Melanin - not to be confused with sleep-inducing melatonin - is what gives our skin pigment. The higher the presence of melanin, the darker the skin tone.
However, an overproduction of melanin can be activated by sun exposure, hormones, skin injuries and various other factors. This overproduction is often focused in specific areas, causing hyperpigmentation which manifests as uneven skin tone and dark spots.
Traditionally, addressing hyperpigmentation has involved harsh chemicals such as hydroquinone, which is especially risky for darker skin tones as it can leave permanent discoloration due to bleaching. Therefore, individuals with darker skin tones experiencing hyperpigmentation had to turn to natural solutions.
It’s those same natural sources that give all skin types and tones the benefit of gentle but effective skin brightening!
Let’s explore.
Kojic Acid
Kojic acid is naturally-derived from fungi. It brightens the skin by inhibiting enzymes in the skin that form melanin, helping to prevent dark spots and fading existing hyperpigmentation.
Complementing its skin brightening effects, kojic acid is also a potent antioxidant which reduces visible signs of aging by neutralizing free radicals.
Licorice Root
Marked GRAS (generally recognized as safe) by the FDA for skin brightening purposes, licorice root is a safe and natural alternative to hydroquinone.
Licorice root has been used in Japan for its medicinal and health benefits for centuries. It prevents melanin production in the skin, effectively resolving hyperpigmentation.
This natural ingredient also boasts anti-inflammatory properties that diminish the appearance of sunspots and soothe irritated skin to create an even skin tone.
Both licorice root and kojic acid can be found in Brite Lite, a clinic-grade skin brightening cream.
Retinaldehyde (Vitamin A)
You may know that Retinol helps to even out your complexion. But do you know that its ‘cousin’ can do so up to 11x faster?
Retinaldehyde, the most potent Vitamin A available without a prescription, produces faster cell turnover and is also more gentle, making it a safer and more effective choice for sensitive skin.
Retinaldehyde is one of the performance ingredients in Dp Dermaceuticals Retinal Active.
Vitamin C
Yes! The ever-popular antioxidant is also a great help in achieving an even skin tone.
Present in several key products in Dp Derm’s Lighten & Brighten Collection, such as the daily-use Antioxidant Cocktail serum and clinic-grade Radiant-C clay mask, Vitamin C effectively brightens skin by halting the biochemical reactions that cause uneven pigmentation.
Red LED Light Therapy
While not technically an ingredient… it’s so effective, that we would feel guilty not mentioning it!
Emitted by Dp Dermaceuticals LED masks for face, hands, neck and decollete, red light helps boost collagen and elastin while addressing pigmentation, and providing a plethora of other skin benefits.
Unlike many LED masks on the market, Dp Dermaceuticals LED treatment uses not only red light but also near-infrared light - which is much harder to find in an at-home device!
Best Professional Skin Brightening Products
Dp Derm authorized treatment providers have access to clinic-only products such as those listed below. Not an authorized provider yet? Apply for free here!
MG-BL
MG-BL is one of Dp Dermaceuticals professional serums, specifically formulated for skin brightening treatments.
It’s a highly specialized formula that tackles different forms of hyperpigmentation, including age-related discoloration. It works to prevent the overproduction of melanin that causes dark spots and pigmentation to create a smoother, clearer complexion.
It delivers a megadose of Kojic Acid that acts as an antioxidant, anti-fungal, and antibacterial ingredient. MG-BL is a less aggressive alternative to hydroquinone for patients who want to clear their complexion of dark spots and pigmentation.
Whether you’re looking to reduce the appearance of dark spots at home or want to level up your professional results, you can find the solution at dpderm.com.
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