As a Black woman, dark spots have always been the bane of my existence and my number-one skin-care concern. Whether it be from a scratch or popping a zit I knew better than to mess around with, I’m always left with the lovely souvenir of hyperpigmentation to remind me of my past mistakes.
While I totally understand that the formation of post-inflammatory dark spots is a part of the skin’s natural healing process and are completely harmless from a health perspective, I can’t deny that any type of discoloration on my face has a negative impact on my confidence. As someone who prefers to wear little to no complexion makeup, I find myself having to take extra steps in the morning, using a combination of concealer and foundation to even out my pigment, when my skin is at its worst. I know the world wouldn’t come to an end if I just went outside as is, but truthfully, I’m too embarrassed to be seen otherwise.
Lucky for me (and all of us, truly) La Roche Posay’s new Mela B3 line—which includes the Mela B3 Facial Gel Cleanser, Mela B3 Dark Spot Serum, and Mela B3 UV Daily Moisturizer SPF 30—has completely changed my skin for the better by noticeably evening out my skin tone in just a few weeks; all thanks to the brand’s new multi-patented ingredient Melasyl™.
“The development of Melasyl™is the result of 18 years of research into novel molecules to reduce pigmentation,” explains New York City board-certified dermatologist Andrew Alexis, MD.
In addition to Melasyl™, the formula found in each product also contains niacinamide, a supercharged ingredient known to help fade the look of skin discoloration. “Niacinamide has, as one of its mechanisms, the ability to reduce transfer of pigment from pigment-forming cells to other skin cells,” says Dr. Alexis. “In this way, having Melasyl™and niacinamide together in one formulation combines two mechanisms of action that can address excess pigmentation.” And he’s not kidding.
I have been using the Mela B3 trifecta for a few months now and I hav noticed a significant difference in my skin. Not only have previous dark spots completely faded, but new ones don’t seem to hang around for very long anymore.
Here’s how I incorporate it into my routine: I first start off with the Mela B3 Facial Gel Cleanser, which only needs a touch of water to create a rich, foamy lather. The formula offers Melasyl™, niacinamide, as well as PHA that come together to act as a gentle peel and exfoliant to even out skin tone, without leaving my face feeling dry or stripped. Afterwards, I follow up with the Mela B3 Dark Spot Serum, which in addition to Melasyl™, contains 10 percent niacinamide. I squeeze a pea-sized amount into the four corners of my face, then gently rub it in until it’s fully absorbed.
Next, I apply the Mela B3 UV Daily Moisturizer SPF 30, which protects against UVA/UVB exposure from the sun—both of which can worsen dark spots—all while using key ingredients to even out skin tone. “Including a sunscreen into a daily regimen is important and effective as it helps to prevent sun-induced pigment production which is a key aspect to managing hyperpigmentation,” says Dr. Alexis. “Mela B3 UV has SPF 30 to help protect skin against visible signs of sun damage, as well as Melasyl™and 5 percent niacinamide to help improve the appearance of dark spots.”
But the best part about the new Mela B3 line is that it’s not only effective for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, it actually helps to combat a range of skin discoloration across a variety of skin tones and types.
“Mela B3 has been studied in a diverse patient population including those with darker skin tones as well as those with specific pigmentary concerns, such as melasma or acne-induced dark spots,” shares Dr. Alexis. “Reduction in the look of [discoloration] was found starting at four weeks.”
So if you’re anything like me and ready for a new chapter in your beauty journey, one where uneven skin tone is a thing of the past, this is the product line you’ll definitely want to incorporate into your daily routine.
