Although harmless, pigmented spots can appear unsightly and it can be quite tempting to conceal them under makeup. However, for the camouflage to be effective, it is important to choose the right concealer. What color should one choose when dealing with brown marks? Let's explore this issue together.
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Which color corrector should be used for brown spots?
Summary
Published February 28, 2024,
updated on March 25, 2024,
by
Pauline, Head of Scientific Communication
—
5 min read
Hyperpigmentation Marks: How Do They Form?
The pigment spots are due to a disruption in the production of melanin and its accumulation in the skin. This brown pigment responsible for the coloration of the epidermis has a photoprotective role : it helps the skin defend against the attack of UV rays. However, when melanin is overproduced, brown marks of varying sizes and shapes appear and alter the uniformity of the complexion. They are generally classified into 3 categories, depending on their origin:
The sun spots or lentigos.
UV rays from the sun are the primary cause of hyperpigmentation marks because they activate melanogenesis, which is the synthesis of melanin. As we age, the skin can no longer fully protect itself from external aggressions and the skin barrier deteriorates. This leads to a dysfunction of the melanocytes associated with theexhaustion of their pigmentary potential at the level of the hair follicles. As the skin becomes more fragile, it allows more sun rays to penetrate, leading to the formation of sun spots, or age spots. That's why it's important to apply daily sun protection, regardless of age.
The pregnancy mask, or melasma.
As its name suggests, the pregnancy mask appears in pregnant women, following the increase in estrogen and progesterone levels in the body. These steroid hormones are indeed capable of activating melanogenesis. It also sometimes happens that this type of brown spots form following the intake of a contraceptive pill or hormone replacement therapy.
Thepost-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Finally, inflammatory phenomena (acne, injury, burn...) sometimes leave marks on the skin that take the form of brown spots. Indeed, during inflammation, the pro-inflammatory cytokines mobilized act by stimulating the activity of melanocytes, which causes an increase in the production of melanin.
Which concealer should be chosen to fade brown spots?
Today, we find numerous correctors in the cosmetic market available in various colors: yellow, red, purple, green... Each color has its advantage and targets a specific cosmetic concern. The goal of correctors is tocancel out pigmentation imperfections, in order to achieve a uniform makeup base. To obtain this result, it is appropriate to choose a color complementary to the one you want to fade. The complementary color is determined by looking at the color wheel, a tool first represented by the scientist Isaac Newton in the 17th century.
Two colors are complementary and cancel each other out when they are opposite in the color wheel.
In the case of brown spots, we recommend relying on a yellow to orange concealer to camouflage them. These colors will help to fade your pigmentation spots while bringing light and radiance to your face. To avoid any cakey effect, apply the concealer sparingly. Depending on the size of your spot, 2 to 5 colored dots are sufficient. Then blend the product with a makeup sponge or with your fingers by gently tapping. For an even brighter complexion, you can apply a foundation right after the concealer.
A product recommendation?
At Typology, we have formulated a tinted serum that provides light and natural coverage to perfectly conceal brown spots. Rich in vitamin C, a well-known antioxidant for its ability to brighten the complexion and protect the skin from oxidative stress, and in aloe vera, a natural ingredient with moisturizing properties, this serum also takes care of the skin and provides it with the comfort and radiance it needs.
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