A Pharmacist’s Guide on Skin Brightening

Fairer skin is often regarded as the beauty ideal in many parts of the world. If you are wondering how to get fairer skin, did you know you can seek advice from a pharmacist? A pharmacist can check and explain the benefits of the active ingredients of facial products. This write-up is a guide on how to look out for active ingredients that can brighten your skin.

1. Vitamin C ¹

Known for its anti-aging properties, vitamin C can boost collagen production. It is able to lighten dark spots and hyperpigmentation. It promotes tissue healing and diminishes scars. Vitamin C protects against sun damage (but take note it cannot replace SPF since it doesn’t absorb UVA or UVB rays.)

Pharmacist tips: 

• Look for serums with a concentration of vitamin C between 10% and 20%
• A lower concentration might not be effective, whereas a higher concentration could irritate your skin.
• Apply after cleansing for better absorption.
• Avoid using Vitamin C serum together with other acidic skin care products (such as retinol) as this might irritate your skin.

2. Niacinamide (a form of Vitamin B3)²

Niacinamide can rebuild healthy skin cells while protecting from UV damage concurrently. It treats hyperpigmentation. Niacinamide also retains moisture by stimulating ceramide production. It is also known to minimise pores.

Pharmacist tips: 

• Products with 5% niacinamide concentration can be helpful in lightening dark spots and hyperpigmentation. The effects can be seen after four weeks.
• However there may not be further whitening effects beyond two months. This may be due to increased collagen production.
• If you have sensitive skin, you may start with a lower concentration. Formulas with 2%-3% niacinamide may help to correct uneven skin tone and reduce enlarged pores.
• Hyaluronic acid may increase absorption of niacinamide. 
  

3. Vitamin E

Vitamin E can treat hyperpigmentation when paired with vitamin C. Just like Vitamin C, Vitamin E is an antioxidant known for its aging effects. It is helpful in reducing wrinkles and can also reduce redness or skin inflammation.

Pharmacist Tips:

• Vitamin E usually comes in 0.5%-1% concentration in the form of serum, oil or cream.
• Apply vitamin E serum first before applying sunscreen as it enhances UV protection
• Consider pairing it with vitamin C serum for maximum results.
• Vitamin E cream/oil has very thick consistency, therefore it is best to apply before bed

4. Alpha Arbutin⁴

Alpha Arbutin blocks melanin synthesis. It is effective in reversing problems like freckles, age spots, melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. It poses minimal irritation and sensitisation risks.

Pharmacist Tips: 

• Available in concentrations of up to 2% in skin care products.

5. Avoid Unregistered Facial Creams (i.e. products with Mercury!)⁵

In the past few years, health officials have discovered numerous products that contain mercury. There have been cases in which people exposed to such products have had mercury poisoning or elevated levels of mercury in their bodies.

Pharmacist Tips: 

• If you see the word “mercury” or “mercuric” on the list of ingredients, do not purchase that product.

6. Last & Most Important: Apply Sunscreen

No skin brightening cream can work effectively if you’re not protecting skin with a sun screen. Spending time in the sun not only increases your risk of early signs of ageing like pigmentation, but it also slows down the skin’s healing process and increases the risk of skin cancer.

Pharmacist Tips: 

• Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen rated SPF 50 or higher.

Conclusion

There are many ingredients that can help in skin brightening. All of these are the active ingredients found in products readily available in most pharmacies. If you need any further advice and tips on skin care – do approach any of our friendly pharmacists in your nearest Caring Pharmacy outlet or message us on Facebook.