Yesterday was my niece’s 30th birthday so I sent her a little birthday picture text message. Of course I had to comment on the big 3-0 but also couldn’t resist mischievously attaching a little picture of her when she was a baby donning nothing but a little t-shirt with the words “all natural!”

She called back immediately with a “Thanks Aunt! That’s pretty funny!” However, as much as she appreciated the little birthday wish she quickly realized she was talking to Aunt Karen who is not only her wonderful Aunt…but more importantly her wonderful Aunt who knows all about and has beaucoup beauty products! LOL However, I have to say the segue’ was rather ingenious. She very wisely took her new milestone of a birthday and worked that right into her newly found fine lines and dark spots. Her main concern being the latter of the two.

Of course, I told her I would help with her concerns; but couldn’t help but ponder the fact that she mainly wanted the dark spots to go away. I say that because so many people don’t realize that’s virtually the number one concern in terms of anti-aging around the globe. More women are more concerned with discoloration and hyper pigmentation than wrinkles. I happen to be in the minority with the focus of my concern on wrinkles over any of my hyper pigmentation but the facts are that’s not how most women feel. Additionally, I’ve had many men complain about discoloration as well. More men ask me about what they can do about dark circles under their eyes and the spots on the backs of their hands than women do.

Anyway Julie says that the “melasma (she got during her pregnancy 6yrs ago) seems to be creeping back.” I told her that first and foremost sun prevention with a high SPF broad spectrum sunscreen/sun block is key. Additionally she should wear a hat or visor in the sun. However, a visor isn’t enough for many women and girls because the part in the hair can get severely burned and how often do we remember to put sunscreen on our part?

I decided that for Julie a hydroquinone product wouldn’t be ideal even though it’s very effective for hyperpigmentation. But for my little natural (half Italian-half Vegetarian…her self description when she was 6yrs old to a passenger seated near us on a plane) niece, potential toxicity wouldn’t be an option. So I thought of all my favorite skin brightening regimens and specialized discoloration products that were more organic in nature or more of a natural alternative to hydroquinone yet still are extremely effective.

Below are my picks for the best skin whitening regimens and products I’ve used or researched and highly recommend (additionally to the best of my knowledge they contain no hydroquinone).

Best Regimen:
SkinCeuticals Skin Brightening System

Best Moisturizer with lightening properties:
Nia24 Intensive Recovery Complex

Best for Dark Skin Tones:
RX for Brown Skin Absolute Radiance Intensive Exfoliating Serum

Best Whitening Night Cream:
Decleor Aroma White Night Cream

Best Brightening Cleanser:
Sothys W Foaming Cleansing Creme

Best for Dark Scar Marks:
ScarGuard Lightener

Best Travel Kit for Hyperpigmentation:
IS Clinical Hyperpigmentation Travel Kit

Best Brand for their Whitening Line:
Euoko