Brighten and Lighten are two words that are entirely different. Therefore, don’t make the mistake of using them similarly. Hence, the products for each are also not the same.
How to Lighten Your Skin
Skin lightening is a cosmetic technique used to obtain an even skin tone. It works by reducing or controlling the amount of melanin in your skin.
Here you have the main products used to reduce melanin production and lighten your skin:
- Kojic Acid: It improves pigmentation, has antibacterial and antifungal properties. As a result, it is part of almost all lightening products. However, you should be careful as this can cause skin burning and contact dermatitis.
- Mushroom Extract: Mushrooms are rich in antioxidants and vitamin D; they also contain kojic acid and reduce pigmentation and irritation.
- Retinoids: Reduce pigmentation caused by sun exposure together with fine lines and wrinkles.
- Licorice Root: Contains glabridin, an ingredient in charge of inhibiting the enzyme that produces pigmentations when the skin is exposed to sunlight.
- Vitamin C: As an antioxidant protects the skin against free radicals and inhibits melanin production.
- Arbutin: Can be used in sensitive skin and improves acne scarring.
How to Brighten your skin
Brightening your skin means improving dull skin leading to “glowing”.
Here you have the main ingredients used to enhance your skin glow:
- Retinoids: Exfoliates to a cellular level giving noticeable results.
- Vitamin C: This antioxidant acts in the skin regeneration process, helping to repair skin damage.
- AHA: AHA increases other product’s absorption, increases circulation, removes dead skin cells, and brightens the skin.
- BHA: BHA like salicylic acid or betaine salicylate are able to penetrate the pores removing oil, bacteria, and dirt. You can use this for its calming properties.
- Fruit Enzymes: fruits like papaya, pineapple, strawberry, cherry
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