How can I brighten my skin? Sun damage and other skin issues can rob your complexion of its natural glow. If your skin is starting to look dull & uneven or you’re struggling with dark spots / post-blemish marks, Paula’s Choice skin brightening products can help visibly return it to a vibrant, healthy-looking state. What is skin brightening? Skin brightening refers to the process of enhancing radiance and has nothing to do with altering the skin’s natural pigmentation. Instead, brightening skincare can transform dull skin into a healthy-looking glow, plus fade dark spots from sun damage or post-breakout marks. Which ingredients brighten the skin? Some of the most well-researched skin brightening ingredients are vitamin C, arbutin, azelaic acid, niacinamide, mulberry, bearberry and liquorice extracts. Each one minimises discolouration (eg. sun spots) in their own unique way, targeting the many triggers that make your skin tone uneven and lacklustre. Most skin brightening ingredients are multi-faceted and offer antioxidant and hydrating benefits too. Our C5 SUPER BOOST Moisturiser has a cream gel base specifically formulated with 5% vitamin C. This ingredient is a potent antioxidant that visibly lifts dullness, fights free radical damage and promotes a brighter complexion while still delivering barrier-repairing moisture. The truth is no single skin brightening cream can evaporate stubborn discolouration overnight. However – consistent use you can see your complexion return to its natural, healthy glow. What are the best brightening formulas? Effective brightening skincare means formulas that combine radiance-boosting with moisturising ingredients. It’s important to lock in hydration for a healthy skin barrier as this allows the skin to be more receptive to active skincare ingredients. Finally, SPF. Sun protection is absolutely crucial to achieving real results and preventing further damage, i.e. sun spots & discolouration. Best brightening treatments At Paula’s Choice, we only formulate our skin brightening products with research-proven extracts and other ingredients that have been shown to improve skin tone. We offer a variety of formulas & textures so you can pick the skin brightener that best suits your skin type and concerns. Minimise discolouration: 25% Vitamin C + Glutathione Clinical Serum This advanced formula is clinically proven to improve discolouration. Use this lightweight serum for advanced results and join the 94% who saw visibly improved discolouration and the 0% that reported irritation.* *Based on twice a day usage in an independent clinical study with 32 subjects after 8 weeks add to cart Brighten dull skin: Radiance Renewal Mask There’s no need to rinse this cushiony sleeping mask that goes to work overnight. It’s formulated with skin brightening niacinamide, arbutin and bearberry extract, plus replenishing hydrators so you wake up to softer, visibly plumper, glowing skin. You can also apply it anytime of the day as your face brightening cream. add to cart Target discolouration, fine lines & loss of firmness: RESIST Triple Active Total Repair Serum With a potent combination of hexylresorcinol, retinoid and niacinamide, this gentle & hydrating serum targets key signs of ageing by signalling the skin to repair, renew and re-energise what time takes away. add to cart How can I brighten my skin naturally? At Paula’s Choice, we only formulate our skin brightening products with research-proven extracts and other ingredients that have been shown to improve skin tone. We offer a variety of delivery systems and textures so you can pick the skin brightener that best suits your skin type and concerns. SPF is a must have! You can’t brighten dull skin effectively if you're not protecting with a broad spectrum sun cream at factor 30 or higher. Spending time in the sun not only increases your risk of early signs of ageing like brown spots, it also slows down the skin’s healing process and increases the risk of skin cancer. SPF is a non-negotiable for healthy skin. Exfoliation One of the most effective ways to brighten dullness is to shed dead skin cells. Using an AHA or BHA exfoliant is an efficient way to brighten dull skin and smooth texture. Encouraging cell turnover (out with the old and in with the new!) allows the skin to unlock your inner glow hiding just beneath the surface. Laser treatment Laser treatment is a non-invasive technique used to stimulate collagen production, resulting in hydrated, glowing skin. This technique can also reduce the appearance of sun spots, scars and general discolouration.