Skincare is the answer to many of our late prayers. With a couple of cleansers and serums, skin issues that seem to vanish in weeks!
From acne to melasma to hyperpigmentation, you can find a possible solution with the right products under the watchful eyes of a licensed dermatologist.
One very rampant skin issue most people are dealing with is hyperpigmentation. This relates to patches of discolouration that may appear on the skin. This could be due to acne, melasma or sun exposure.
Source: Dr Dray
Top Ten Safe Skin Lightening Agents
If you are experiencing hyperpigmentation, there is no cause for alarm. With the help of a good dermatologist, you should find just the right lightening agent for you. Thankfully, there are quite several agents to choose from;
1. Kojic Acid: Kojic acid is considered the strongest of the hyperpigmentation avengers. It can stop melanin production by stopping the action of the enzyme tyrosinase. In other words, kojic acid is a tyrosinase inhibitor.
With tyrosinase inhibited, melanin cannot act, thereby causing skin lightening. Its ability to stop melanin formation places it up there in the skin-lightening game
2. Alpha Arbutin: Alpha Arbutin is the best of all the Arbutins. An example of an effective alpha arbutin product would be Tiam Vita B3, which contains a percentage of alpha arbutin and niacinamide (Vitamin B).
3. Beta Arbutin: This is not considered the best arbutin but is still effective. Arbutin is produced from bearberry, cranberry and blueberry. It fights off skin discolouration by preventing tyrosinase production in the system.
4. Mulberry: This is an equally effective lightening agent.
5. Azelaic acid: This is an effective lightening agent. Like the rest of its counterparts, it is also a tyrosinase inhibitor.
6. Licorice root: This is perfect for lessening the effects of sunburn. It also helps with discolouration by stopping melanin production.
7. Vitamin A: The almighty retinol. This helps with skin cell turnover, revealing healthier, better-looking skin.
8. Niacinamide: Ordinarily known as Vita B3, it reduces melanin production; however, it may not be as effective as the others.
9. Hydroquinone: This is not the most liked lightening product due to its many side effects. However, side effects should be pleasing if you respect the dosage administered to you by the doctor.
10. Vitamin C: Known for its anti-ageing and antioxidant properties. It is one of the safest ways to brighten your skin.
NB: Please realize that you should not use any skin-lightening product to treat your hyperpigmentation without a dermatologist’s prescription. You can try over-the-counter versions but only purchase products with high percentages with your doctor’s knowledge.
There are many skin-lightening agents, but the choice is not yours alone. Ensure you contact a doctor to help you make the right choice.
