Hitting the spots

Age spots can be a major source of concern for women and are one of the main reasons for visits to a dermatologist after the age of 50. In fact, according to studies, age spots are the second biggest esthetic concern for women over 50, sagging skin being number one.

The cause and effect of age spots
Age spots are typically flat, brown skin marks most commonly found on the face, neck and hands. They are caused by a combination of the effects of photoaging, which occurs after years of chronic sun exposure, and hormonal aging, which is experienced by every woman.

Signs of hormonal aging start to appear around menopause, when the body’s production of estrogen begins to slow. Among the many roles of estrogen is its part in the health and appearance of our skin. Estrogen is the key factor in the maintenance of collagen (our skin is composed of 70 per cent collagen), a hormone-stimulated tissue that provides skin with its density and elasticity. Hormonal aging results in the reduction of the skin’s collagen content, and as a result, the skin loses its density, slackens and starts to sag.

In addition, hormonal aging can cause an imbalance in melanyte activity within the skin. Mylanocytes are responsible for the production of melanin, which gives our skin its colouring. The reduction in hormonal activity causes certain melanocytes to become hyperactive, releasing excess amounts of melanin into the keratinocytes (epidermal cells). These keratinocytes, which are highly concentrated in dark pigments, begin to rise to the surface of the epidermis causing dark spots to appear.

Along with hormonal aging are the effects of unprotected exposure to the ultraviolet rays of the sun, specifically UVA/UVB. UVA rays penetrate the skin’s layers deeply and contribute to wrinkling and premature aging. UVB rays are shorter but stronger than UVA and primarily affect the outer layers of skin, resulting in sunburn. However, both UVA and UVB rays stimulate the production of melanin, and can ultimately lead to the development of age spots.

Treatment and prevention in one
With the launch of Vichy Laboratoires latest in the line of Novadiol products, Novadiol UV Age Spot Care, women have a powerful ally to fight existing age spots and to counteract the appearance of new ones. It’s the first daily skincare treatment designed to reduce the production of melanin to treat existing age spots and provide daily protection from UVA and UVB rays to prevent the development of new spots.

Novadiol UV Age Spot Care is the only product to contain the active ingredient Procysteine, which was developed and patented by L’Oreal Laboratoires after 10 years of advanced research. Studies have shown Procysteine possesses de-pigmenting properties, reduces melanocyte hyperactivity and regulates the production of melanin. The unique combination of active ingredients in Novadiol UV Age Spot Care include:

• Procysteine to reduce the production of melanin and prevent age spots.
• UVA/UVB filters (SPF 15) to ensure daily protection against UV radiation and prevent the appearance of new age spots.
• Vitamin CP and vitamin CG to reduce the melanin transfer within the epidermal cells.
• Rose extract and alpha bisabolol to help soothe the skin.
• LHA with exfoliating action to accelerate the cellular renewal process.
• Soya proteins to promote skin density.

Getting results
The effectiveness of Novadiol UV Age Spot Care was evaluated for its ability to reduce the melanin content of age spots and to measure changes in the size of age spots. After three months, Novadiol UV Age Spot Care had reduced the size of the age spots by 22 per cent and their melanin content by 18 per cent. After one month, there was also a 16 per cent improvement in skin density.

Now maintaining healthier skin is an achievable goal for menopausal women with the development of the complete line of Novadiol products, including Novadiol Day, Novadiol Night, Novadiol Body and, most recently, Novadiol UV Age Spot Care. With exclusive active ingredients, the Novadiol line is the only skincare line to contain the properties that counteract the effects of hormonal aging on skin. Novadiol products are available in drugstores across Canada.

This Special Sponsored Feature was produced by the editors of 50Plus magazine in co-operation with Vichy Laboratoires.