Skin lightening products are all the rage in Asia and many are discovering that the popularity of such products is not just about achieving a particular look that Asian people like – it’s just as popular as a means of preventing a host of skin woes that occur due to aging and other life developments.
There are so many organic ingredients that are known to lighten skin, but one that is proving to be the best performer is kojic acid which is derived from rice, a staple ingredient in Asian cuisine. Kojic acid is a by-product of the fermentation process of malting rice for the creation of sake, the Japanese rice wine. It is said that the benefits of this component were discovered due to the nice skin complexion and texture of the hands of sake-makers. This prompted further studies which revealed that kojic acid has a “fungal metabolite that acts as a competitive and reversible inhibitor of animal and plant polyphenol oxidases, that catalyzes the conversion of tyrosine to melanin.” Kojic acid prevents melanosis by inhibiting the uptake of oxygen that leads to enzymatic browning.
For people that have hyperpigmentation such as melasma, or those naturally born with freckles, kojic acid is a highly effective solution to try if they wish to reduce pigmentation. Also, for those who wish to restore their original fair and clear complexion, kojic acid can definitely help because chemicals in the ingredient target the melanocytes and interfere with the production of melanin. It’s worth noting as well that kojic acid is a kind of antioxidant that counteracts the effects of free radicals which are known to dull and age skin. Therefore, with regular use of kojic acid products, people do not just get skin that is fair and blemish-free, but is also radiant and youthful.
Kojic acid can be used by everyone through a diverse multitude of products; it is available in body soaps, facial washes, lotions, moisturizers, facial mists, serums, and even masks. No matter the form it comes in, it still delivers the same target results. There are also products that combine kojic acid with other powerful ingredients (such as hyaluronic acid, glutathione, glycolic acid, bearberry extract, and others) available on the market and these combinations manage to provide a collection of other skin benefits, especially for specific skin types.
If you simply want to improve the condition of your skin, and look younger and fairer, kojic acid should definitely be part of your skin care program.