You might have wondered what the term skin brightening actually means several times. It often gets misunderstood. Skin brightening does not mean changing skin colour. Skin brightening actually restores the natural glow of skin, improves uneven skin tone caused by dark spots, acne marks and pollution. It also reduces skin dullness. Therefore it does alter the skin colour but enhances the natural glow. A healthy and glowing skin is the idea of skin brightening.
To achieve a brightened skin tone you do not need to use products with heavy ingredients. Modern skincare has shifted from harsh chemicals to skin friendly ingredients that along with performing the desired action, nurtures the skin also. They use safe ingredients that do not breach the skin, cause irritation or redness on the skin. A skin brightening cream that deals with uneven skin tone without leaving the skin irritated and dry.
Ever wonder why our skin looks dull and uneven
The skin might start to look dull and uneven with time. This happens because of the following:
- Loss of hydration: The skin gets flaky and dry when dehydration occurs in the skin. The skin starts to appear flat and the skin loses its natural glow.
- Dead skin cells accumulation: Our skin is shedding dead skin cells naturally. It is when this process gets slowed down, dead skin cells get accumulated on the skin which makes it appear dull.
- Increase in melanin production: The skin generally gets more exposure to sunlight, acne and inflammation. It often leads to change in regulated melanin levels. This increased melanin can ultimately cause skin pigmentation and dark spots.
- Skin barrier disruption: When the skin barrier gets damaged then it causes the skin to usually get exposed to harsh factors. It leads to skin discomfort such as dryness, irritation and unevenness of the skin texture.
- Environmental factors: There is exposure to dust, pollution and UV rays on a daily basis when you step out. It makes the skin appear dull and darkened eventually.
The approach behind skin brightening creams
- Pigmentation reduction: Melanin is majorly responsible for skin pigmentation and an enzyme called tyrosinase. Skin brightening creams bind to the enzyme tyrosinase and stop its working. Brightening agents restrict melanin secretion to the top skin layer and stop it from settling down.
- Skin renewal: Brightening creams clear out the dead skin cells build up that cause skin pigmentation. It speeds up the dead skin shedding process and clears the build up.
- Anti-oxidant activity: There are anti-oxidants present in skin brightening creams. They help in removing the free radicals created by pollution, UV rays and environmental damage. It also reduces the dullness due to pollution and sunlight.
- Skin hydration: Skin brightening creams promote natural skin hydration and plumps the flattened skin. They provide natural glow along with hydration.
If a skin brightening cream performs such functions and enhances even skin tone with time it must be the best face cream for glowing skin.
Ingredients that work efficiently
- Niacinamide (vitamin B3): It is an antioxidant which works wonderfully on the skin. It does by blocking the pathway of melanin (pigmenting agent). This prevents melanin from reaching the skin surface. It works to help repair the skin barrier function and promotes natural skin glow. It helps in getting an even skin tone.
- Liposomal tranexamic acid: It is a liposomal microsphere so it penetrates deep into the skin and helps in clearing out dark spots efficiently. It has a long term action that gives a long lasting action. It is very suitable for melasma prone skin.
- Alpha arbutin: It is a plant derived ingredient which makes it a much safer ingredient than harsh chemicals. It slows down the pigmentation process and fades dark spots, acne marks and melasma affected skin.
How to use a skin cream for getting an even tone?
- Firstly cleanse your face properly using a cleanser.
- Pat dry your face.
- Now take a pea sized amount of product and apply on areas with pigmentation and dark spots.
- Massage gently with your fingers. Let the cream get absorbed well.
- If your product consists of ingredients like niacinamide, alpha arbutin or liposomal tranexamic acid. It is recommended to be used in the morning routine.
- Always use sunscreen while moving out for protection.
Suitability
The product containing skin brightening ingredients is suitable for:
- Women dealing with hormonal pigmentation
- Individuals having sunburn spots
- Men with post shave acne spots
- People with uneven skin tone
The need to avoid harsh chemicals
- Chemicals like hydroquinone are recommended not to be used because these ingredients may cause permanent skin pigmentation turning them into darkish blue or black toned skin with prolonged use.
- Harsh chemicals often breach the skin layer and can cause skin irritation in individuals.
- Aggressive bleaching agents can cause skin barrier damage and makes skin more prone to infections.
- Harsh chemicals can even lead to burning sensation on the skin.
- Toxic compounds like mercury can cause nervous system damage, chemical poisoning and more.
- Harsh chemicals cause skin dryness and leave behind flaky skin texture.
Key takeaway
For achieving a naturally radiant and even skin you need not to depend on products with harsh chemicals that alter the skin balance and cause reactions. Skin brightening creams don’t change the skin color but correct the uneven and dull skin tone and brings out the natural tone of skin. You just need to understand the right ingredients.
Look out for the functions of an ingredient and check for its safety for your own benefit. Using a product that contains safe ingredients is better than depending on immediate whitening creams that only claim to change the skin tone. Choose a dermatologically tested product. Following the routine properly and using products reasonably gives you the best results.