Photo: Garnier

In fact, dark spots are the second-largest skincare concern for women in Mexico, right after acne, according to dermatologists.

At the root of the problem is an overproduction of melatonin, pigmentation produced in the deeper dermal layers of the skin, usually as a result of over over-exposure to the sun. (That is why it is particularly important to use a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 daily and to reapply it every few hours.)

But while UV rays are the primary cause of hyperpigmentation, hormonal changes (mainly in women), irritation such as acne breakouts, stress and the use of certain pharmaceuticals can also lead to skin discoloration.

Vitamin C has been shown to fade the appearance of these sunspots significantly. A natural antioxidant, vitamin C also protects skin from both UVA and UVB rays, while promoting collagen production.

However, most vitamin C products are unstable, meaning that the vitamin degrades and becomes ineffective over time. Garnier’s new all-natural Express Aclara serum is produced with a specially patented stabilized vitamin C that does not degrade. And it is this unique, ultra-stabilized vitamin C that makes Express Aclara Serum so effective in getting rid of spots to leave your skin even-toned and flawless.

The new Express Aclara Booster Serum joins Garnier’s Express Aclara line, which includes an Express Aclara facial cleansing cream that tones and purifies, while also gently removing blackheads and excess oil; a three-in-one micellar water that removes makeup while helping to lighten discolorations; a nourishing hydrating cream with hyaluronic acids and brightening ingredient derived from scotch pine bark; and a cloth facial mask that lightens complexions by a full skin tone in just 15 minutes.

Like all Garnier products, the Express Aclara line is made from all natural ingredients and are not harmful to the environment.

Photo: Green Doctor

Earth-Friendly Toiletries

Speaking of the environment, Thursday, April 22, is Earth Day, and there is no better way to celebrate Mother Earth than to choose beauty and personal hygiene products that are eco-friendly.

The Doctor Green line, made in Mexico, has a range of all-natural, organic toothpastes and deodorants in cardboard-based packaging that is biodegradable.

These deliciously scented, do-no-harm products use the natural cleansing and freshen powers of bicarbonate soda, corn starch, rosemary extract and essential oils, to protect and hydrate, while also acting as antiseptics and ongoing aromatherapy.

Green Doctor also has a line of antiseptic soaps and household cleaners that are gentle on nature and you alike.

And all Green Doctor products are paraben-, aluminum- and cruelty-free.

Terres de Femmes

Back in 2001, Jacques Rocher, heir to the French Yves Rocher cosmetic and beautycare empire and head of the Yves Rocher Foundation, came up with an idea to recognize and celebrate women in France and abroad who were helping to protect the environment through scientific research and creative initiatives.

Naomi Fagla Medegan, winner of the first place Yves Rocher Terre de Femmes award. Photo: Yves Rocher Foundation

Thus was born the Terre de Femmes Awards, aimed at spotlighting and helping these women to save the planet and support local communities through grassroots projects.

Each year, the Yves Rocher Foundation selects pioneering women to recognize and support financially in order to both foster greater gender equality and protect the environment.

This year, the Terre de Femmes program turned 20.

Over the last two decades, it has awarded prizes to nearly 500 women in 50 beneficiary countries who have been instrumental in orchestrating ecological and social change. Each of these women has, in her own way, helped to shape new relationships with their regions, advocating altruism, solidarity and courage.

This year, the Yves Rocher Terre de Femmes France 2021 ceremony took place on March 8, International Women’s Day, and was conducted in a slightly different format in accordance with covid-19 protocols.

Yves Rocher Terre de Femmes second place winner Lotty Morey. Photo: Yves Rocher Foundation

There were three winners of the Terre de Femmes competition, with the first prize of 10,000 euros going to Naomi Fagla Medegan, who developed a successful recycling and back-to-work program in Benin that turns plastic bottles into pellets.

Second place went to environmentalist Lotty Morey, who oversees a biodiversity nature reserve in the Peruvian rainforest and has planted over 30,000 indigenous trees in the region.

The third place prize went to architect Joanne Boachon, whose Minéka program helps collect waste products from commercial construction sites to be repurposed for smaller projects.

…April 22, 2021