WINNING LETTER

QDespite sticking to a daytime skincare routine that includes toner, serum, moisturiser and sunscreen, I have stubborn freckles and pigmentation on my face. How do I make my complexion radiant and uniform? – Audrey Ng A Even when you’re indoors, you still get UV exposure from lights and UVA rays which penetrate glass. That’s why you should always reapply your sunscreen at lunchtime, or every three hours if you’re seated next to the window.

Age and genes are two other contributing factors. As you age, your skin barrier weakens, and this leads to an increase in melanin production. Also, if your parents have age spots, you’re more likely to develop them too.

Look for skincare like the ZO Medical Brightenex Skin Brightener & Correcting Creme ($181.90) that contains brightening agents – retinoids, hydroquinone, kojic acid, arbutin and vitamin C all help with hyperpigmentation. Alternatively, go for aesthetic treatments that use the Pico laser ($300) or Q-switched laser (price available on request) to break up pigmentation. Consuming food high in vitamin C like flaxseed, red fruits, leafy green veggies, grapes and green tea helps too.

There isn’t one treatment that eliminates hyperpigmentation completely, but you can manage it by watching your diet and lifestyle, wearing and reapplying sunscreen of at least SPF30, and being aware of how high your UV exposure really is. This reader wins a set of Prive Skinworks products worth $252.40, comprising White Lightening Wash, White Lightening Toner, Triple Action Skin Defence SPF50 and Honey Soothing Cream.