On Beauty: Deal with your liver spots without resorting to laser treatment

The term “liver spots” always puts me in mind of a toothless crone who grasps children in her bony claws; all the better to boil them up in her cauldron. Obviously I read too many fairy tales as a youngster, but anyway, you can imagine how delighted I was to find dark patches on my own face.

The current term for liver or age spots is much kinder. Hyperpigmentation occurs most widely in black and Asian skin types, but is also fairly common in pale Caucasian skin tones. It is usually caused by sun damage or hormonal changes and is seen most commonly on the face or bony claws. Sorry, I mean hands.

I have two dark patches on each cheekbone, and eventually it got to the stage where regular make-up was not able to disguise them. Before going to get the dark pigment lasered off, I wanted to give at-home treatments a try. It has worked: the patches on my face have substantially faded, and, while I cannot put my finger on any one product because I tried out a combination, I can tell you what I used and some of the ingredients to look out for.

Bear in mind, however, that there are no quick fixes and you will have to give your products at least one to three months to make a real difference.

It is also important to remember that, even though you may have cleared up the dark patches, they are very likely to reappear. Every time I go on a sun holiday, despite using SPF50 on my face, I know when I return home I will have to tackle the hyperpigmentation issue all over again.

I whip out my trusty Clinique Even Better Dark Spot Corrector, Indeed Labs Pepta-Bright and Neostrata Illuminating Serum and use them regularly until the marks fade again. I also like Lancôme Dreamtone serum,which is available in three custom formulations for black, Asian and white skin tones.

The number of ingredients that have been proven to work to lighten skin run into the dozens, and many of them are natural. It is a no-brainer: if an ingredient can gently and chemically remove dead skin cells, then those cells that are stained and discoloured will be gradually lifted away. If you already use a chemical or liquid toner, then you are ahead of the game, particularly if it contains glycolic, salicylic or lactic acid. Many hyperpigmentation products use liquorice while other stellar pigment brighteners such as Mario Badescu Whitening Mask rely on kojic acid to work their magic.

Vitamin C is another potent antioxidant that helps to correct skin irregularities. I am addicted to Ren Flash Rinse 1 Minute Facial (you honestly have to try it; it is brilliant), and Garnier Skin Naturals Dark Spot Corrector also uses vitamin C to fade blemishes and hyperpigmentation.

Twitter @aismcdermott

beauty@irishtimes.com

AISLING’S PICKS OF THE WEEK

Tom Ford Raw Jade Eye Duo

(€50) Tom Ford gets grungy with a trio of dramatic eyeshadow quads, with coloured mascaras and nail polish to match. Raw Jade – a dark, edgy green combo – is my favourite.

L'Occitane Immortelle Precious Mist (From March, €17) After years of turning my nose up at hydrating toners, my recent foray into the world of Korean skincare has turned me. I am using this after cleansing to add another layer of hydration.

Mac Studio Nail Lacquer in Red Red Red

(€10) Valentine’s Day may have passed but that does not mean that we are forsaking all things red. With red lipsticks, blushers and nail polishes, this collection is an homage to rouge, and the nail polishes are striking.

No Reason To Hide Total Skin Tone Correcting Serum (€61) This anti-hyperpigmentation serum feels silky and hydrating, and the list of powerhouse skin-brightening ingredients gets the thumbs up.

AISLING LOVES . . .

Isadora Colour Correcting Concealer (€21.50) This is not a new product, but I like the colour-coded wheels of creamy shades, which enhance and even skin tone (there are three different types).They will last for ages, which is an added bonus.