There’s so much confusion about products and ingredients that claim to lighten and/or brighten skin. But the main question remains; what is the difference between skin brightening and skin lightening. Today, we set out to answer this question. Take notes!
What’s the basic difference between skin lightening and brightening?
Lightening is reducing pigmentation and brightness is increasing radiance and glow of skin. Lightening has to do with discoloration and evening of skin tone. Brightening is more about restoring vibrancy to the skin.
What ingredients should you look for in a lightener?
Hydroquinone, Kojic Acid, Arbutin, Vitamin C and retinol.
What ingredients should you look for in a lightener?
Vitamin C, retinol, alpha and beta hydroxy acids.
What ingredients should you look for in a lightener?
There is overlap between ingredients for both. Using all those ingredients can address both issues. However, peels are great—both AHA and retinol peels. In addition to stimulating collagen production, which will soften lines and wrinkles, peels firm skin and even out skin tone. Repetitive peels can also help to reduce pore size, fade discolorations, improve rosacea, as well as treat and prevent acne.
Which one is better for skin of colour?
Everyone wants brightening because it makes the skin glow. But not all want lightening. Lightening the skin seems to be more of an issue with skin of colour because their skin can produce irregular patches of pigmentation, than fair skinned individuals.
What else should you keep in mind when considering lightening or brightening?
Sunscreen is important for skin of colour. Sun causes loss of brightness and increases dullness. And the sun’s harmful rays can lead to increased discoloration because people with skin of colour produce more pigmentation naturally.
(Credit: to Author)
