Skin Lightening: How to Safely Fade Hyperpigmentation with Skin Care Products

Many people have dark spots and discoloration on their skin that they’d like to fade. Most of these blemishes are due to hyperpigmentation from sun damage; that’s why these spots are so common. This raises several questions: What is the best way to fade or lighten these spots? What’s the most effective product? What’s safe to use? This article will answer these questions and tell you how to find the best skin care products to lighten dark spots.

What are the most effective skin lightening ingredients?

Retinol is a form of Vitamin A which is incredibly common and popular in many skin care formulas. Lightening dark spots and hyperpigmentation is just one of its many reported skin care benefits, including boosting collagen production and visibly reducing skin damage.

Kojic Acid is an organic compound that occurs naturally in the fermentation of rice. It is commonly found in skin lightening creams.

Hydroquinone is an ingredient that is incredibly common in skin lightening products, especially in prescription ones. Hydroquinone’s results have a long history, but it may also present some risks to your skin.

Arbutin is a natural variant of Hydroquinone that is found in Bearberry extract, and is a common ingredient in organic skin lightening serums.

Vitamin C and Ferulic Acid work together to fade visible signs of skin damage, and help protect the skin from further damage.

Which ingredients are the safest/most natural?

Retinol, Kojic Acid, Bearberry (containing Arbutin), and Vitamin C are all safe to use and natural, with Kojic Acid and Bearberry being the most organic and naturally occurring.

The only ingredient listed above that poses any risk is Hydroquinone. Although it is very common in skin lightening products, it can cause unwanted skin coloration, and has been identified as a potential carcinogen.

It is also safest to check the ingredients of skin lightening products to make sure they don’t contain mercury. Many products do, especially those that are manufactured in Asia.

What are the best products that contain these ingredients?

Organica’s Skin Brightening Serum is an excellent organic skin lightening product that contains Kojic Acid, Bearberry extract, and Vitamin C as active ingredients. It also contains a soothing organic herbal blend.

If you want to stick to a Vitamin C serum, Advanced Skin Care’s Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum and CE Ferulic Acid Serum 15% are both excellent choices.

If you’re looking for a product with even more benefits, in addition to skin lightening, Skin Rescue is a potent cream serum that contains Vitamin C and Retinol, as well as many other actives.

How do I effectively use these products?

Most of these products work best when used 1 to 2 times daily, at morning and at night, after cleansing and before moisturizing. Be sure to use sunscreen when using skin lightening serums and creams, as they can increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun.