want to speed up the effect of skin whitening products. Please apply SPF 50 or above on treated area at least every two hours, if the portion is exposed. This is to prevent skin discoloration.

For those requiring the in-clinic treatment, call 632-8993643. For those who just want the Neostrata AHA 15 take-home treatment, call 2424242 to find the outlet nearest you.

E-mail the author at [email protected].