What is Skin Brightening?

What is Skin Brightening?

Skin brightening is something that most people aspire to achieve in recent times. Due to exposure to harmful UV rays from the sun, as well as the devices we use, our lifestyle, and several other factors, our skin may start looking dull and lack luster and radiance. To deal with this, more and more people are preferring skincare ingredients that contain skin brightening elements. Skin brightening typically means to increase the radiance or vibrancy of the skin. If one's skin feels dull, they will want to make it more radiant.

The Science Behind Skin Brightening

Two major reasons for the skin to lack radiance and need brightening are the presence of pigmentation and overall dullness of the skin. The first can be caused by increased melanin production, UV exposure, etc. Dullness, however, can be due to the extended effects of the first issue as well as lifestyle habits and genetics. In either case, limiting melanin production, evening out the skin tone, and giving a boost of antioxidants are the scientific processes involved in achieving skin brightening.

Common Skin Concerns Addressed by Brightening

Some of the most common concerns addressed by brightening are hyperpigmentation, dullness, uneven skin tone, dark spots, acne marks, and lack of radiance, etc.

Brightening versus Whitening

Skin brightening products work towards bringing your skin back to its original healthy state, with respect to complexion, skin tone, and texture. 'Whitening' products are more about making your face several shades lighter. That means these products lighten the darker skin tone by reducing the concentration of melanin in your skin. These products will undergo chemical procedures and processes to reduce the melanin in your skin, disturbing the natural balance. On the other hand, the skin brightening process is gentler to the skin. It fades marks, dullness, and targets the skin damage that has occurred in a specific area. Skin brightening also heals your skin and evens out the skin tone by providing nourishment.

Key Ingredients in Skin Brightening Products

Some of the key ingredients in skin brightening are:

• Vitamin C: This is the most well-known general skin brightening agent. Additionally, Vitamin C has antioxidants that help fight free radical damage and boost collagen production, aiding in anti-aging.
• Niacinamide: Another well-known ingredient, this helps in healing acne scars and improving skin texture.
• Alpha Arbutin: To lighten dark spots and hyperpigmentation, alpha arbutin, tranexamic acid, and other great actives, especially for sensitive skin, are effective when combined with Vitamin C, Niacinamide, etc.

The Role of Exfoliation in Skin Brightening

Apart from the listed key ingredients, other important elements that play a pivotal role in skin brightening are exfoliants like AHA, BHA, etc. Exfoliation boosts the skin's radiance in a completely different and beneficial way. It helps in cell turnover, making the skin look more radiant and glowing. Therefore, regular exfoliation keeps the skin fresh and healthy by removing dead, dry, or dying skin cells.

Sun Protection and Skin Brightening

Sun protection is an extremely important step in skincare, especially if you want to achieve bright skin. No matter what actives and exfoliants you apply or use, unless you use a good SPF to follow it up in the AM routine, the results of skin brightening would be null. Thus, a good SPF that gives sun protection is important and should be applied and reapplied.

Natural Approaches to Skin Brightening

Some of the key natural approaches to skin brightening include adopting a healthier lifestyle and consuming foods high in Vitamin C, Collagen, and other antioxidants, either in the form of supplements or food. Lemon and turmeric are also said to have skin brightening properties, both topically and when consumed.

Clinical Procedures for Skin Brightening

From laser treatments to bleaching, there are several skin brightening procedures available. However, most of them may not be safe for sensitive skin and could have stronger, adverse effects. Therefore, it is advisable to stick to using skin brightening skincare and exfoliants like glycolic peel pads, etc.

Incorporating Skin Brightening into Your Skincare Routine

There are two ways to incorporate skin brightening into your skincare routine. One is to do a weekly or bi-weekly exfoliation using at-home skin peels, like glow-to-go glycolic acid peel pads. The second way is to include actives like Vitamin C, Collagen, etc., in your daily skincare routine in the form of serums. Finally, do not forget to use sun protection.

Read More:

• The Power of Skin Brightening Ingredients
• What Does Brightening Serum Do?