Brightening the Skin with Natural Ingredients

Having perfect skin tone without freckles, dark spots, or hyperpigmentation would be anyone’s dream. Unfortunately, very few are blessed with that type of complexion. With all the different options out there, it’s possible to achieve brighter looking skin. There are products like hydroquinone or retinoids available that are effective, but some question the safety or risks associated with it. For those wanting to look for natural alternatives, nature has provided an abundance of ingredients that will help you get the brighter complexion you’ve been wanting.

1. Bearberry Extract - It contains a high concentration of antioxidants and arbutin, a skin-lightening compound. Arbutin is a natural derivative of hydroquinone, providing similar effects without the risks. Bearberry extract reduces melanin synthesis by inhibiting the enzyme tyrosinase.
2. Licorice Extract - Glabridin is the compound found in licorice root that lightens dark spots by inhibiting tyrosinase and stopping melanin production. Licorice root also produces liquiritin, which enhances the lightening by dispersing melanin.
3. Kojic Acid - It is a compound made from different types of fungi. Kojic acid lightening effects work by blocking tyrosine from forming, preventing melanin production.
4. Azelaic Acid - Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring acid found in grains such as barley, wheat, and rye. It doesn’t give the “bleaching effect” like some other products, but it does inhibit melanin production to treat problem areas.
5. Niacinamide - It is a form of vitamin B3 found in whole grains and certain foods. Niacinamide is an effective skin lightening compound that works by inhibiting melanosome transfer from melanocytes to keratinocytes. When melanocyte cells are moved to the uppermost layer of the keratinocytes, pigmentation occurs.
6. Citrus Extracts - Citrus extracts are classified as an alpha hydroxy acid. Lemon is the most acidic among citrus fruits used to lighten skin. Since it’s an alpha hydroxy acid, it works as an exfoliant to remove dead skin cells and speed cellular turnover. That process encourages new skin growth to surface for a more even complexion.
7. Glycolic/Lactic Acids - These are also alpha hydroxy acids. They work like citrus extracts to exfoliate the skin and encourage cellular turnover.