Cleopatra’s ‘Milk and Honey’ bath, Yang Guifei(one of the four most beautiful women in Ancient China)’s Eggplants and Hwang Jin-Yi (one of the two most beautiful women in Korean history)’s Rice Water – these beauty secrets are for targeting uneven skin tone & pigmentation.
What’s your skincare regime or secret for whitening? This topic was the one of long-term(month) project from ‘Get It Beauty’ show and have just posted the ‘Whitening Essence Winner’ and I’d like to share with you.
(*please note that ‘Whitening’ means skin brightening effect as many Koreans use this term/expression)
<Causes of Hyperpigmentation>
Hyperpigmentation can be caused by sun damage, inflammation, or other skin injuries, including acne. Specifically the UVA rays penetrate deep into your skin and stimulates pigment cells(Melanocytes) to produce the pigment called Melanin.
Tyrosine is easily oxidised by UVA and further to Melanin, this melanin build up in dead skin cells on the epidermis (outermost layer of the skin), becomes a hyperpigmentation.
(*Tyrosine or 4-hydroxyphenylalanine is one of the 20 standard amino acids that are used by cells to synthesize proteins.)
<Most Effective Whitening Ingredients>
There are 9 most effective whitening ingredients and in here focus on 2 main ingredients – Arbutin & Niacinamide.
1. Arbutin: It is an active ingredient in skin whitening and inhibits the production of melanin and prevents dark spots and freckles.
2. Niacinamide: Also known as vitamin B3 and nicotinic acid, this effective ingredient helps visibly improves the appearance of enlarged pores, uneven skin tone, fine lines, dullness and a weakened skin surface.
Hope this image is easily understandable^^;; Arbutin blocks Tyrosinase activity and Niacinamide works by inhibiting Melanin from reaching the surface of the skin.
(*Tyrosinase is an oxidase that is the rate-limiting enzyme for controlling the production of melanin.)
Interestingly North Korea’s most popular whitening cosmetics are made with GinSeng which contains Saponin (anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and skin brightening ingredient), this also helps reduce wrinkles and recover damaged skin cell so if you like ginseng it’s good to go product, too.
<Safe yet powerful ‘Beau-La-Bel’ lists for Whitening Essence>
These 19 products have been filtered by Get It Beauty ‘Body Burden’ rule from top 100 most popular/sold in the market and are recommended by skin specialists & beauty experts.
<TOP 3 Whitening Essence/Serum>
These are the TOP 3 winners by test results(melanin reduction & improve dark circle) and listed in winning order:
1. Goodal Green Tangerine Vita C Dark Spot Serum
(Ethanol-free, low-irritant vitamin serum lightens blemishes, freckles and dark spots. Formulated with natural vitamin C derived from Green Tangerine and also available Vitamin E-enriched cream in this range so use with cream for better result)
2. MISSHA Time Revolution Treatment Essence (Intensive Moist)
3. Miinlog Hee Bin Antiwrinkle & Whitening Essence
<Whitening Essence Use Tip(s)>
1. Whitening Essence/Serums can make skin dry?
Most of vitamin C containing products dissolve dead skin cells (exfoliate skin) so can damage skin’s natural barrier, similar to symptoms of excessive dryness. The skin gets thinned because moisture is no longer kept in – recommend for using with hydrating cream/moisturizer after whitening serum. Also studies have suggested that an anti-aging skincare routine containing hyaluronic acid and vitamins(C) significantly improves the wrinkles and skin texture, as well as elasticity.
2. Use with other complementary active ingredients such as vitamin E
(1)Vitamin E is a great moisturizer – strengthens the skin’s natural barrier, prevents wrinkles and provides better photo protection when used with Vitamin C and Ferulic Acid.
(2)Pair with vitamin A(retinol) – Vitamin C helps retinol work better by stabilising it, extending its effectiveness. Just Don’t forget applying a sunscreen after use.
3. Mix With Caution
Try to avoid using your vitamin C in conjunction with Retinols(anti-wrinkle, Vitamin A) or AHAs/BHAs, as these ingredients can deactivate the vitamin C and cause skin irritation. Try using your vitamin C serum in the morning, and use any chemical exfoliants or retinols at night or every other day.
<Conclusion>
Whitening(mainly Vitamin C) products help replenish, visibly firm, and improve the look of skin imperfections, however can cause skin irritation, especially sensitive skin. It’s better to use a small amount first and build-up, or use a gentle formula like listed above(19 Safe Products).
If you prefer pure vitamin C (high potency) such as powder type use 1~3 times a week or follow the product manufacturer recommendation or tips.
Hope this article is helpful and see you next post.
*Article source from ‘Get It Beauty Show’ and some information quoted from Google Search & image copyright held by SimplyJi.
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