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The following article was published in Your Health Magazine. Our mission is to empower people to live healthier.
Hiba Bittar, MS, COO
Brightening Skin One Face At a Time
Moki Media

Brightening Skin One Face At a Time

Skin lightening, skin brightening, skin bleaching, skin whitening
Welcome to the world of cosmeceuticals, the new world of anti-aging skin care products. The term Cosmeceuticals represents the marriage between cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Topically applied antiaging creams, skin lighteners and brighteners, moisturizers, lotions and ointments are all examples of products typically labeled as cosmeceuticals.
Although the term cosmeceuticals has no meaning under the law, since a product can be a drug or a cosmetic or a combination of both, cosmeceuticals are a big business with buyers rapidly increasing in numbers despite the economical downturn. It should be noted that a product that falls under the category of cosmeceuticals should have drug-like benefits with ingredients that go beyond the traditional ingredients of the garden-variety product. The cosmeceutical buyer is also a consumer looking for reliable, functional products that work fast, perform well and live up to their claim.
With skin lightening products taking up the largest category in anti-aging products, we shall address these highly controversial yet highly in demand products at length. With pigmentary issues such as reduction of age spots, acne scarring and hyperpigmentation attracting the attention of consumers desiring a brighter and whiter skin, it is no wonder the market for skin brightening and lightening products is rising. We also need to recognize the shift in the trend of the application of these products from face only to the body, in particular hands, chest, arms and legs. In addition to the multi functional effect of skin lighteners and brighteners on older more mature skin that has lost its radiance, these products come into play in skin of color, mainly Asian and African American, to lighten the overall color of the skin.
At first we need to recognize that skin brighteners and skin lighteners are not similar skin products. Skin lighteners contain an essential ingredient, hydroquinone which penetrates the skin while skin brighteners do not contain hydroquinone and therefore do not change the skin's structure or function. Hydroquinone, despite its side effects (stinging, irritation, blue-black darkening of the skin) is the main ingredient in skin lighteners and has been clinically proven to be the gold standard in effective skin lightening products. It has been unavailable in Europe since the year 2000. In the U.S, hydroquinone is available in 2% concentration over the counter and requires a prescription from a physician for concentrations of 4% or higher. Hydroquinone works by inhibiting melanin pigment production and slowing the growth of existing pigmented cells causing the skin to whiten.
Skin brighteners on the other hand are botanical based; their main ingredients can include Kojic acid (plants and rice), bearberry extract (Arbutin), licorice extract, shitake mushrooms and soy. Brightening products may not cause the skin to visibly whiten but can be effective in evening out skin tone and discoloration as well as giving an overall brighter and smoother complexion. Other brightening products include natural acids, such as ascorbic acid (from Vitamin C) and azelaic acid (wheat, rye and barley), and vitamins such as retinoid, a derivative of vitamin A. Note worthy is the boost in effectiveness skin lighteners reach as bleaching agents when used in conjunction with skin brighteners.
Although the demand for skin lightening products with an alternative to hydroquinone is on the rise along with the increased consumer awareness and desire for products with more natural ingredients, the combination of both has been gaining popularity amongst patients seeking reduction in dark spots. Even more popular is the use of this combination is in skin of color where lighter or whiter skin is a priority. Physician's who have mastered the proper selection of products for their patients are recommending using a combination of skin lightening products with hydroquinone and skin brightening products with natural botanical agents. Patients on such regimens can alternate the days or times of day, a practice that maximizes the effectiveness of the products and helps reduce any potential side effects such as irritation, sensibility or post inflammatory hyperpigmentation that commonly occurs in skin of color.
Since skin care's focus is wrinkles and spots, cosmeceuticals work symbiotically with non-invasive anti-aging clinical treatments such as injectables (Juvederm, Radiesse), Botox, laser therapies (complexion blending and collagen enhancement) and even cosmetic surgery. The combination of both is what produces the visible difference in your skin and helps maintain the results received from your clinical treatments and surgery longer.
So what are you to do about your skin in this changing face of skin care?
Do your research; know your skin, then find the doctor with the proper products selection. Adopting a skin regimen that is sensible to your needs relies on an educated approach. You must be your own expert first before you decide on one brand of products over the other. Don't be fooled by the pricing or the packaging. Instead, ask your doctor or skin care professional for an explanation of the science behind his or her recommended product regimen.
Then be on your way to lighter, brighter and healthier skin.

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