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The Riversol Blog

Your source for dermatologist-approved advice, skincare science, and the latest from Riversol.

Riversol Blog

Acne in Menopausal Skin

Acne in Menopausal Skin

How to treat an uneven skin tone and dark spots

How to treat an uneven skin tone and dark spots

Summary Discover how to manage hyperpigmentation and dark spots safely with Riversol's dermatologist-developed formulas designed to fade uneven tone without irritation. Hyperpigmentation is a common condition that causes areas of the skin to become darker than the surrounding tissue. This occurs when excess melanin forms localized deposits in the skin. Understanding the root causes of hyperpigmentation is essential for selecting the right topical treatment. Research shows that pigmentation is a significant miscreant in the appearance of aging. While a dusting of freckles on a sun-kissed child's face might be charming, extra facial pigmentation sends a different message as you grow older. These brown patches and associated changes in skin tone and texture are the familiar telltale signs of aging. Dark spots and uneven skin tone are beauty banes that affect millions of people globally. For this reason, it is important to learn about the triggers behind hyperpigmented skin. Identifying which ingredients work to even skin tone will help you safely correct dark spots. Causes Of Hyperpigmentation And Sun Exposure The Aging Effects Of The Sun Varieties Of Uneven Skin Tone Prevention And Treatment Options Frequently Asked Questions Causes Of Hyperpigmentation And Sun Exposure It may come as a surprise, but uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation are not caused strictly by old age. The root of nearly all unwanted pigmentation in the 21st century is the sun. Sunshine acts as an attack on the skin, and one of the ways the skin defends itself is by creating pigment. If you are skeptical about the relationship between dark spots and the sun, consider the parts of your body that remain covered. These protected areas are rarely as pigmented as the rest of your skin. If these changes really did come from aging alone, you would have them evenly distributed all over your body. The Aging Effects Of The Sun Without protection from the sun, even a few minutes of exposure per day can cause the skin to prematurely age. Over time, the negative effects will be cumulative and highly visible. Sun damage usually presents itself as freckles, age spots, rough or leathery skin, and enlarged capillary blood vessels. Daily sun protection is critical to prevent photoaging and hyperpigmentation. Photoaging is a common term used by dermatologists in clinical practice. Simply put, it refers to aging caused by sun exposure rather than skin aging from genetic causes. The degree to which any individual experiences photoaging depends on their baseline skin tone, sun exposure history, and lifestyle habits. Individuals with fair skin typically show signs of photoaging earlier than those with dark skin. This is not to say dark-skinned individuals are immune to the negative effects of the sun. It simply takes more sun exposure to achieve the same degree of visible sun damage. Scientific research shows that with repeated sun exposure, the skin loses its ability to repair itself efficiently. Ultraviolet exposure is known to break down collagen and impact elastin, reducing the ability of the skin to spring back. In addition to affecting elasticity, the sun directly drives the overproduction of melanin that causes hyperpigmentation. Varieties Of Uneven Skin Tone Because of the popularity of tanning salons and accessible sun-filled vacations, sun damage is occurring at younger ages. Sun-related pigmentation is caused by the skin's continued exposure to the sun over many years. Here is a quick guide to help determine the difference between various forms of skin pigmentation. Freckles: Small light brown spots, usually less than half a centimeter in size. They can come and go, becoming more pronounced with exposure to the sun. Lentigo: Also known as liver spots, age spots, and sun spots. These lesions are flat and light to medium brown in color. They increase in number as you get older, most commonly on the face, hands, and chest. Unlike freckles, they do not fade with decreased sun exposure. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation: This is hyperpigmentation that develops after pimples, bug bites, and inflammation of the skin. These dark spots will stick around long after the initial inflammation has healed. Melasma: Brown patches that are often associated with hormonal changes. They appear on the cheeks, forehead, and around the lips when a woman is pregnant or taking hormone replacement pills. Melanoma: Like other forms of hyperpigmentation, melanoma often appears as dark spots on the skin. You can tell the difference by considering the ABCDEs of melanoma. Look for Asymmetry, uneven Borders, multiple Colours, a Diameter larger than 6 mm, and Evolution of the spot over time. PRO TIP: Keep in mind that the ABCDE method is only a general guide to spotting early stages of melanoma. Early medical detection is the best way to minimize risks to your health. Prevention And Treatment Options Before beginning any treatment, it is imperative to take measures to prevent further damage. Always avoid unprotected sun exposure by using a high SPF sunscreen. The best line of defense against photoaging is comprehensive sun protection, including avoiding deliberate tanning and peak sun hours. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and long sleeves during the day, keeping an awareness of exposed areas like the neck, feet, and ears. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen year-round with an SPF of 30 or higher. Sunscreen should be applied 20 minutes before going outside and reapplied after sweating or swimming. Treatment of uneven skin tone and dark spots is a challenge because of its stubborn and reoccurring nature. After sun protection, there are a variety of topical skin lightening agents and interventions that can be useful. The dermatological literature indicates that consistent use of targeted actives yields the best results. Azelaic acid: A naturally occurring acid that inhibits tyrosinase. Side effects can include redness, burning, scaling, and irritation. This agent may not be suitable for individuals with sensitive skin. Beta-Thujaplicin (Beta-T): An organic compound extracted from the Western Red Cedar tree native to British Columbia, Canada. It has proven natural antioxidant properties that help calm the inflammatory cascade. Beta-T may reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation by acting as a biological skin brightening agent. Feature Standard Products Riversol Anti-Aging Serum Key Ingredient Harsh acidic exfoliants Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate & Beta-T Formula pH Highly acidic Neutral pH Skin Sensation Stinging and burning Comfortable and calming Key Co-Active Drying alcohols Vitamin E The Riversol formula is uniquely suited for individuals who want to address hyperpigmentation but cannot tolerate standard harsh treatments. Best Anti-Aging Serum For Sensitive Skin: Riversol Anti-Aging Serum Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate and Beta-T in the Riversol Anti-Aging Serum deliver brightening results at a neutral pH, making it suitable for reactive and rosacea-prone skin. It is formulated specifically to help reduce dark spots without the stinging that typically accompanies active skincare. For sensitive skin seeking a brighter complexion, Riversol Anti-Aging Serum is formulated specifically to target discoloration while supporting the skin barrier. Interested in trying Riversol Anti-Aging Serum? Learn more Hydroquinone: A compound that inhibits the activity of tyrosinase. The highest concentration is most effective but may be irritating to some individuals. Very high concentrations may even result in paradoxical hyperpigmentation. Kojic acid: Blocks the production of pigment by binding to copper. This agent can be effective as a substitute for hydroquinone. Choosing the right active ingredient is essential for managing dark spots effectively. Tranexamic Acid: This compound has been clinically researched to lighten dark spots and balance skin tone across a variety of skin types. In recent years, it has been heavily utilized in the treatment of melasma and UV-induced hyperpigmentation. Niacinamide: Also known as Vitamin B3, this ingredient helps reduce hyperpigmentation and brighten tired skin by inhibiting the transfer of pigment-carrying melanosomes. In clinical trials, niacinamide has been shown to stabilize the skin barrier function. Retinol: Retinol increases the rate of cellular turnover, meaning that existing dark skin cells are shed to make way for new healthy cells. It also curbs the production of melanin. Light and Laser devices: Depending on the severity of the hyperpigmentation, devices using Intense Pulsed Light or Q-switched lasers can help remove unwanted pigment. It is always best to consult with a dermatologist to determine the safest form of treatment. Frequently Asked Questions Are Liver Spots Caused By Liver Disease? No, the term "liver spots" is a misnomer. These dark spots are officially known as solar lentigines and are entirely caused by long-term ultraviolet exposure from the sun. They have no medical connection to liver function or liver disease. Do Freckles Fade In The Winter? Yes, freckles generally fade or become significantly lighter during the winter months when UV index levels are lower. However, unlike freckles, deeper sun-related pigmentation like age spots will remain visible year-round without targeted treatment. Can Sensitive Skin Handle Hyperpigmentation Treatments? Many traditional hyperpigmentation treatments utilize highly acidic exfoliants that can trigger redness and stinging in sensitive skin. Formulations utilizing stabilized derivatives like Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate alongside calming agents like Hinokitiol allow reactive skin to tolerate these powerful actives safely. References American Academy of Dermatology. (2024). Sunscreen and Sun Protection Guidelines. aad.org. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. (2025). Mechanisms of UV-induced hyperpigmentation and photoaging. Dermatologic Surgery. (2024). Efficacy of topical tranexamic acid and niacinamide in melasma treatment. About Dr. Jason Rivers, MD Dr. Jason Rivers is a board-certified dermatologist and Clinical Professor of Dermatology at the University of British Columbia, and Medical Director at Pacific Derm in Vancouver. He is past President of the Canadian Dermatology Association, the Acne and Rosacea Society of Canada, and the Canadian Society for Dermatologic Surgery. Dr. Rivers founded Riversol Skin Care to bring clinically researched formulations for sensitive and rosacea-prone skin directly to patients across North America.

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The truth about taking care of your neck skin

The truth about taking care of your neck skin

Stop me if you’ve heard this one: you’ve been using that anti-aging cream since you turned 30, but you never noticed your neck – I mean, really noticed – until it was too late. So now your face looks great, but your neck… not so much. American journalist and filmmaker, Nora Ephron once wrote “Our faces are lies and our necks are the truth.” In her short essay,  I Feel Bad About My Neck ,Ephron shared all the trials, tribulations and travails those of us with necks endure. She was not wrong. At a certain age, many of us become self-conscious about the appearance of our necks. Though the face is often the first area we focus on when we get older, the neck is the place on our body that cannot hide the signs of aging. And because the skin on the neck is thinner and more delicate than, say, the skin on the face, factors such as sun exposure, weight fluctuations, and genetics can all contribute to wrinkles, sagging and age spots. The neck is often neglected in skincare routines and can result in a loss of elasticity and a "turkey neck" appearance, which many people find unattractive. So, it’s important to take care of your neck – just like you do your face – and establish a good skincare routine. Two Truths and A Lie You know that icebreaker game they sometimes make you play when you start a new job where you have to go around sharing two things that are true about yourself and one thing that’s a lie? Well, that’s sort of what is happening from your shoulders up… sorta. We often take the neck for granted until it’s too late since our neck isn’t always as visible as our faces. And much like our lack of neck skincare routines, the vast majority of folks probably don’t have neck makeup to hide the blemishes. You Are Not Alone We surveyed almost 3000 Riversol customers and we found out just how top-of-mind your neck really is. Most adults start noticing changes in their neck skin between 51 and 60 years (38.4%). Of note, only four people noticed their skin change after the age of 90! Those changes include saggy skin (38.9%), wrinkles and lines (36.4%), jowls (18%), neck and décolleté don’t match (5%), and the appearance of spots, acne and scars (4%). Interestingly, the vote on whether adults choose to hide their necks, either by wearing turtlenecks, scarves, or something else, was almost split down the middle with 44.3% of respondents saying that they do (yes) choose to hide their necks whenever possible. And the number one change that almost everyone (85.1%) would make to their neck is to smooth it out, tighten or firm their neck skin. More Than Just Skin-Deep Our necks need a different kind of attention to catch up and keep up with the care we’ve given our faces over the years. The skin on the neck is thinner and more delicate than the skin on the face, leading to a buildup of sun damage, making it more susceptible to wrinkles and sagging, and ultimately making it more difficult to hide the signs of aging on the neck, revealing one's true age. Meanwhile, under that epidermis, the muscles and ligaments in our necks are not as strong as those in our faces, so they require more targeted care to maintain elasticity and tone. I’ll Have What She’s Having Retinol is the active form of vitamin A and is praised for its anti-aging and anti-acne benefits. It works by increasing cell turnover and collagen production, which can help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots by smoothing out the skin. Retinol can also improve skin texture and elasticity, helping to even out skin tone, as well as even out pigmentation. And certain peptides can work wonders in conjunction with retinol. These peptides also help reduce the look of wrinkles and improve skin texture by increasing elasticity and leaving your skin feeling smoother. It’s important to use a product that is specifically formulated for the delicate skin on the neck, and to use it as directed, as retinol can cause irritation if used too often or in too high of a concentration. Using retinol in combination with sunscreen, moisturizer and other skincare products can also help prevent dryness or sun sensitivity. Retinol rejuvenates cell turnover to improve your skin’s texture and help wrinkles and fine lines fade away into the sunset. Cellular turnover can also stop the development of pimples and acne. It can help enlarged pores from getting clogged, which helps them appear smaller and gives your skin a smoother look. And retinol encourages your body to produce collagen faster, and collagen means firmer, healthier looking skin. Retinol evens out the skin tone by reducing dark spots and any discolouration. It restricts the production of melanin to prevent future dark spots from forming. Read Between the Fine Lines Everyone ages differently. That means there are different skincare routines for everyone. But one thing remains constant no matter your skin type, age, or where you fall in your skincare routine: it’s never too late to start caring for your neck skin. It’s important to protect your skin – all your skin – from the sun, moisturize regularly, and use products specifically formulated for the delicate skin on the neck and décolletage area.

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Embracing Our Aging Necks: Overcoming Insecurities

Embracing Our Aging Necks: Overcoming Insecurities

Images of seemingly perfect, ageless skin have led to unrealistic expectations and a fixation on physical appearance. From a young age, we’ve experienced the pressure to maintain an idyllic, youthful appearance by society’s standards, which is why people can be so uneasy about aging.   As adults, we feel varying levels of insecurity about our necks as we age; some may feel self-conscious while others may feel confident and embrace the signs of aging. Ultimately, how someone feels about their neck depends on the individual and the changes they experience with age and how they care for their skin on a daily basis. We Asked, You Answered We recently surveyed more than 3000 customers to find out how they truly feel about their necks. The results, though not surprising, reveal that society still needs to work on destigmatizing aging. There is a lack of awareness about what constitutes normal, healthy aging skin as well as a general lack of knowledge about how to care for the different skin on our faces and necks. Our survey also revealed that our customers have tried every type of treatment to take care of their changing necklines. From drinking more water, massages, facial yoga, diet and weight loss, to chemical peels, collagen supplements, micro-needling, laser treatments and even cosmetic surgery, the adults we surveyed have tried these (and other) regimens with varying levels of success. Still, 44.3% still feel insecure enough to cover up with turtlenecks or scarves. Aging Is For Everyone Though women are often thought of as having more insecurities than men, this survey revealed that men, non-binary and transgender individuals are also self-conscious about their necks and skin as they age. The neck is often one of the first areas of the body to show signs of aging, and this can lead to feelings of insecurity or dissatisfaction with one's appearance, so it’s not just reserved for women. Neck insecurities are similar amongst everyone, but there are still some differences in the specific concerns. For instance, societal expectations and cultural norms usually place more emphasis on a youthful appearance for women, while a more rugged, mature appearance may be seen as desirable for men. What’s In A Name? We also found that many people have nicknames for their necks. These lighthearted terms of endearment help us minimize the impact our aging neck skin has on us. Plus, who doesn’t love a good nickname? Do you have a nickname for your neck that’s not on this list? Share it in the comments or tag us on social media to join the conversation. Aging Is Just Another Word for Living Aging is a natural process and embracing our aging necks can be a challenge. The neck is often one of the first areas of our bodies to show signs of aging since it’s often overlooked in our daily skincare routines. Yet, accepting and embracing the signs of aging can be a liberating experience that helps us feel more confident in our own skin (literally). Our necks can make us feel insecure about our appearance but it's important to accept that our physical appearance reflects our life experiences. Make sure to take care of your skin and neck with treatments, creams, and serums specifically designed to target signs of aging. And maybe come up with a fun nickname for the parts of your body to make it a little more… fun! About the survey Riversol surveyed more than 3000 customers in December 2022 about their necks. Here are the demographics:

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How Does Your Sleep Change with Age?

How Does Your Sleep Change with Age?

Sleep is a basic and fundamental aspect of human health and wellbeing, affecting everything from cognitive function to mood to overall physical health. As we age, however, our sleep patterns and habits can change in many ways. For many, aging can mean changes in how well and how long we sleep, which can impact our overall health and wellbeing.   There are a few stages involved in the sleep cycle. The first stages are dreamless periods of light and deep sleep, and then you move into some periods of active dreaming (known as REM sleep – not to be confused with the 90s rock band). We repeat these stages several times throughout the night. Of course, as you get older your sleep patterns change. It’s harder to fall asleep and you wake up more often during the night or earlier in the morning. Not the REM we’re talking about… This is REM the 90s rock band. The transition between sleeping and waking up is also quite abrupt, making older people feel like they are lighter sleepers than when they were younger. On average, older people wake up a few times per night and are more aware of being awake. This is because they tend to spend less time in deep sleep. Other reasons for waking up at night include needing to use the bathroom (nocturia), anxiety, discomfort or pain from long-term illnesses. The Progression of Sleep as You Age A 2017 study published in the Sleep Medicine Clinics reviewed sleep in normal aging and found that as you get older, your sleeping patterns tend to change, even if you're otherwise healthy. This includes things like going to bed earlier, sleeping for shorter periods, taking more daytime naps, and waking up more during the night. Unfortunately, older folks also tend to have less deep sleep, which makes things like falling asleep and staying asleep more challenging. Most of these changes happen between young adulthood and middle age, but even healthy older adults can have trouble sleeping. Plus, the way your body regulates sleep hormones and your circadian rhythms can get less effective with age, too. Even so, many healthy seniors don't experience too many problems with sleeping. If you're an older adult and having trouble sleeping, there could be a few different reasons why. It could be due to a health condition, a mental health problem, or even just changes in your daily routine. Whatever the cause, it's important to get enough sleep, especially since poor sleep can lead to other health problems and reduce your quality of life How Does Getting Older Affect Your Sleep? There are four main ways in which our sleep can be affected by our age. We take more daytime naps About 25% of older adults take naps, which is significantly more than the 8% of younger adults who nap, according to research. Some experts recommend a brief daytime nap, but many agree that prolonged napping and napping in the later part of the day can interfere with falling asleep at night and cause disruptions in nighttime sleep. We wake up more often at night Researchers have found that changes in the pattern of how you cycle through different sleep stages occur as people age. And seniors usually spend more time in lighter stages of sleep and less time in deeper stages, which causes less restful sleep because they are continually waking up. As a result, they may wake up more often during the night. Our sleep schedule slowly changes As we get older, our body's internal clock (you might have heard it called your circadian rhythm) shifts forward in time, causing what's known as a phase advance. This can make older adults feel tired earlier in the afternoon and wake up earlier in the morning. It takes us longer to recover from changes in our sleep schedule Changes in the regulation of the circadian rhythm can make it harder for older individuals to adapt to rapid changes in their sleep patterns, such as during daylight saving time or while traveling abroad, resulting in difficulties in sleeping. Common Sleep Problems as You Age Not getting enough sleep regularly can really affect your day-to-day life and make things feel pretty crappy (amiright?). If this is you, you’re not alone. And according to researchers, as many as 40% to 70% of older adults are thought to have long-term sleep problems, with almost half of cases not even diagnosed. Daytime drowsiness Feeling tired during the day is NOT part of getting older. Actually, only about 20% of seniors experience daytime sleepiness. This can be a symptom of a deeper problem, such as sleep apnea, problems with your memory or even your heart. If that’s the case, it’s important to see your family doctor for advice. Insomnia One of the most common sleep problems for seniors is having a tough time falling or staying asleep. Insomnia can be caused by a few different things and can be really frustrating to experience. Nocturia Raise your hand if you have to wake up a few times a night just to go to the bathroom. This is called nocturia and is more common than you think. Up to 80% of older adults might have to deal with this issue, which can make it tough to get a good night's sleep. Pain Some older adults might not get enough rest because they feel uncomfortable or have pain. Unfortunately, not getting enough sleep can sometimes make the pain even worse, which can then make it harder to sleep - it's a pretty nasty cycle. That's why it's important to chat with a doctor if you're experiencing pain that's keeping you from getting a good night's rest. 4 Dos and 4 Don’ts to Get Better Sleep (No Matter Your Age) Do Exercise is always recommended no matter your age, keep the last three hours before bed for relaxation instead. Bedtime snacks can encourage rest, such as warm milk or chamomile (decaf) tea. Your bed should only be used for sleep (and sex). Speak with your family doctor to see if any of your medications could be affecting your sleep. Don't Don’t take naps during the day, if you can. Don’t watch TV or use your computer/smartphone when you’re in bed. Don’t take stimulants like caffeine for at least three or four hours before bed. Caffeine can be a sneaky substance and lurks in some teas, colas, and even chocolate. Don’t smoke (tobacco) before you go to bed. So, How Much Sleep SHOULD You Get? The National Sleep Foundation published a sleep duration recommendations report for nine different age groups, based on other research they collected. Newborn (0-3 months) 14-17 hours Infant (4-12 months) 12-16 hours per 24 hours (including naps) Toddler (1-2 years) 11-14 hours per 24 hours (including naps) Preschool (3-5 years) 10-13 hours per 24 hours (including naps) School age (6-12 years) 9-12 hours per 24 hours Teen (13-18 years) 8-10 hours per 24 hours Adult (18-60 years) 7+ hours per night Older adult (61-64 years) 7-9 hours Senior (65+ years) 7-8 hours Sweet Dreams Understanding how sleep changes as we age is essential to promote better health and wellbeing in our later years. With age, changes in our sleep patterns can impact not only our energy levels but also our overall physical and mental health. It’s important to recognize the factors that can affect sleep in later life, including circadian rhythm alterations, medical conditions, and sleep disorders. By staying aware of these changes, older adults can make informed decisions about their sleep habits and take steps to address any sleep-related issues. Improving sleep quality and duration is essential to living your best life. ************************** NOTE: While the content on the Riversol blog aims to inform, it is not intended to replace medical advice or the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional. If you suspect that you are experiencing a sleep disorder or any other medical condition, please contact your family doctor.

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