Faig JJ, et al. (2017). Biodegradable kojic acid-based polymers: Controlled delivery of bioactives for melanogenesis inhibition. Kojic acid is an excellent brightening ingredient that's safe for all skin types and tones. When used in tandem with a good daily skincare routine (think: cleanser, moisturizer, and SPF 30), it can help lighten unwanted skin discoloration and prevent future discoloration from forming too.

According to Dr. Parul Khot, dermatologist and cosmetologist, Mumbai, “Kojic acid is a skin brightening compound found naturally in nature. It has been proven to be of high efficacy for lightening spot pigmentation and is a prominent ingredient in many lightening creams. The ingredient was first used in skincare in 1989, and has received a lot of popularity since then.” 1. Benefits of kojic acid for skinWhile kojic acid does work by influencing tyrosinase, the enzyme that produces excess melanin, its results are temporary. “Our pigment production is constantly influenced by many factors including genetics, sun light, hormones, and inflammation,” says Dr. Robinson. “Kojic acid’s impact on pigment is not permanent for this reason.” Are there side effects to using kojic acid? Kojivit Plus Gel is a depigmenting medicine that is used to manage skin conditions such as melasma (dark brown hyperpigmentation), periorbital melanosis, and hyperpigmentation. It contains a combination of active ingredients including kojic acid dipalmitate, arbutin, mulberry extract, grape seed extract, allantoin, glycolic acid, vitamin E, and octinoxate, which work together to reduce skin pigmentation and promote skin lightening.

A main use for kojic acid. Its power to fade dark spots is doubly enhanced by its antioxidant properties. 2. Treating melasma Dr. Khot revealed, “Kojic acid is available in the form of creams, serums and soaps. The safety concept is 1-4 % in concentration, but 1-2 % is the starter limit for first-time users. This brightening powerhouse is available as a solo product or in combination with vitamin C, retinol, glycolic acid, arbutin, etc. The frequency of use that I would recommend is twice a day, followed by sunscreen, mandatorily. Kojic acid takes at least four weeks to show results, so starting with that timeline in mind is a good idea. Post this, kojic acid has a high safety profile, so it can be safely used for a long time, even for months at a time without any side effects.” 3. Tips on using kojic acid for the skinSome serums and other products used to lighten pigmentation include kojic acid, hydroquinone and glycolic acid. You may also find serums or face oils with vitamin C for a boost of anti-aging antioxidants. Below are some issues you could encounter when incorporating kojic acid into your routine and how to counter them if at all possible. There’s still not enough research on how well this robust antioxidant works on its own, so it’s best when used in a product with a blend of natural skin lighteners — like kojic acid, for example. Shereene Idriss, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Idriss Dermatology in New York City, NY. Dr. Idriss is an expert in facial rejuvenation and minimally invasive body contouring, and she is the founder of skincare line PillowtalkDerm.

Sun exposure has a number of effects on your skin — not all of them positive. While the current beauty landscape is all about bronzed, sun-kissed skin, too much time spent soaking up the rays can result in premature fine lines, skin cancer and hyperpigmentation. Also known as dark spots, age spots, or liver spots, hyperpigmentation is caused by an overproduction of melanin, and manifests as patches that are deeper in colour than your natural skin tone. Treat melasma: Kojic acid may also be helpful in decreasing melasma, which is darkening of the skin due to pregnancy.

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Kojic acid is used in cosmetic products in concentrations between 1 percent to 4 percent, but starting with concentrations at or below 2 percent is recommended, especially for products that are left on the skin and not washed away. It's compatible with all skin types but is especially great for combination and oily skin because of its lightweight formulation and non-greasy feel. This kojic acid face serum is clinically proven to reduce the appearance of discoloration in all skin tones, and you can expect brighter and even-toned skin in just a couple of weeks. Keep in mind that these products are not meant to hydrate, so you’ll still want to follow up with a moisturizer (and as always, SPF!). Powder? Nope! Skin lightening, also referred to as skin whitening, is when a chemical substance is used to lighten the skin and/or even out the color by reducing the melanin (the pigment that gives human skin, hair, and eyes their color) in the skin. While numerous chemicals in skin lightening creams have proven effective, several have been deemed toxic and dangerous and were even banned in many countries — including the U.S.

Women and people of color are more likely to get melasma. In addition, women are more susceptible to melasma during pregnancy because of the drastic changes in hormones. This melasma or " pregnancy mask" may fade after pregnancy. Risks of Kojic Acid There can be some blisters, rashes etc when the kojic acid products are used since they can be skin irritating for the sensitive skin. You can also go through the 10 Best Skin Lightening Creams in India 3. Kozilite-H Skin Lightening Cream Kojic acid is most commonly used in cosmetic products, such as creams, lotions, and serums. It is also used in some soaps. Many products with kojic acid are intended for use on the hands or face. Hyperpigmentation is a condition where patches of skin become darker than the surrounding skin due to an increase in melanin production.Its main function in cosmetology is to prevent the formation of tyrosine, an amino acids that’s required to produce melanin, a pigment that affects skin color. Make sure to follow instructions regarding different types of KA products. For instance, moisturisers can be used daily but kojic acid-infused face masks should be indulged in occasionally. 4. Precautions to take while using kojic acid for the skin Potent prescription-strength skin lightening creams are typically applied at night and only in the areas where there’s discoloration. The same can be said for spot treatments — even over-the-counter formulas. A dermatologist can also provide recommendations on specific products, including the frequency of use and the concentration strength.