Dermalogica has launched ChromaWhite TRx, a newskin brightening system designed to lessen the appearance of hyperpigmentation in as little as four weeks.

The primary mission of the new product line: to target current pigmentation while protecting skin against further development of hyperpigmentation.

Uneven skin tone has been determined to add 10 to 12 years to a woman's perceived age, according to a 2006 study conducted at Vienna's Ludwig-Boltzmann Institute for Urban Ecology, with findings published in the scientific journal Evolution and Human Behavior. "The study pointed out that wrinkles aren’t the only visual cue to a woman's age," says Dermalogica founder Jane Wurwand. "Skin tone and luminosity have generally been overlooked as indicators of skin health, when in fact these are very significant measurements of skin condition."

The line introduces seven new products to the internationally respected Dermalogica brand, both professional and retail. Dermalogica enlisted an Asian pharmaceutical company to produce high tech ingredients that have not yet been used in brightening products. In particular, the ChromaWhite TRx system introduces the use of Algae extracts to help control the cellular messenger systems that direct the cells to make pigmentation. The incorporation of Vitamin C and its derivatives such as MAP (Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate), Niacinamide and Ascorbyl Glucoside contribute to the effect of brightening the skin without impairing skin health.

Ingredients include the peptide that controls melanin formation, Lactobacillus/Pumpkin Fruit ferment, Papain, Salicylic and Lactic Acids to exfoliate and stimulate cell renewal and cell turnover, plus Phytic Acid and Zinc Glycinate to inhibit the Tyrosinase enzyme which plays a critical role in melanin formation. Moisturizing ingredients including Shea Butter and Hyaluronic Acid .

In the United States, skin brightening is a growing trend, with the market increasing by 24 per cent last year according to Crain's New York Business.