5 Skin Brightening Ingredients You Need to Know!

Have you ever wondered what skin brightening ingredients are, where they come from, and how they actually work? Well, you're not alone. Brightening ingredients work by either bleaching the skin, such as the case with the use of hydroquinone, or by inhibiting the over-production of melanin, the pigment that affects hair, skin, and eye color. They also work by "lifting" discoloration and dead skin cells that tend to dull our complexion.

Oftentimes, some brightening ingredients serve double-duty in that they provide moisture and work as antioxidants as well. Hydration and Protection! While others have anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. And who doesn't love that!

Kojic Acid

Kojic acid is made from several different types of fungi. It’s also a byproduct when certain foods ferment, including Japanese sake, soy sauce, and rice wine. Kojic acid inhibits and prevents the formation of tyrosine, which is an amino acid that’s needed to produce melanin. Because it inhibits the production of melanin, kojic acid can have a lightening and brightening effect.

Phyto+ is packed with Kojic Acid.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is one of the most potent antioxidants in the skin. Topical vitamin C has a wide range of clinical applications, from anti-aging and anti-pigmentary to protection from photo-aging. It also helps slow collagen breakdown and protects against pollution. Vitamin C is truly a little workhorse in achieving bright, glowing skin.

Improves fine lines and wrinkles, loss of firmness, and brightens skin complexion.

Niacinimide (Vitamin B3)

Also known as pro-vitamin B3, niacinamide is an antioxidant, sebum (oil) balancer, acne fighter, anti-inflammatory, ceramide booster (helping to prevent water-loss) as well as a very effective skin brightening agent. In aging skin, the topical application of niacinamide improves the skin’s surface structure and smoothes out wrinkles.

Promotes skin renewal by increasing cell turnover

Glycolic Acid

Our 60 minute Customized Facial offers a Glycolic Acid in the treatment.

Linoleic Acid (Vitamin F)

Linoleic Acid is an Omega-6 essential fatty acid (EFA). It provides moisture and “plumpness” without weighing down the skin. Linoleic acid also fortifies and protects the skin’s barrier, thereby helping to fend off UV rays and air pollutants such as smoke, both of which cause free radical activity that can result in wrinkles and signs of aging. It also lightens sun-induced hyperpigmentation.

An added bonus: Linoleic Acid is suitable for those with oily/acne-prone skin.