Everything you need to know about Kojic Acids, it’s benefit and side-effects
Kojic acid has become a popular ingredient in the skincare world today, especially for its skin-brightening properties. It helps to lighten dark spots on the skin also known as hyperpigmentation. It is made from fungi or fermented rice wine.
This is commonly used in products targeting hyperpigmentation, even skin tone, dark spots, etc. So is this popularly hyped ingredient worth your money and try? We have all the details on kojic acid for you, including how it works and what it does. Let’s find out together:
What is Kojic Acid?
It may not be the most appealing and trusting word in the world, but it’s a byproduct of fermentation from certain fungi available in forms like serums, soaps, and creams.
In skincare, this acid works by blocking the production of an amino acid that helps create melanin, the pigment responsible for skin colour. It’s a skin-lightening ingredient commonly found in products at about 1% concentration, usually combined with brighteners like niacinamide or vitamin C.
Unlike other harsh skin whitening creams, it provides gentle lightening effects, targeting specific concerns like scars and hyperpigmentation, rather than altering the overall complexion.
What are the benefits of kojic acid?
Despite the hype, is the product worth giving a try or not, let’s find out together. So, here are some of the advantages of kojic acid:
Brighten skin
As the most talked about topic for kojic acid, it brightens the complexion of your skin. Using its products will make your skin appear more radiant, glowing and youthful.
Also, regularly using it helps fade away pigmentation and parents from new dark spots from forming. This is why your skin becomes evener and more toned, giving you healthier-looking skin.
It also acts as an antioxidant
It also acts as an antioxidant helping to reduce free radical damage. This helps to break down the elastin and collagen caused by stress, pollution, and sun exposure. Because of this protection from environmental damage and makes your skin more glowing and youthful.
Treats hyperpigmentation
Melanin is the skin pigmentation that gives the skin its colour produced when the enzyme tyrosine is converted by melanocytes. Problems occur when UV light from years of sun exposure speeds up melanin production. Because of the increase in melanin production dark spots, sun spots, and age spots start getting more easily appearing.
It became the most popular skin-lightening product because it can inhibit tyrosinase activity in the production of melanin in the skin. As a result, it helps to fade away non-normal pigmentation such as age spots, dark spots, and sun spots. It also helps you prevent the formation of skin pigmentation and freckles.
Side effects of Kojic acids
Like everything else even though kojic acid has many advantages, it also has many disadvantages.
Even though it’s gentle on our skin and a very good alternative to hydroquinone, there are still things you should consider before using it. For example, regular use of kojic acid makes all types of skin more sensitive to sunburn. So, it’s very important to use sunscreen and do not forget to reapply too. Some of the other side effects are as follows:
Skin irritation
One of the most common side effects we have seen is that many complain about skin irritation. Some people experience itchiness, redness, or even a burning sensation especially those with sensitive skin. Applying sunscreen is the key to every skincare routine so that you don’t get yourself tanned more.
Increased sun sensitivity so, sunscreen is your new best friend
Because it hinders melanin production, it can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. This increases the risk of sunburn and skin damage, making it essential to use sunscreen daily when using kojic acid products.
Wearing sunscreen is just non-negotiable unless you want sunburn or tanned skin. But don’t just use any sunscreen, you must use sunscreen with at least SPF 30 or higher than that to shield your skin properly.
This way you will also protect yourself from UV rays and prevent premature ageing. This way your aim for brighter skin while using its products will result in glowing, brighter and even-toned skin.
Start moisturizing daily
If you’re using kojic acid products, you can feel that your skin needs something. Like after washing your face with kojic acid soap, your skin craves for something. The thing that your skin is carving is nothing else but a good hydrating moisturizer. It’s like drinking a bottle of water after running in a strong sunlight field all day.
This step is very important as it keeps the skin hydrated which Kojic soap might have washed away. So, after using Kojic soap make sure you use hydrating moisturiser and keep your skin soft, and youthful.
How to get maximum benefit from Kojic Products
To get the maximum benefit of Kojic, you have to make sure to make the most out of Kojic acid use:
Using it for spot treatment
Use the Kojic acid directly targeting your specific areas of concern and treat your dark spots and uneven skin tone. If you’re using kojic acid soap then let the soap rest on these areas for a moment, and let the Kojic work on deeply. This will help you to make the most out of the kojic acid products and achieve glowing skin.
Use it as your daily cleanser
To achieve the result, make sure you switch your regular soap with Kojic soap as part of your daily cleansing routine. In your damp skin, gently massage the Kojic soap for a while.
Gently massaging will not only help in cleansing but also let the Kojic products do their work. After a soothing massage, wash your face with clean water. And, after your skin dries do not forget to use your moisturizer.
As always consistency is the key in any skincare routine, and the use of kojic acid products cannot be an exception.
By considering all these above-mentioned things, you will make sure your skin is getting all the benefits of Kojic acids. Remember skincare is a journey and only with the right practice, you can fully get the benefit of the Kojic acid or any other skincare.
FAQ’s
Can Kojic acid help with acne scars?
Yes, Kojic acid also helps fade away acne scars by reducing the appearance of dark spots, and uneven pigmentation.
Are there any side effects of using Kojic Acid?
Yes, though kojic acid seems the best option for fading dark spots. Some people might experience skin irritation, redness and also increased sensitivity, especially if you’ve sensitive skin.
How often should I be using the Kojic acid products?
You can start by using the Kojic acid product once a day, mostly use it at night.
Is it true that Kojic acid makes your skin more sensitive to the sun?
Yes, using Kojic acid products regularly makes our skin more sensitive to the sun, so wearing sunscreen daily is non-negotiable.
Is it safe to use Kojic acid for long-term use?
Though Kojic acid is effective, it’s best to use it only as directed and take breaks between to avoid any side effects like irritation, redness, skin damage, etc.
