What do skin brighteners do?

What do skin brighteners do? Well for a massive group of men and women, skin brighteners are responsible for removing changes in skin pigmentation, fading acne scars and general blemishes. To find out more, we reached out to the Huffington Post who provided us with an explanation about the benefits of skin brighteners.

“Dark spots are my archenemy. Every time I get a pimple, I end up with a hideous scar that stands out against my dark complexion. Like most women who struggle with hyperpigmentation, I’ve tried slathering on bleaching creams to fade acne scars and blemishes. While some have worked, I’m still uncomfortable with skin brighteners.

So I reached out to Deborah S. Sarnoff, MD, senior vice president of The Skin Cancer Foundation, and Wendy E. Roberts, MD, board certified dermatopathologist, for the real deal on products that brighten and lighten our skin.

It may be hard to swallow, but skin brighteners work to bleach and lighten the skin.

Skin brighteners target post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation — a broad, catch-all term for any kind of inflammation on the skin, according to Dr. Sarnoff. Specifically women that have blemishes from acne cysts and bumps.

She explains, “When the acne resolves, sometimes the skin stains, which is causing too much pigment to be released. That’s a common issue where a skin brightener may help. In addition, skin brighteners help target age spots and brown spots, which are caused by the sun’s ultraviolet rays.”

While Dr. Roberts notes a skin brightener is often prescribed to treat melasma (where the normal skin is darkened and the disorder is distressing to the patient), they’ve also been used historically in countries such as Japan, China, India and throughout the continent of Africa for individuals who simply desire a brighter complexion.”

Our pick of the best skin brighteners are:

Babor Skinovage PX Intensifier Illuminating Serum is formulated with mineral-rich organic silica and powerful peptides to improve skin’s tone and texture. Instantly brightens the complexion with light-reflecting pigments, and continually boosts firmness and radiance.

Gatineau Activ Eclat Radiance Enhancing Gommage – Gently removes dead cells, brightens the skin tone, energizes and purifies the skin. “Quick breaking” principle: gel texture which liquefies on contact with the skin and enables the enzymes+ AHA to gently carry out their exfoliating action.

Biodroga Caviar & Radiance Anti-Age Night Care – A delightfully rich night care is ideal for the overnight regeneration phase. It’s ingredients gently support nightly repair and rebuilding mechanisms. Helps slow down the aging processes, tightens and firms the skin, reducing fine lines and wrinkles. Brightens sallow skin while balancing moisture levels for a radiantly balanced complexion and silky, smooth skin.