While not everyone is a big fan of whitening products, there are really some who can’t help but ask for special help in bidding their skin discoloration, sun spots, and annoying pimple scars good bye. For those who need help in these areas, there is one skin care agent that they must start looking for in the whitening department. This new front runner is the latest buzzword: KOJIC ACID.
What is Kojic acid?
Kojic acid is an organic peeling agent that was originally found in mushrooms from Japan. It can also be collected from fermented rice during its brewing process. Kojic acid helps in stripping off dead skin cells, oil, and dirt when used to exfoliate. It hinders the production of melanin, the pigment that is responsible for our respective skin colors. Dark spots appear when melanin is concentrated in that particular spot. This is where Kojic acid takes the spotlight, wherein it supposedly slows down the melanin production for lighter and brighter skin.
What to expect when using Kojic acid?
As mentioned, Kojic acid is a peeling agent. So, better be prepared with your handy-dandy moisturizer as dryness and peeling of skin is highly to occur when using products that contain this ingredient. Slight inflammation and some tingling sensation are to be expected.
Simple Hydrating Light Moisturizer
Pixi Skintreats H20 Skin Drink
Innisfree Green Tea Mineral Mist
Since Kojic acid helps in removing the outermost layer of the skin and the new skin underneath is certainly more sensitive (especially to sunlight!), this leaves your skin more prone to sunburn. So, it is really important to apply sunscreen on a daily basis especially while you’re using products that have Kojic acid!
Aesthetique Revitalize Sunblock Gel
VMV Armada Face Cover 30 – 30G
Text by: Maan Fernandez
Sources: Civant Skin Care, Kojic Acid Soap, and Instyle
