The terms brightening and whitening are used interchangeably in communication around skincare.
They are not the same.
In fact some of the approaches around skin whitening can actually do more harm than good depending on the ingredients used to formulate that skin whitening lotion or cream.
WHAT IS BRIGHT SKIN?
Bright skin shares the following characteristics regardless of your skin color.
- An even tone without pigmentation caused by sun exposure or by acne scarring.
- Absence of dullness. Dullness is caused by dead skin cells, slower blood circulation and excessive oil production.
- An easy way to understand what bright skin is to compare photographs of yourself in poor light and then in good light.
WHAT CAUSES YOUR SKIN TO LOSE ITS BRIGHTNESS?
- Pigmentation caused by excessive melanin production. This excessive melanin can be triggered by exposure to sun and heat. Genetics and age also play a role. Melasma is a form of pigmentation triggered by hormones during pregnancy.
- Blemishes and acne leave behind darker patches or what is known as Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH).
- As we age our skin loses its ability to turn over cell production. This causes dead cell buildup on the top layers of the skin. This makes your skin look dull, with reduced radiance and freshness.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SKIN BRIGHTENING AND SKIN WHITENING?
Skin brightening involves addressing the issues mentioned above which cause your skin to less than its best. Skin whitening is focused on making your skin appear a few (or many shades) lighter than your original skin color.
Brightening skincare products work towards getting your skin back to its original color or to address pigmentation related concerns.
While both skin brightening and skin whitening products may cause some irritation, the key difference to note is that brightening helps you achieve a natural, healthy and even complexion while whitening offers an alteration of your actual skin tone. Skin whitening ingredients, such as hydroquinone for example, have other side effects when used unsupervised or for too long a period of time.
BEST WAY TO ADDRESS BRIGHTENING AS A SKINCARE GOAL
Here are a few steps that make it possible for your skin to appear brighter and more even toned.
EXFOLIATION IS KEY
Gentle, regular exfoliation will help lift off discolored cells. Be gentle with your skin and do not over exfoliate. Vya Naturals AHA BHA toner contains a unique blend of Alpha Hydroxy Acids and Beta Hydroxy Acids which are exfoliants in a non abrasive, liquid form. You can read more about AHA BHA here.
VITAMIN C AND ALPHA ARBUTIN
These are two skin brightening products which can help reduce pigmentation effectively. Both these products have other skin benefiting properties. Vitamin C helps boost collagen levels in the skin. It is an antioxidant and helps fight free radicals that cause premature skin aging. It also boosts moisture levels in the skin. Vitamin C and Alpha Arbutin can be used together with great advantages to the skin. Remember to address pigmentation and brown patches as soon as you can. The longer you allow it to remain, the longer it will take to eventually fade from your skin.
Vya Naturals 20% Vitamin C Serum and Vya Naturals 2% Alpha Arbutin Serum can be layered in your skincare routine. Apply a thin layer of Vitamin C serum on clean skin followed by Alpha Arbutin serum. If your skin is new to Vitamin C, start with adding a few drops of the serum in your moisturizer.
SUN PROTECTION IS A MUST FOR BRIGHTER SKIN
Make the use of sunscreen a priority if you wish to see brighter skin. Wear sunscreen every day regardless of the weather outside. Choose a broad spectrum sunscreen so that you get protection from UVA and UVB rays, with minimum SPF 30 rating. Apply it generously and top up if you have been in the water or have been sweating excessively.
DISCLAIMER:
Content of this website is not a substitution for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do NOT replace any relationship that exists, or should exist, between you and a medical doctor or other healthcare professional. Results given in testimonials/reviews are from real people who have used Vya Naturals products, but identical or similar results are not guaranteed. Individual results may vary depending on skin type, sensitivity, lifestyle, age, skincare products combinations, skincare history, as well as how the products are applied and stored.