Benefits of Brightening Serums

June 29th, 2011

The advent of modern technology is not limited to steel and machines alone. The beauty department also benefits from scientific researches which are especially done to make us healthier and – in most cosmetic products – prettier than before. This is most especially true of brightening serums.

A brightening or lightening serum comes in the form of a beauty product that – as the name suggests – is used to lighten the tone and color of the skin, making it even with continued use. Basically, it treats skin discoloration such as age spots and sun spots that occur due to immense exposure to the sun’s harmful rays. It can also be used to try to lighten dark scars which may be caused by acne. Aside from that, a lightening serum also aims to remove dead skin cells to promote new skin cell production – it allows the new skin underneath to grow and glow, eliminating the appearance of dull and tired looking skin.

While most brightening serum products are made for the face, it is not limited as such. Some even suggest that it be used on hands as – aside from the face – discolored spots (also known as pigment spots) are likely to very visible.

The ingredients of a lightening serum are usually safe to use, some are as follows:

 

-Sunscreen – to protect the skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays.

-Antioxidants – to remove dangerous toxins and allow the skin to produce glowing, radiant skin. These can come in the form of hyaluronic acid and seaweed extract among others.

-Melanin-inhibiting ingredients – melanin is a darkening agent that the body produces. Too much of it causes skin to darken. The ingredients that stop melanin production are the main reasons why you use these types of serums. Some of these elements include, but are not limited to, the following: licorice extract, tretinoin, vitamin C, vitamin E, kojic acid, aloe vera, niacinimide, retinol, and AHA (alpha hydroxy acids).

-Reflective, naturally occurring minerals – these create the illusion of lighter looking skin although not all serums have this. Crushed pearls and mica are examples of these.

 

There are lightening products that should be avoided at all costs, especially those that have hydroquinone (initially should have just less than 2% concentration and was originally intended for spot treatments in – obviously – spots, but not for the whole face) and mercury (tagged as a carcinogenic specifically in beauty products) in them. With regular use in some cases, these may not only worsen skin discoloration, but can also cause other skin problems as well, not excluding the threat of leukemia and certain skin cancers.

 

Go for hydroquinone and mercury free products to be on the safe side. Having ingredients that help with anti-aging and encourages natural exfoliation is also a very big bonus for these serums. Use a brightening cleanser and moisturizer for faster results.

 

A good sunscreen can help prevent sun damage, especially on your face. But in cases where it can’t be helped, a brightening serum can help revitalize and improve the tone and texture of your skin.

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