Skin tone enhancement serum is a product designed to brighten and diminish dark spots on the complexion. Common ingredients used are Vitamin C and Niacinamide to increase radiance while evening out skin tone.
This cosmetic, non-drug formulation combines botanical skin-brightening ingredients (kojic acid, arbutin and bearberry) with skin protective antioxidants in an alcohol and acetone-free pad application for improved complexion.
Niacinamide & Tranexamic Acid
Tranexamic Acid is an anti-fibrinolytic, or blood clot breaking-down inhibitor, used to prevent excessive bleeding from surgery, trauma, heavy menstrual flow or haemophilia. By chance however, dermatologists discovered its skin lightening properties – much to their delight, the drug worked just as effectively for melasma or hyperpigmentation issues as well.
As part of its mechanism, Melatonin works by inhibiting tyrosine’s enzymatic activity – essential in producing melanin, the pigment responsible for giving skin its color – in order to regulate production and prevent too much melanin from building up on your surface, where it could create discolorations or dark spots.
Our carefully blended formula features 10% tranexamic acid and skin-brightening niacinamide to improve skin brightness, along with hydration-enhancing lotus sprout extract and soothing Alpha Bisabolol (derived from Chamomile). Together these active ingredients work in unison to help fade dark spots and uneven skin tones.
Kojic Acid & Arbutin
Kojic acid is an ingredient used for skin-lightening that works by inhibiting melanin production and providing antioxidant benefits, lightening dark spots, age spots and post blemish marks while decreasing redness caused by acne scarring. Furthermore, it has anti-ageing benefits as it encourages collagen production.
ROS can be neutralized by activating the Nrf2-ARE pathway, increasing cell antioxidant capacities and decreasing damage. Furthermore, increasing intracellular thiol compounds enhance pheomelanin production while suppressing eumelanin production – similar to other phenolic compounds like ellagic acid. (Chemical structure 17)
Kojic acid may be applied topically at concentrations up to one percent and provides a safer alternative to products containing hydroquinone, which may cause inflammation. Common side effects of kojic acid use include itching and dryness; both symptoms often go away without needing medical intervention if overused; reduce frequency if this occurs as necessary and avoid using it if allergic.
Green Tea & Other Soothing Antioxidants
Green tea is an increasingly popular ingredient in skin products due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, namely increasing collagen production, evening out discoloration and decreasing fine lines. Furthermore, green tea can be used to soothe irritation or redness as well as prevent oxidative stress and UV damage protection.
Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG), one of the most potent catechins found in green tea, has been proven to combat free radicals that cause oxidative stress. Furthermore, this ingredient has become popularly used as an ingredient in haircare products to cleanse scalps, treat dandruff and increase elasticity.
Make a soothing face mask by mixing green tea botanical extract with the carrier oil of your choice (recommended oils include Olive or Coconut), until a paste-like consistency forms, then apply and wait 15 minutes before rinsing off. Alternatively, for a refreshing toner combine green tea brewed and allowed to cool before pouring it into a spray bottle and adding drops of your preferred essential oil such as Tea Tree Oil – then spray directly on face or rinse after.
HydraCactus Complex
HydraCactus Complex is a proprietary blend of ingredients designed to promote skin brightening. These include natural brighteners and antioxidants as well as humectants and protective antioxidants to lock water molecules onto skin molecules, thus helping prevent moisture loss while also increasing elasticity.
Niacinamide is an excellent skin-lightening ingredient, working in multiple ways to reduce hyperpigmentation and even out the complexion. It works by decreasing melanin production, inhibiting tyrosinase enzyme activity, and blocking new blood vessel formation which could otherwise lead to melasma formation. Niacinamide can be found in products such as AlumierMD Intellibright Complex Serum or ZO Skin Health Brightalive Serum for use.
At-home skin discoloration treatment using 3% Tranexamic Acid, 2% Alpha Arbutin and 5% Niacinamide to effectively fade dark spots and signs of sun damage. Furthermore, its formula features glycolic, lactic, salicylic and malic acids to promote cell turnover and smooth out texture – perfect complements to professional chemical peels and laser treatments.
