Greetings to all fans of Korean cosmetics. In today’s article, we will talk about Korean skin whitening cosmetics. If you want clean, snow-white, porcelain skin without freckles and age spots, like in Korean women, then we recommend reading this article.
In past times, white skin was thought of as a symbol of wealth and prosperity. In Egypt, it was customary to judge the financial situation of people by skin color. The prevailing opinion was that the darker the skin, the poorer the person was, because he had to spend a lot of time working in the sun. And in Germany, people often called fair skin “noble pallor.”
In many countries, the skin was sometimes brightened by radical and harmful methods. Back then, the creams contained illegal and highly toxic ingredients such as mercury, hydroquinone and steroids, which can cause hyperpigmentation, severe irreparable skin damage and, in the worst case scenario, even cancer. The trend for fair skin has continued to this day, luckily for us, hazardous ingredients have been banned. And now, in almost all countries, it is allowed to use only those ingredients for lightening cosmetics that do not harm the skin and health.
No matter how many centuries have passed, many of us still strive to lighten the skin. Especially when you consider the fact that overly tanned skin ages prematurely. Strong sunlight, and especially the artificial ultraviolet radiation of a tanning bed, damages the skin. What’s more, the risk of skin cancer increases dramatically. Even in countries where tanning was previously preferred, there is a trend towards glowing, even and pale skin.
In South Korea and Japan, fair skin has always been the ideal of beauty. Therefore, they have widespread products for lightening the skin of the face and body, which are considered the best and dictate trends to the entire cosmetic world. Now there are a number of special ingredients with proven effectiveness against pigmentation, which we will talk about today. And at the end of the article, you will find our Top 5 of the best and most famous Korean skin whitening products.
What determines skin tone?
Skin color reflects where we or our ancestors are from. Hereditary factors determine how much pigment (melanin) our skin forms and give our skin, hair and eyes their individual natural color. Melanin production is controlled by hormones. In the case of the skin, pigments are deposited in the upper layer of the skin and protect the underlying cells from UV radiation.
Ultraviolet radiation also affects skin tone. The higher the localized ultraviolet radiation, the darker the natural pigmentation of the skin.
How to lighten skin?
The main methods used to lighten the skin are:
- Laser treatment – works either by removing the outer layer of the skin or by damaging the cells that produce melanin. This procedure should be performed only by a trusted specialist after consulting a doctor.Also, the method has significant disadvantages: several such procedures are required. The skin is often red and swollen for several days after the procedure. Sun sensitivity lasts up to 6 months. Full skin recovery from laser lightening can take 1 to 2 weeks.
- A safer and more budget-friendly lightening method is to use skin lightening cosmetics. Although the result will have to wait longer, for the skin it is a less traumatic way.
Key Skin Whitening Ingredients:
Arbutin – most effectively combats unwanted pigmentation, whitens age spots, softens the skin. Unlike many other analogs, it affects the process of pigmentation. When combined with azelaic acid or glycolic acid, it can accumulate in cells and cause skin irritation. It is best to use a course of 2-3 months, then take a break. Do not use it if pregnant or nursing.
Niacinamide (vitamin B3). Regulates the sebaceous glands , evens out skin tone, removes redness, acne marks. Found in almost all Korean products. Can be used during pregnancy and lactation.
Glycolic acid – has a small molecule, so it penetrates deeply into the skin and works very effectively. It helps to accelerate the natural process of skin renewal, has an anti-aging and brightening effect. Do not use it if pregnant or nursing.
Vitamin C – can be acidic or non-acidic. Ascorbic acid is considered the acidic form. Non-acidic – all others, including natural extracts (apple, lemon, rosehip).
Both forms of the vitamin help fight pigmentation, even out skin tone, help fight free radicals and give the skin a glow. But there are differences between them:
- Ascorbic acid allows you to achieve a pronounced result as quickly as possible, but it is very capricious to use. It can deteriorate from daylight and temperature extremes, needs to be used quickly, also not recommended for sensitive skin due to its high irritant potential. Do not use it if pregnant or nursing.
- Non-acidic form does not require special storage conditions. Although it will take a little longer to get results from use, this form of vitamin C does not cause a reaction in sensitive skin. Can be used during pregnancy and lactation.
Retinol (Vitamin A) – seals the walls of blood vessels, fights acne and pigmentation, is an antioxidant, has a positive effect on skin relief. Prescription forms (eg, tretinoin) should only be used as directed and under the supervision of a physician. Do not use it if pregnant or nursing.
Pay attention to such a component as hydroquinone , or rather, its absence in the product. Hydroquinone is banned all over the world due to its high toxicity, and it is not used in Korean cosmetics. And if you suddenly purchase products from Brazilian or Russian manufacturers – be careful!
Top 5 Skin Whitening Products Popular:
5th place: Missha Super Aqua Cell Renew Snail Skin Treatment toner
A multi-functional toner – moisturizes, regenerates, brightens dull skin and age spots. It has an anti-aging effect. Can be used during pregnancy and lactation.
4th place: Sioris My Soft Grain Scrub Enzyme Facial Scrub
Exfoliates and stimulates skin cell renewal. Helps get rid of pigmentation and acne marks, controls the work of the sebaceous glands, tightens pores and evens out the relief. Contains 100% natural ingredients, so it is suitable even for sensitive skin. Can be used during pregnancy and lactation.
3rd place: Elizavecca Milky Piggy EGF Retinol Cream
The cream contains retinol in its composition, which effectively helps not only to lighten unwanted pigmentation, but also reduces the number of wrinkles and prevents the appearance of new ones. In addition, the cream perfectly nourishes the skin and protects it from temperature extremes. Do not use it if pregnant or nursing.
2nd place: Essence for the face CosRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid
The essence contains glycolic and malic acids, which have an exfoliating effect and help to cleanse and brighten the skin. We recommend using the product at night. Do not use it if pregnant or nursing.
1st place: Some By Mi V10 Vitamin Tone – UP Cream
The cream can be used as a base for make-up – it instantly makes the skin smoother and more even, does not roll down, does not clog pores, and is not comedogenic. It has an excellent composition, which is based on extracts of sea buckthorn, grapefruit and orange, as well as niacinamide, arbutin and vitamin C in a non-acidic form. The face cream has a cumulative effect: it effectively brightens the skin, evens out its tone, while nourishing and moisturizing the skin. Lightweight consistency is suitable for all skin types. Do not use it if pregnant or nursing.
Note:
You can expect clear results from lighteners within 2-3 months. We fully understand the desire to see results immediately, but skin whitening takes time. In comparison, it takes several years of sun damage to start showing pigmentation, so patience is required when you try to lighten your skin.
Lightening occurs gradually. For some it is faster, for others it is slower (skin renewal takes at least 28 days). Although the results are not immediately visible, you can be sure that the skin whitening products will improve the skin tone, make it bright, smooth and slow down the aging process without any side effects.
Skin lightening treatments, regardless of which method are used, always weaken the skin’s own defenses. Therefore, you need to take care of sun protection and use sunscreen with SPF 30 or 50. Spending a lot of time in the sun without protection is not recommended. This can lead not only to early aging, but also to skin damage (sunburn), followed by hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone and even more serious side effects. Therefore, use sunscreen regularly to avoid further damage, especially when using skin lightening products.
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