A thorough explanation of the ingredients and usage of whitening care products!

Over the next three posts, we will be looking at what is known as "whitening care," which is a problem for many people, such as spots and dullness. Many patients at our clinic are also troubled by spots and dullness. If you have such problems, try adding whitening items to your skin care routine!

There are many products on the market with labels such as "whitening cosmetics" and "anti-spots". I think it's fine to start with any whitening product, but I think it's easier to feel the effects if you use the product after learning how it affects your skin and using it while imagining that. That's why I want you to know the characteristics of the ingredients contained in each whitening product.

This time, we will explain the types of whitening ingredients and how to use them so that you can more easily experience the effects!

1. Special care for dark spots and dull skin

There are many types of whitening ingredients. Here are some of the most common whitening ingredients.

① A component that acts when melanocytes (cells that produce pigment) produce melanin

As you know, one of the major causes of spots and dullness is melanin. When exposed to ultraviolet rays, melanocytes at the bottom of the epidermis work hard to produce melanin in order to block the ultraviolet rays from reaching the inside of the skin.

By inhibiting the flow of melanocytes producing melanin, it prevents spots and dullness .

◉Hydroquinone​

Use it on specific spots that bother you. It also tends to quickly improve pigmentation that occurs after inflammation.

Although it is highly effective, it also has side effects and is difficult to use. There are whitening products containing hydroquinone available on the market, but we recommend using it under the supervision of a doctor if possible.

→At Aoharu Clinic, we prescribe reliable hydroquinone products under a doctor's consultation.

◉Cysteamine​

Unlike hydroquinone, which is used in pinpoint areas, this ingredient is suitable for brightening the entire face. It is recommended for dark spots and melasma that are a concern over a wide area.

→At Aoharu Clinic, we prescribe reliable cysteamine preparations under a doctor's consultation.

◉ Vitamin C

Vitamin C is said to inhibit the activity of the enzyme (tyrosinase) that works when melanin is produced. It can also address multiple concerns such as blemishes and dullness, as well as lack of firmness, sagging skin, and acne, so it is an ingredient that anyone aiming for beautiful skin should actively incorporate into their skin care routine. In addition to using skin care products containing vitamin C , be sure to consciously consume vitamin C by eating foods rich in vitamin C and taking supplements on a daily basis!

→ Click here for a serum containing highly immediate pure vitamin C and a vitamin C derivative that acts over a period of time.

→Click here for Vitamin C supplements

A thorough explanation of the ingredients and usage of whitening care products!

Over the next three posts, we will be looking at what is known as "whitening care," which is a problem for many people, such as spots and dullness. Many patients at our clinic are also troubled by spots and dullness. If you have such problems, try adding whitening items to your skin care routine!

There are many products on the market with labels such as "whitening cosmetics" and "anti-spots". I think it's fine to start with any whitening product, but I think it's easier to feel the effects if you use the product after learning how it affects your skin and using it while imagining that. That's why I want you to know the characteristics of the ingredients contained in each whitening product.

This time, we will explain the types of whitening ingredients and how to use them so that you can more easily experience the effects!

② A component that acts when keratinocytes (epidermal cells) activate melanocytes

Melanocytes are found in the basal layer of the epidermis. Meanwhile, keratinocytes (cells that make up the epidermis) are found in the surface layer of the epidermis and have the function of activating melanocytes in response to stimuli such as ultraviolet rays.

By inhibiting the process in which keratinocytes activate melanocytes, it helps prevent blemishes and dullness.

Tranexamic acid

It is known as an ingredient used to treat melasma, a type of blemish that appears symmetrically on the cheeks. Because it suppresses the production of melanin, it is also effective for other blemishes and dullness.

It also has the ability to suppress inflammation, making it an easy-to-use whitening ingredient for those with dry or sensitive skin. At Aoharu Clinic, we also recommend it as a whitening treatment after treatments when the skin tends to be sensitive.

→ Click here for items containing tranexamic acid

3) Components that act in transferring melanin from melanocytes to keratinocytes

Melanin produced in melanocytes in response to stimuli such as ultraviolet rays is sent to keratinocytes in the upper layer of the epidermis. If melanin sent to keratinocytes accumulates, it will appear as spots or dullness, but by blocking the transfer from melanocytes to keratinocytes, spots and dullness can be prevented.

◉ Niacinamide

Niacinamide is said to inhibit the transfer of melanin from melanocytes to keratinocytes. It also prevents skin aging such as wrinkles and sagging caused by UV damage, has anti-inflammatory properties and prevents rough skin, and is expected to have various skin-beautifying effects. It is recommended for those who are concerned about not only whitening but also anti-aging.

→ Contains a high concentration of niacinamide. Click here for anti-aging serum for sensitive skin.

→ For those who are concerned about dryness and rough skin, here are face washes and moisturizing creams containing niacinamide.

4. Ingredients that help expel melanin from the skin

Even if melanin is produced, it does not immediately cause spots or dullness. In healthy skin, melanin is peeled off along with old keratinocytes through skin turnover, and the skin color gradually returns to normal. However, if the turnover cycle becomes longer due to factors such as aging, or if exposure to a large amount of ultraviolet rays makes it difficult to expel melanin, spots and dullness can occur.

It promotes cell turnover and expels melanin from the skin, addressing dark spots and dullness . It has what is known as a "peeling effect," but while it is effective, it can also dry out your skin, so be sure to moisturize your skin when using it.

◉Retinol​

It is an ingredient that promotes cell turnover, which regenerates skin cells. It is also a notable beauty ingredient that can be expected to have various effects, such as suppressing sebum secretion to prevent acne, giving skin firmness and making wrinkles less noticeable.

→ Click here for items containing retinol

◉ Glycolic acid, AHA

Like retinol, it is an ingredient that promotes cell turnover through a peeling effect. Glycolic acid is a type of fruit acid, and AHA is a general term for fruit acids. At our clinic, we recommend it to those who want to tone up their skin overall. Many people also experience the effect of making their pores less noticeable.

→ Foam type reduces friction. Click here for face washes containing ingredients with peeling effects such as glycolic acid.

2. How to use whitening products

To make the most of the whitening ingredients and make it easier to see their effects, it is important to use them correctly. With careful care, you can get the full benefit of the whitening ingredients!

①Don't rub or scrub!

Melanin is the cause of spots and dullness. As mentioned earlier, melanin is produced when melanocytes (pigment cells) are stimulated by ultraviolet rays, but physical stimulation can also cause spots and dullness.

Therefore, rubbing or rubbing the whitening ingredients into your skin too hard will have the opposite effect! Irritating your skin will only make the spots darker. Gently rub the product into your skin with your hands to avoid irritation.

②Continue using the recommended amount!

Whitening products are often relatively expensive. However, if you reduce the amount you use because you don't want to waste it, it can lead to uneven application and you won't get the full effect. If you try too hard to spread it, it can cause friction! Be sure to follow the appropriate amount written on the product packaging.

Also, whitening ingredients are most effective when used continuously. Use them not only in the spring and summer when UV rays are strongest, but also in the fall and winter when they are weaker. Fall and winter are the best times to whiten your skin!

3. Use after lotion and before emulsion and cream.

Whitening serums should be used after preparing your skin with toner in the morning and evening. Gently massage the whitening ingredients into your skin (don't rub them in!). Then, use a lotion or cream to protect your skin and seal in the whitening ingredients.

4. The basic rule is to apply it to the entire face, but only to specific areas with hydroquinone!

It is essential to use whitening products on the entire face, not just on areas where you are concerned about blemishes or dullness. Even if blemishes or dullness are not yet visible on the surface of the skin, whitening ingredients can help prevent blemishes and dullness by suppressing or eliminating the production of melanin inside the skin.

However, whitening products containing hydroquinone should be used pinpoint on the target spots without spreading them out. Because it is so effective, it can also cause irritation, so do not use it on multiple spots at once, but use it little by little and observe the results.

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This time, we explained the whitening ingredients used in the treatment of dark spots and dullness, and how to use them. Please continue to use them correctly while imagining how each whitening ingredient acts on your skin. If you do so, you will be able to easily feel the effects!

Next time, we will explain the different types of spots and dullness.

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