You may have wondered what the difference is between Dermalogica's PowerBright range and the BioLumin-C range. Both will certainly help to even skin tone and leave skin looking brighter. So, which range is best for you to incorporate into your skincare routine?

In this blog, we'll look at the key differences between them, so you'll know which is best suited for your unique skin brightening needs.

powerbright and biolumin-c: dark spots vs. dull skin

Your skin goal may be brighter skin. But is this because you experience stubborn dark spots (hyperpigmentation), or is it because you experience skin dullness?

Put simply, if you said yes to dark spots - a skin condition termed hyperpigmentation - then PowerBright is the range for you. Alternatively, if you're seeking more skin glow, and/or experience mild uneven skin tone then BioLumin-C is the way to go.

the deep dive on powerbright

For a long time treating dark spots was problematic, as many of the ingredients used in skincare were known to be harsh on the skin, and in some cases could even worsen the condition. The goal of PowerBright is to offer a solution that works quickly and over time, without compromising the skin.

When we're talking about dark spots, we're referring to a range of hyperpigmentation patterns. Dark spots are the result of excess pigment (or melanin) production. Pigment is a protein that gives our skin colour, and its job is to protect from harmful UV rays. Making pigment is much like baking a cake. You need several ingredients to get the end result, that being pigment. When we have hyperpigmentation, essentially our pigment-making factory has gone into overdrive and this can be due to a number of factors.

Firstly, the biggest cause of dark spots is UV exposure, and we tend to see UV induced pigmentation show up more prominently on the high points of the face, such as forehead and cheeks.

Hormones can also trigger the skin to make more pigment - pregnancy is one example when many women (approximately 70%) experience hormonal dark spots, technically known as Melasma. This type of pigmentation is often referred to ask the "mask of pregnancy", as it tends to show on the central regions of the face. Stress can also cause Melasma.

There's also a link between inflammation and dark spots. Think of when you've had a breakout or perhaps even eczema or psoriasis - once these conditions have cleared up, you're left with a marking on the skin. This is because pigment is produced as an anti-inflammatory, to help promote healing.

Lastly, new research has shown that pollution is also contributing to dark spots - increasing hyperpigmentation by 20-25% and adding up to 20 years to one's perceived age. Tiny pollution particles get lodged in our skin, causing free radical damage and in turn, pigmentation.

Coming back to the baking a cake analogy, PowerBright works by inhibiting, or reducing, the key ingredients that make excess pigment. One of the main ingredients is an enzyme called Tyroinase. PowerBright uses advanced ingredients such as Hexylresorcinol, Peony Flower and Blackcurrant to limit the activity and production of Tyrosinase. Niacinamide is also a hero ingredient, as it can prevent the transfer of excess pigment from the melanin factory into the skin. Whereas, Shiitake Mushroom can reduce the intensity of pigment in the skin. You'll also find preservative ingredients, such as Ashwagandha, that help defend against some of the leading causes of dark spots.

meet the powerbright range:

PowerBright Dark Spot Serum

This lightweight, fast-absorbing serum features high-tech ingredients that visibly fade dark spots. It has been clinically proven to fade dark spots in just one week and reduce the size and number of dark spots over a 4-6 week period. Along with pigment regulating actives, it contains a cross-linked Hyaluronic Acid for continous hydration, plus Light-Diffusing Technology that balances the appearance of uneven pigmentation within days. It can be used by any skin tones and type. Apply one pump to the face and neck in the morning after cleansing and toning, and allow one minute for product absorption. If you experience dark spots in a specific area, you may wish to spot treat these with this serum, rather than applying to the entire face and neck.

PowerBright Moisturizer SPF50

A two-in-one moisturiser and sunscreen that protects, hydrates and balances skin tone. Along with Niacinamide, you'll find hydrating Hyaluronic Acid and skin soothing Chamomile and Licorice. With UV being the number one cause of dark spots, a sunscreen is essential for healthy skin! Apply in the daytime, after your serums.

PowerBright Overnight Cream

This ultra-nourishing nighttime moisturiser helps to smooth skin, restore luminosity and address dark spots whilst you sleep. Niacinamide and Hexylresorcinol are boosted with brightening Vitamin C and gently exfoliating Pumpkin enzymes. Apply as the last step in your nighttime routine.

the deep dive on biolumin-c

Vitamin C is a highly sought after ingredient in the world of skincare. Why? Well, it's a skin brightening multi-tasker.

The majority of us experience skin dullness. Everyday our skin is exposed to "brightness blockers". Pollution, stress, poor sleep, age, poor diet, improper make-up removal and an inconsistent skincare routine can all cause the skin to lose its glow. What's more, you may also notice that coming out of the summer months when you've been exposed to greater UV rays, your skin can look lackluster and dull.

Vitamin C is the antidote to dull skin. It boosts skin radiance, as it's also able to balance pigment production. But it's worth noting Vitamin C's other skin benefits. It's also a potent antioxidant, so protects skin from the main triggers that drive premature skin ageing. And along with preventing damage, it also helps firm skin by stimulating collagen production, making it both a preventative and preservative.

Every product in BioLumin-C collection features an ultra-stable, bioavailable Vitamin C complex. The Vitamin C complex contains two types of Vitamin C (Ascorbyl Methylsilanol Pectinate and Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate), fused together with a firming peptide for a youthful boost.

Like Retinol, Vitamin C is highly unstable, meaning it breaks down easily when exposed to oxygen. The Vitamin C complex in BioLumin-C comprises of two highly stable forms of Vitamin C that work synergistically and provide long-term stability. Unlike other Vitamin C formulas, with BioLumin-C, the Vitamin C isn't going to degrade in the tube (you know this has happened if the formula turns a brown colour) or when applied to the skin. Instead, you'll experience consistent, visible results.

When it comes to bioavailability, we're referring to getting the Vitamin C beyond the skin's surface, where it works best.

meet the biolumin-c range:

BioLumin-C Serum

A potent serum that visibly firms and brightens, while also enhancing the skin's natural resilience and defence system against the causes of premature skin ageing. Vitamin C is fused with exfoliating Lactic Acid and ultra-hydrating Hyaluronic Acid, to further boost skin health and glow. There's also a dose of plant-based antioxidants to further help protect the skin from environmental damage. It should be applied onto a clean skin before your moisturiser and can be used twice a day.

BioLumin-C Eye Serum

A lightweight, gel treatment that visibly brightens, firms, and hydrates the delicate skin around the eyes. Alongside Vitamin C, you'll find Tremella Mushroom and Poria Mushroom which help to lock in moisture, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improving skin's resilience. Plus there's gentle exfoliating enzyme, Papaya, which further brightens and smooths skin, along with improving the absorption of Vitamin C. BioLumin-C Eye Serum can be used both morning and night. Use the size of a grain of rice for both eyes, applying to the lower eye area (not the eyelid).

BioLumin-C Gel Moisturizer

A lightweight, yet ultra-hydrating, gel-based moisturise that visibly hydrates, brightens and renews for smoother, luminous skin. Vitamin C is paired with Squalene and five types of Hyaluronic Acid for a powerful boost of long-lasting hydration. Verbascum Thapsus Flower Extract, also known as the Bioluminescence Flower, transforms UV rays into a visible light, creating instant luminosity and Phytic Acid and Pumpkin Enzyme gently exfoliate for improved skin smoothness and absorption of skin actives. Apply one pump to face and neck during the day or night.

can i use powerbright and biolumin-c together?

Depending on your skin challenges, be that dullness or dark spots, you'll lean towards either PowerBright or BioLumin-C. However, this doesn't mean you can't mix the ranges. For example, you may like to use the PowerBright Moisturizer SPF50 with BioLumin-C products, so your routine includes a brightening sunscreen. Or you may add BioLumin-C Eye Serum to your PowerBright products, to help address pigmentation around the eyes.

brighten up your daily cleanse

Dermalogica is a prescriptive range of products, meaning it's designed to be personalised so that the product ranges can be used together to address every skin need. If you're looking for a cleanser to complement either of the PowerBright or BioLumin-C products, Daily Glycolic Cleanser is an ideal option. Glycolic Acid is another leading ingredient for brightening skin. It's the most potent of the family of Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA's). Because of its small molecular size, its able to penetrate the skin's surface rapidly and "unglue" dulling, dead skin cells, revealing a more luminous, healthy-looking skin. Daily Glycolic Cleanser features Glycolic Acid with soothing and nourishing Calendula Extract and Jojoba Oil, to both brighten and condition the skin.

For expert advice on selecting your Dermalogica products, reach out to your local Profressional Skin Therapist or chat to our Digital Skin Expert online now.