If you have hyperpigmented skin or are dealing with an uneven skin tone, it's likely that your skin has been overproducing melanin. Melanin is produced by the body to protect the skin from sun damage, and the amount of melanin you produce naturally typically depends on your complexion and heritage. Some people are predisposed to developing freckles, age spots, and experience hyperpigmentation after trauma to the skin more readily than others. If this sounds like you, you'll need to seek out skin care products that work to decrease melanin production and brighten up your skin tone.
Types of Products That Decrease Melanin Production
The most readily available product that can decrease melanin production is hydroquinone. Unlike harsh bleaching agents that can cause all sorts of adverse reactions on the skin, hydroquinone works to lighten the skin by preventing the production of melanocytes, the melanin-producing cells located on the bottom layer of the skin's epidermis, so that the skin doesn't become darker. Products such as the DDF Fade Gel 4 Hydroquinone 2% Skin Lightening Gel, $58.50, on Amazon.com, contain hydroquinone and kojic acid, as well as glycolic acid, which helps the product sink deeper into the cells.
Hydroquinone products typically contain between 2% and 4% of the compound. The lower concentrations are available over the counter, while the higher concentrations are available by prescription only. It's important to keep in mind that hydroquinone can irritate the skin and may have adverse side-effects when it's used with other prescription-strength products.
Another ingredient that helps to decrease melanin production and lightens the skin is arbutin. Pure forms of arbutin can be very effective for treating sun-damaged skin and freckles. If you tend to get sun spots quickly, using products with arbutin may reduce the chances of developing hyperpigmented patches of skin and will keep your skin looking clear.
Kojic acid is often labeled as a "natural" skin-lightening agent because it is derived from a fungus. This skin lightening ingredient can be an effective alternative to hydroquinone in some people. If you have a negative reaction to hydroquinone, you may still enjoy some skin-lightening benefits by using products that contain kojic acid.
3 comments:
The effectiveness of skin care ingredient depends upon its type of usage.
Skin Lightening
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