Ever struggled with hyperpigmentation, dark spots or an uneven skin tone? Well, you’re in luck! Kojic acid is a natural ingredient that has been used for decades by Japanese women, who would use it as an anti-ageing and brightening treatment for their skin. It has even been described as the “Japanese Beauty Secret”!
Derived through the fermentation of Japanese rice wine, kojic acid is a powerful natural compound with a host of benefits for your skin. But first, let’s run through everything you need to know before you introduce kojic acid into your skincare routine.
What Is Kojic Acid And Is It Safe?
As we mentioned, kojic acid is derived through a fermentation process. In other words, it is the by-product of a variety of fungi and one of its key superpowers is the ability to inhibit pigment production.
Kojic Acid is used to treat hyperpigmentation, or dark skin discolorations. It can also be used to reduce acne and prevent wrinkles. Kojic acid works by inhibiting tyrosinase, the enzyme that produces melanin.
Melanin is the substance responsible for giving skin its colour. By reducing the amount of melanin in the skin, kojic acid can help to gradually lighten dark spots and even out the skin tone.
As a result, it is less invasive than other skin brightening agents, which commonly rely on chemical exfoliation. In fact, the FDA approved kojic acid as a safer, more natural, less aggressive - yet highly effective - alternative to other skin brightening agents. It's often used as an alternative to hydroquinone, a powerful chemical lightener that can have some undesirable side effects.
Sources And Forms Of Kojic Acid
So you can see why kojic acid is a popular addition to many skin-lightening products and skincare products in general! Nowadays you can find kojic acid as an ingredient within many natural products that focus on reducing dark spots or brightening the skin.
These products include creams, gels and serums. Our favourite - and in our opinion the best kojic acid product you can find in South Africa - is this kojic acid soap!
4 Benefits Of Kojic Acid
Kojic acid has a number of awesome skin benefits both in the short term and long term:
Discoloration and dark spots on the skin can be caused by a number of factors, including sun damage, acne, and ageing. While there are a variety of treatments available to help improve the appearance of these areas, kojic acid is one of the most effective ingredients for lightening and brightening the skin.
In addition to its lightening properties, kojic acid is also a powerful antioxidant that helps to protect the skin from damage.
These antioxidants protect the skin in the long term and reduce inflammation. As a result, kojic acid can help to improve the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines - a great anti-ageing tactic!
There is some evidence to suggest that kojic acid may also have antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. This is why a kojic acid soap is so powerful - it works on many levels to remove impurities and prevent both bacteria buildup and fungal skin conditions. Perfect if you are fighting acne!
Recommended Dosage Of Kojic Acid
When it comes to using kojic acid for lightening dark spots, it is important to follow the recommended dosage in order to achieve the best results. For most people, using a kojic acid soap daily can clear up dark spots in as little as two weeks.
However, if you have sensitive skin, it is best to start with a lower concentration and work your way up. This could take the form of using a kojic acid soap 3 times a week and assessing how your skin responds before increasing your usage. We always recommend using sunscreen when you are using kojic acid soap for added UV protection.
3 Tips On Using Kojic Acid In Skin Care
If you're looking for a way to even out your skin tone and get rid of dark spots, kojic acid may be the answer. This powerful ingredient can be found in a variety of skincare products, from serums to soaps. Here are a few tips on how to use kojic acid in your skincare routine:
- Start with a lower concentration. Kojic acid is very potent, so it's important to start slowly. If you're using a product with a high concentration of kojic acid, be sure to follow the directions carefully.
- Use it in conjunction with other lightening ingredients. Kojic acid can be amplified when used in conjunction with other lightening ingredients like vitamin C.
- Be consistent. Like with any skincare ingredient, you'll only see results if you use kojic acid consistently over time. Be patient and give it a few weeks to start seeing results.
Side Effects And Precautions of Kojic Acid
Kojic acid is a popular skin-lightening ingredient, but it can also come with some side effects. Here's what you need to know about using kojic acid on your skin.
As with any new skincare ingredient, it's always important to do a patch test first to make sure you're not allergic. Kojic acid can sometimes cause irritations, redness, and dryness, so start with a small area and see how your skin reacts. That being said, this usually only occurs at high concentrations, which you would not find in kojic acid products today.
It's also important to use sunscreen when using kojic acid, as it can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Be sure to apply sunscreen every day, even if you're not spending time in the sun, as UV rays can penetrate through clouds and glass.
If you notice any negative side effects after using kojic acid, stop using it immediately and consult a dermatologist.
The bottom line…
Kojic acid is a powerful ingredient that can help lighten dark spots. Not just that! It has a number of other health benefits for your skin, making it a perfect addition to your skincare routine. If you're looking for a way to even out your skin tone, kojic acid is definitely worth trying!