Plant-based Brighteners for Hyperpigmentation
For millions of women and men, dark spots, age spots, and other discoloration are a reality. On the other hand, the concept and practice of whitening the complexion are not new. Skincare professionals have been attempting to reduce the look of hyperpigmentation for decades.
You may have heard that hydroquinone, a brightening agent, is capable of getting the job done. While it is true that hydroquinone is a strong chemical, the FDA has restricted the sale of over-the-counter hydroquinone due to rising concerns about its adverse effects. It is an endocrine disruptor and its impact on estrogen may have a negative impact and cause health concerns. It can cause irreversible damage to the melanocytes called ochronosis.
Ways to Get Rid of Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation of any kind that makes up the darker skin tone area can be lightened to match your natural skin tone.
The good news is that there are a number of solutions for reducing hyperpigmentation and neutralizing excess melanin synthesis.
Top 10 Plant-based Brighteners
1. Vitamin C
High antioxidant activity aids in the synthesis of collagen while inhibiting the formation of melanin and effectively protect and repairs the skin from free radical damage.
The Antiox Hydraserum: Vit C Complex, Vit E, & Ferulic Acid
Ingredients: Age-defying antioxidants, including Vitamin C, Ferulic Acid, Emblica, Vitamin E, and Vitamin B5.
2. Alpha Arbutin
Occurs naturally in several different plant species. Plants with the highest known concentrations are bearberry and mulberry. It is a natural inhibitor of tyrosinase, an enzyme that triggers the production of melanin.
3. Mulberry Fruit Extract
Lightens and whitens the skin by inhibiting the formation of melanin in the skin while protecting the skin against damage caused by free radicals.
4. Bearberry Fruit Extract
Inhibiting the formation of melanin in the skin while protecting the skin against damage caused by free radicals.
5. Kojic Acid
Derived from several different types of fungi. It's also a byproduct fermentation process of malting rice found in Japanese sake, soy sauce, and rice wine. It inhibits and prevents the formation of tyrosine, which is an amino acid that's needed to produce melanin.
6. Azelaic Acid
Found in barley, wheat, and rye. A powerful antioxidant and skin lightener. Reduces the skin’s melanin production by inhibiting tyrosinase and suppressing the proliferation of abnormal melanin-producing cells.
7. Licorice Root
This potent plant extract helps inhibit tyrosinase activity to improve skin discoloration and hyperpigmentation, effectively evening skin tone for a brighter complexion.
8. Ferulic Acid
A plant-based antioxidant naturally found in the cell wall of plants including bran and certain fruit seeds. It enhances the stability of vitamin E, is shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, and most importantly, with sun protective benefits that help inhibit UV-induced melanogenesis (pigmentation caused by the sun).
9. Tumeric
A skin lightening ingredient and potent antioxidant derived from turmeric that inhibits tyrosinase, blocking the synthesis of melanin in the skin.
10. Phyllantus Emblica Fruit Extract
A natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory that naturally brightens the skin, inhibits melanin production to even out skin tone, and defy the effects of aging.
Check out more products for hyperpigmentation HERE.
To summarize, while hyperpigmentation offers no immediate threat to your skin's health, having an uneven skin tone can be aggravating. The skin darkening will go away and you will regain confidence with an even and glowing complexion if you treat your skin's brown spots correctly with professional hyperpigmentation treatment.
READ: Hyperpigmentation Treatments
Know more about Best Treatments for Hyperpigmentation with Dr. Natasha Welch, DNP, FNP-BC Nurse Practitioner, Founder & CEO of Abraza Skin:
