The coveted brightening skin has become the ultimate goal of modern people’s pursuit of beauty. However, among the many whitening products, how to choose the best ingredients has become a headache. This article will reveal the gems in the world of skin whitening to help you achieve radiant skin.
The Most Classic: Vitamin C And Derivatives
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid, Asorbic Acid, the most effective is its left-right optical structure, also called L-ascorbic acid) is one of the most important antioxidants in the human body. In addition to having a very extensive regulatory effect on the human body and free removal In addition to promoting the synthesis of collagen and vitamin C, vitamin C taken internally and externally has a whitening effect.
Most Powerful: Whole Soybean Extract
Whole soy extract comes from soybeans and contains many components of soybeans. Its effect is almost omnipotent, whether it is whitening or comprehensively improving the skin (animal tests have shown that it can promote the synthesis of collagen and elastic fibers, and its improvement effect is similar to retinols), it is extremely good, and it does not have any irritation. , suitable for any type of skin.
The Most Twists And Turns: Kojic Acid
In 1988, Japan became the first country in the world to approve its addition to cosmetics, and 16 years later, became the first country to ban it due to possible carcinogenic risks. The ban was lifted after additional testing in 2005. Kojic acid was previously extracted from Aspergillus, etc., but now it can be synthesized artificially. After entering skin cells, it can complex with copper ions in the cells, change the three-dimensional structure of tyrosinase, prevent the activation of tyrosinase, thereby inhibiting the formation of melanin. However, kojic acid is irritating and may weaken the skin barrier, so use it with caution if you have sensitive skin.
The Most Basic: Sun Protection
Ultraviolet rays, part of visible light and near-infrared light (excessive exposure) can all lead to an increase in melanin. Therefore, sun protection is the most important and basic task for whitening. Don’t talk about whitening and anti-aging without sun protection.
The Most Confusing: Fruit Acids (various Ahas)
As a keratin exfoliating agent, fruit acid can quickly exfoliate keratinocytes. Melanin is present inside keratinocytes and is exfoliated together. This achieves the purpose of improving skin color. Glycolic Acid is commonly used. At the same time, fruit acids can also promote the synthesis of collagen in the dermis, making the skin more hydrated and shiny. However, it will make the stratum corneum thinner and make the skin more sensitive to light. It may be irritating to a certain extent and not everyone can tolerate it. If you want to turn white quickly, you can choose it.
Most Dangerous: Aminomercury Chloride And Hydroquinone
Aminomercuric Chloride, also known as mercury chloride, is a banned substance, so it is only available in quick-acting, illegal whitening and freckle removal products. Mercury is toxic. After entering the skin, it combines with fat to form a black substance that is difficult to remove, causing more serious spots. Large amounts can also cause accumulation of mercury poisoning, which is very toxic to nerves and internal organs.
Most Commonly Used: Arbutin, Vitamin B3
Arbutin is more effective and stable, with a limited addition of less than 7%, usually around 3%. It can inhibit melanocyte activity and reduce melanin production.
Vitamin B3, nicotinamide, nicknamed “anti-skin factor”, has the effect of inhibiting the transfer of melanin to keratinocytes. In addition, it also has a variety of improving effects. Experiments have shown that topical use of 2% nicotinamide for 8 weeks can reduce sebum. 23%, pores are reduced by 9%, collagen is significantly increased, skin barrier is enhanced and non-irritating, stable and easy to formulate, and has significant advantages over retinoic acid in improving skin appearance.
Most Promising: Various Plant Extracts
There are many types of plant extracts, usually containing polyphenol flavonoids, such as tea polyphenols, grape seed extract, ellagic acid (persimmon leaf extract), mulberry bark extract, angelica root, skullcap, orange peel, wheat Winter and so on. The common feature is that they are all relatively mild, but due to their complex ingredients, some may occasionally cause allergic or irritating reactions. Generally very stable, it also has multiple functions such as antioxidant, promoting dermal collagen synthesis, etc., so it can be used for anti-aging and anti-glycation at the same time.
Most Expensive: Licorice Extract
Glabridin is an active substance extracted from Glycyrrhiza glabra. Its ability to inhibit tyrosinase activity is 16 times higher than that of hydroquinone. Morus alba extract is about 13 times higher than hydroquinone and has no toxicity.
The Most Unscrupulous: Fluorescent Agent
For a while, it was very popular to add fluorescent whitening agents. When excited by ultraviolet rays in sunlight, they can emit bright white visible light, making the skin appear whiter. Fluorescent agents can penetrate into the skin. Although there is a lack of harmful research, it is not something that the human body should have.
Review Of Knowledge Points
- The effect of whole soybean extract is almost omnipotent, whether it is whitening or comprehensively improving the skin. It contains two
Trypsin inhibitor is easily destroyed by heat damage, so cooked soybeans have no relevant active effect, and it must be applied externally to be effective. - If you want to whiten quickly, you can choose fruit acid. As a cuticle peeling agent, fruit acid will make the stratum corneum thinner and make the skin more sensitive to light. It is irritating to a certain extent and not everyone can tolerate it.
- Be wary of aminomercury chloride, hydroquinone (hydroquinone), and fluorescent whitening agents. Whitening products should be purchased from regular channels.
- The ability of glabridin to inhibit tyrosinase activity is 16 times higher than that of hydroquinone, and it is non-toxic.
- Sun protection is the basis of whitening. If you don’t do it well, don’t talk about whitening (and anti-aging).