According to dermatologists one of the top five most common skin problems in South Africa is dark marks and skin discolouration, affecting people with darker skin tones more often****.  Not just a physical condition, it can take a knock on one’s self-confidence too***.  So, what can be done to manage this problem? Dark marks require effective treatments and long-term care. 

NIVEA spent 10 years researching dark marks in order to develop an effective skin care solution.  After testing 50,000 molecules, molecule number 630 was found to be the most effective to reduce dark marks and prevent their reappearance.  Named Luminous^630® the ingredient was formulated by NIVEA into a range of skin care products.

Results, however remarkable, need to be backed by science. During a NIVEA Luminous^630® global three-month clinical trial, test persons with dark marks testified to having seen the first results after just two weeks of regular use*, with continued improvement demonstrated over the full 12 weeks. As such, the new NIVEA Luminous^630® Range represents an exciting option for people affected by dark marks. 

When put to the test against other anti-dark mark ingredients on the market such as Vitamin C and Niacinamide, Luminous^630® was found to be the most effective anti-dark mark ingredient**.  Luminous^630® isn’t just an ingredient, it’s proof that when careful and considered research is done – especially on those skin tones majorly affected – outstanding efficacy is achieved.

A South African Challenge: The Skin We’re In

The journey NIVEA has undertaken to properly care for dark marks is thanks to an understanding of the needs of South Africa women.

The Luminous^630® range was rigorously assessed by South African women in a person-in-use (PIU) study with a South African dermatologist as principal investigator. The results showed that 100% of participants reported a more even skin tone, less pronounced dark marks and a more radiant complexion*.

Scientific Solution:  Deep Work Within Skin Cells

But why does skin tone look uneven and dark marks spoil an otherwise glowing complexion? While our skin naturally produces melanin, giving us our natural skin colour, it can sometimes produce excess melanin, which can spread unevenly and appear as uneven marks. Factors like sun exposure and skin ageing, hormonal changes and skin inflammation due to pimples or injury can also cause dark mark formation, in addition to a genetic predisposition.

What’s needed is an ingredient that balances melanin formation, and that’s what Luminous^630® does, acting deep within the skin at the very source of the problem. And what about the dark marks already showing up on skin? Luminous^630® has the remarkable ability to disperse existing melanin clumps, evening out dark marks for brighter and a more uniform-looking skin.

NIVEA Senior Brand Manager, Zola Ngwenya explains that another very important step in managing dark marks is daily sun protection.  “UV exposure can lead to the formation of dark marks and can also make dark marks more pronounced.  An SPF 50+ has been included into the Luminous^630® Day Cream formulation to offer daily sun protection,” she says.

Luminous^630® has a comprehensive skincare collection including a day cream, night cream, eye treatment as well as three different serums targeting specific skin concerns and skin types.

The Journey Continues: NIVEA Keeps Taking Care of Dark Marks

Zola Ngwenya explains, “We know we have an ingredient that women worldwide trust.  We can claim that 10 million women worldwide trust Luminous^630®.  The next step for us is the launch of a body care range to reduce dark marks and unevenness common on different parts of the body like armpits, forearms, elbows or knees.  The new NIVEA Luminous^630® Even Skin Tone Body Cream and Oil-Serum launching in August 2024, contains patented Luminous^630®.  The Cream reduces the visibility of stretch marks, sun blemishes and pigment spots in 4 weeks, while offering intensively moisturised skin for 48 hours.  The Serum visibly reduces stretchmarks caused by pregnancy or weight gain after 2 weeks of use.

A skincare product must work for you to love it. And for that to happen, the results need to match your goals. With over 10 million women’s trust, 10 years of research and investigation, NIVEA continues to build on its Luminous^630® efficacy with an anti-dark mark formulation that South African women not only need but can have faith in too.

* PIU studies with South African women. Individual results may vary.

**Tested versus most commonly used anti-dark mark ingredients in mass retail market (exclude products sold exclusively in pharmacy)

**Noticeably reduces visibility of stretch marks in just 2 weeks (oil) and reduces visibility of sun blemishes and pigment spots in 4 weeks (cream).

*** Davis and Callender, 2010

****Prevalence of pigmentary disorders: A cross-sectional study in public hospitals in Durban, South Africa^☆

Ncoza C. Dlova, MBChB, FCDerm, PhD,^a,⁎ Lisa O. Akintilo, MD, MPH,^b and Susan C. Taylor, MD^c

Give it a try and see for yourself – your skin will thank you!

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored trade exchange post.