Contents
Age spots, freckles, uneven complexion – are you familiar with them firsthand? Then just for you: helpful tips on how to get rid of imperfections and maintain the result with the best, according to the Healthy-Food team, brightening creams and serums.
What is a whitening cream and what is it for?
Cosmetologists call pigmentation pronounced darkening in some areas of the skin caused by excessive production of melanin. The reasons may be different:
genetic;
endocrine;
physical;
medicinal (chemical);
inflammatory.
It has been scientifically proven that age spots can be located in the epidermis, dermis and on their border. The result of the correction depends on the depth and degree of accumulation of melanin pigment: the deeper and denser, the more difficult it is to get rid of spots.
A brightening cream will help reduce the intensity of pigmentation.
Special products are often used to maintain the effect after professional cosmetic whitening procedures, which include:
chemical peels;
mesotherapy;
phototherapy (IPL systems);
phonophoresis.
Gained great popularity in recent years plasma therapy – injections of the patient’s own blood plasma enriched with platelets and growth factors.
Whitening face creams usually contain acids such as glycolic, salicylic, fruit acids. Experts advise using these funds in the period from October to April, when the sun is not too active.
In the summer, the main recommendation is to limit exposure to the open sun, because it is ultraviolet rays that increase pigmentation and cause new spots to appear.
Answer our quiz to find out which cosmetic procedure you need.
Whitening cream ingredients
The main ingredients of brightening formulas are plant extracts and acids.
plant extracts
Citrus
Lemon juice and orange peel are natural whitening ingredients. They also contain a large amount of vitamin C, which stimulates the production of collagen, which is responsible for skin elasticity. Getting to the surface of the epidermis, vitamin C reduces the activity of melanocytes – cells that produce the pigment melanin.
Liquorice root
The juice of this plant in Chinese medicine was used to treat skin diseases. In the early 1990s, Japanese scientists discovered glabridin in licorice, a substance that can absorb UVA and UVB ultraviolet rays, as well as provide an excellent brightening effect. A little later, a few more properties of licorice root extract were discovered – to make the skin smoother, to remove redness.
bearberry leaves
One of the most popular ingredients in the cosmetic world. Bearberry leaf extract contains alpha-arbutin, which can lighten freckles and age spots.
Indian gooseberry
The extract of this plant is rich in antioxidants, including vitamin C. These substances protect skin cells from oxidative stress, thereby slowing down the aging process and preventing the appearance of pigmentation.
acids
Salicylic acid accelerates the processes of skin exfoliation, reduces the severity of age spots.
Glycolic acid has exfoliating and whitening properties, helps to reduce pigmentation and rejuvenate the skin.
ferulic acid helps fight free radicals, increases the activity of vitamin C – the most active component in whitening cosmetics.
Alpha hydroxy acids (fruit, milk) have an exfoliating effect, can be used to remove the upper pigmented layer of the skin.
Ellagic acid normalizes excessive synthesis of melanin in the skin.
kojic acid – white crystalline powder, which is obtained by microbiological synthesis. Reduces the production of tyrosinase – the enzyme responsible for the synthesis of melanin. It also works as an antioxidant and is suitable even for sensitive skin.
For a long time in Japan, kojic acid was used as a natural alternative. hydroquinone – a popular bleaching chemical component that is toxic and is not used in Europe and many other countries, including Russia.
Other components
Retinol (vitamin A) promotes skin regeneration.
Vitamin C regulates the synthesis of melanin, is a powerful antioxidant, stimulates the production of collagen in the skin.
ferulic acid as an antioxidant, it prevents oxidative processes, fights hyperpigmentation and prevents its appearance.
When using a brightening cream, do not forget about sun protection.
How to use
The rules for using whitening products for the face largely depend on their format.
Creams and serums based on glycolic and salicylic acids, as well as retinol, it is better to apply at night. During the day they can be used in the autumn-winter period, when solar activity is reduced. And in any case, use sunscreen.
Whitening masks with the same components, apply a thick layer – preferably before bedtime. Use no more than 1-2 times a week to avoid irritation.
Peeling with glycolic acid (for home use) it is recommended to do 1-2 times a week.
Serums with natural botanical ingredients, apply in the morning after cleansing.
Restrictions on use
Before you start looking for a whitening cream, we strongly recommend that you consult with a cosmetologist or dermatologist. Otherwise, there is a high risk of skin irritation or not achieving the desired effect. The specialist will prescribe you a course of brightening procedures that need to be carried out in the autumn-winter period, and tell you which products are suitable for your skin type.
Creams, serums and lotions for pigmentation should be used for a course of at least 3 months, combining them with professional procedures.
Funds overview
In our selection – brightening agents that are worth paying attention to. The best, according to the editors of Healthy-Food.
Antioxidant serum for oily and normal skin Phloretin CF, SkinCeuticals
The product contains a shock dose of antioxidants, as well as L-ascorbic and ferulic acids, which have brightening properties. Apply four to five drops of serum on cleansed skin in the morning. Already after four weeks of regular use, you will notice that age spots have become lighter, and the skin is more elastic and toned. A prerequisite is the parallel use of a cream with SPF 30 or 50.
Highly effective anti-hyperpigmentation cream Advanced Pigment Corrector, SkinCeuticals
The duo of salicylic and ellagic acids, together with yeast extract, reduce excessive melanin production and reduce the severity of age spots, including those that appeared a long time ago. It is recommended to use the product twice a day, spreading over the entire skin of the face and then applying locally to age spots. In the long term – radiance and even skin tone.
Cicaplast Baume B5, SPF 50, La Roche-Posay Revitalizing Soothing Spot Prevention
The soothing balm contains 5% panthenol and madecassoside, both of which speed up the skin’s repair process and have an anti-inflammatory effect. Use it after cosmetic procedures such as hard peels, or in case of busting with sunbathing – the formula will reduce the risk of pigmentation.
Moisturizing gel for an even tone and smooth skin texture Clearly Corrective Brightening and Smoothing Moisture Treatment, Kiehl’s
A trio of active ingredients work here: vitamin C, glycolic acid, peony extract. To the delight of owners of oily and combination skin, the gel does not leave a feeling of stickiness and excess shine. Within a month, the skin will become smoother, and the spots – a tone lighter.