Skin-lightening products are sure to be in high demand in a world where fairness is equated with attractiveness. It's critical to comprehend how these creams function before purchasing a product that claims to make you fair and attractive. The condition known as hyperpigmentation, which is brought on by an increase in the production of the colouring pigment "melanin," results in a dark skin tone. The skin-lightening products limit the synthesis of melanin in different ways. Hence, aiding in the balancing of the skin tone and minimising dark spots and imperfections.
The Best Ingredients To Look For
Having fair skin has been the gold standard for beauty for ages. With several products claiming to lighten your skin in a record time, you will be left confused as to what would be the right product to choose. Read along to learn about the various ingredients in skin-lightening creams and how they work, so that you choose something that suits your skin best and works optimally for you.
- Tranexamic Acid
- This ingredient has gained immense popularity in recent times. It works to lighten your skin by reducing dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Tranexamic acid works by inhibiting the transfer of melanin within the skin. This helps to lighten the skin tone in the dark areas and gives smooth even-toned skin.
- Niacinamide
- Commonly known as Vitamin B3, niacinamide is a versatile agent that has multiple benefits to offer. Niacinamide inhibits the transfer of melanin, the colour pigment, into the surface of the skin. This effectively lightens the dark spots, age spots, freckles, and sun damage. As a result, you get clean, even-toned skin. Niacinamide has cooling and soothing effects on skin that is irritated and inflamed. It is an excellent choice for people with sensitive skin, who are prone to sunburns and get freckles easily.
- Alpha Arbutin
- A recent find, alpha arbutin is gaining more and more popularity due to its effectiveness and low rate of side-effects. Alpha arbutin is derived from the bearberry plant. It works by inhibiting the enzyme Tyrosinase, which is a crucial enzyme involved in the process of melanin synthesis. Alpha arbutin works wonderfully to reduce the hyperpigmentation of your skin and gives results minus the side effects.
- Hydroquinone
- This is a very potent depigmenting agent that targets the enzyme responsible for the production of melanin. It is available over-the-counter in low doses. Higher doses require a prescription as hydroquinone use requires clinical monitoring as the side effects of this product can be distressing.
- Kojic Acid
- This agent is obtained from a specific type of fungi. It inhibits the synthesis of melanin pigments. Kojic acid works wonders for spot reduction of hyperpigmented skin, as in dark spots, melasma and age spots. When used in combination with other topical agents, kojic acid gives excellent results.
- Vitamin C
- Ascorbic Acid, commonly known as Vitamin C, is a powerful antioxidant agent. It inhibits the production of melanin in the skin. This makes vitamin C a wonderful skin-lightening and depigmenting agent. Vitamin C is a common ingredient in almost all creams that work for skin lightening and brightening.
- Licorice Root Extract
- Liquorice root extract has an active agent present in it, called glabridin. This glabridin is responsible for interfering in the synthesis of melanin. It neutralises the action of tyrosinase enzymes. Licorice root extract is a wonderful ingredient for treating hyperpigmented, dark, uneven skin tone.
- Retinoids
- Retinoids are primarily used for their anti-ageing benefits. However, their action on the cells causes exfoliation and an increase in cell production. This can lead to the clearing off of the hyperpigmented cells and in their place fresh cells turn up. This gives a fresh, bright and even-toned look to your face.
- Glycolic Acid
- This is a type of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps in exfoliation. Exfoliation is a process where the dead and damaged cells of the upper layer of the skin are scrubbed off, revealing fresh cells beneath. Glycolic acid-containing products are useful for skin that is mildly hyperpigmented with few dark spots.
- Azelaic Acid
- This is a medicinal agent derived from grains. It has anti-inflammatory as well as depigmenting properties. This makes azelaic acid the medicine of choice for skin lightening and hyperpigmentation in people with sensitive, inflamed skin.
- Mulberry Extract
- Derived from the mulberry plant, the mulberry extract contains an active ingredient called arbutin. Arbutin is known for its skin-lightening properties. Products containing mulberry extracts work by lowering the production of melanin by inhibiting the action of tyrosinase.
Effective Skin Whitening Treatments
Utilising efficient skin-lightening procedures that are customised to each patient's demands and skin issues is frequently necessary to get brighter, more radiant skin. These are a few of the most effective and well-liked choices:
- Chemical Peels- Chemical peels with glycolic, lactic, or salicylic acid as active ingredients can efficiently exfoliate the skin, minimising the appearance of uneven skin tone, hyperpigmentation, and dark spots. Skin that receives regular treatments might look brighter, smoother, and more evenly toned.
- Laser Treatments- Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy and fractional laser resurfacing are two examples of laser treatments that target hyperpigmented regions and increase collagen formation. Dark spots, melasma, and other types of hyperpigmentation can be efficiently lightened by these procedures, giving the skin a brighter, more radiant appearance.
- Microneedling- Controlled micro-injuries are made to the skin with microneedling, which also stimulates the creation of collagen and encourages skin rejuvenation. Microneedling is an efficient treatment for hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone because it can increase the penetration of lightening agents when used in conjunction with topical serums or medicines.
- Topical Medications- For the treatment of obstinate hyperpigmentation and melasma, prescription-strength topical therapies with substances like hydroquinone, tretinoin, or corticosteroids can be quite beneficial. These drugs function by preventing the synthesis of melanin and encouraging the turnover of skin cells, which eventually results in skin tone that is lighter and more uniform.
Role Of Glutathione In Skin Whitening
Because of its strong antioxidant qualities, glutathione has significance in skin whitening. Glutathione is the body's primary antioxidant, helping to prevent the synthesis of melanin in the skin, lessen oxidative stress, and neutralise free radicals. Glutathione can improve uneven skin tone, black patches, and hyperpigmentation by controlling the synthesis of melanin. This will leave your complexion looking lighter and more vibrant. Furthermore, glutathione encourages the body's detoxification systems to get rid of toxins and other impurities that can cause skin to become dull and discoloured. Topical formulations containing glutathione can also offer specific benefits when applied directly to the skin, but oral and intravenous glutathione supplements are routinely utilised for skin whitening. Glutathione can be added to skincare regimens to produce a more radiant and even complexion, improving the general health and appearance of the skin. To guarantee safety and effectiveness, it is imperative to speak with a dermatologist before beginning any supplementation programme.
Kosmoderma’s C Brite Vitamin C Serum
This is a specially formulated serum for skin brightening, enriched with extracts of Amla. With the help of potent active antioxidants including ferulic acid and L-ascorbic acid, Kosmoderma's Vitamin C Serum shields your skin from UV-induced free radical damage. The sodium hyaluronate present in the serum hydrates and evens out the skin. This dermatologically tested serum is highly effective and well-suited to all skin types.
