Are you looking to brighten your dull skin but do not know where to start? We have broken down some of the best brightening ingredients to add into your skincare routine. Say goodbye to unwanted hyperpigmentation and say hello to bright, glowing skin.
Starting off with vitamin C, this ingredient is one of the best known brightening ingredients. It is a potent antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals. It helps your body repair damaged skin cells, making your skin healthy and bright. Vitamin C also works to block tyrosinase, an enzyme your body uses to produce melanin. It is able to fade brown spots and prevent new spots from appearing. Your skin is able to absorb vitamin C best in the form of a serum. The effectiveness of vitamin C increases effectiveness when paired with vitamin E and ferulic acid. Our Soyier Skin Melange Antioxydant: Vitamin C, E & Ferulic Acid Blend Serum is a fan favorite. Daily use of this potent cocktail counters the aging process by enhancing the rate of collagen production, scavenging free radicals, reversing hyperpigmentation, and diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Kojic acid is naturally derived as it is a byproduct of the fermentation of certain types of fungi. It works similarly to vitamin C as it inhibits tyrosinase enzymes. Kojic acid works well in combination as well as alone and can be used as an alternative to hydroquinone.
Licorice extract is filled with a variety of beneficial compounds that make it a great skin brightening product. Licorice extract also minimizes the production of tyrosinase to combat discoloration and inhibit the production of dark spots. Licorice contains liquiritin which is an active compound that removes existing melanin in the skin.
Niacinamide is another brightening ingredient that is also great for hydration, fighting premature aging, and treating acne. It can be used both morning and night and is great for sensitive skin. It works well to treat hyperpigmentation, especially in conjunction with antioxidants like vitamin C.
Hydroquinone used to be the go to lightening ingredient, but it is now considered to be carcinogenic by the FDA. Hydroquinone bleaches your skin by decreasing the amount of melanocyte in your skin. It is used to treat acne scarring, age spots, melasma, and other skin conditions related to hyperpigmentation. It works best on lighter skin tones as it can increase darkness in darker skin tones.
Reducing hyperpigmentation can take time, and it is important to stay consistent with an effective brightening ingredient. Results can be seen over a few months as dark spots will begin to fade. With all brightening ingredients, it is important to wear sunscreen consistently. Brightening ingredients can make you more susceptible to sun damage.
