Kojic acid's properties allow it to be a bleaching agent when used in creams, gels, and other cosmetics. Kojic acid is similar to a chemical called hydroquinone. They are both effective treatments for hyperpigmentation.
Decrease the appearance of scars: Kojic acid may also reduce the discoloration of scars. Although the acid does not improve the thickness of scar tissue, it may reduce dark pigmentation associated with certain types of scars. Lightening the scar may make it less noticeable.
Kojic acid is not cytotoxic (that is not harmful to living cells) and therefore cannot permanently lighten your skin tone.
Kojic acid (5-hydroxy-2 hydroxymethyl-4-pyrone) is a naturally occurring hydrophilic fungal product derived from certain species of Acetobacter, Aspergillus, and Penicillium. It reduces hyperpigmentation by inhibiting the production of free tyrosinase and is also a potent antioxidant.
In this case, turning to dermatological procedures will work as the fastest way to get rid of hyperpigmentation. Chemical peels, laser therapy, microdermabrasion, or dermabrasion are all options that work similarly to rid skin of hyperpigmentation.
Hyperpigmentation is a harmless skin condition that people can get rid of using removal techniques such as cosmetic treatments, creams, and home remedies.
Kojic acid was deemed a “quasi-drug” and banned from the market in Japan by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare in 2003 and subsequently in Korea and Switzerland due to safety concerns stemming from animal test results suggesting mutagenicity.
Unlike alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxy acids, kojic acid won't even out your complexion by chemically exfoliating the outermost, dead layer of skin, Dr. Kim says. Instead, it's more like a low-key, less controversial version of hydroquinone.
Skin will eventually shift back to its natural state once you discontinue use, and trying to avoid that by using excess amounts of the ingredient can cause some serious irritation.
Yes, kojic acid is safe to use everyday. Depending on your skin's sensitivity, it can be used twice a day. Just remember, don't use kojic acid more than 3 months at a time because that can be damaging to your skin.
The results of the study show that 4% Hydroquinone cream is a better topical hypopigmenting agent with rapid rate of clinical improvement when compared to 0.75% Kojic Acid cream.
While you have to wash off soaps and cleansers immediately after application, you can leave kojic acid serum, cream, or lotion on overnight for better absorption.
Hydroquinone is considered by many to be the gold standard treatment for pigmentation. “Hydroquinone blocks the production of pigmentation by inhibiting tyrosinase,” explains Dr Jack, adding that it does so in a particularly potent way.
Is it safe to use Kojic acid and Vitamin C together? It is possible to use kojic acid together with vitamin C on your skin, however, if you have sensitive skin it is advisable to layer them separately in your routine.
Kojic Acid and Salicylic Acid are just two ingredients that work in perfect synergy with Hydroquinone to produce beautiful results.
Takeaway. When using kojic acid topically, you'll likely start to see results within two weeks. You may see greater results — or faster results — if you also add glycolic acid to the treatment.
Kojic acid was not a toxicant in acute, chronic, reproductive, and genotoxicity studies. While some animal data suggested tumor promotion and weak carcinogenicity, kojic acid is slowly absorbed into the circulation from human skin and likely would not reach the threshold at which these effects were seen.
Some cases of hyperpigmentation may never go away completely. If hyperpigmentation is caused by injury, then as the skin heals the discoloration will lessen as melanin is absorbed into the tissue surrounding the injury.
Aloe vera has aloin, a natural depigmenting compound that works to lighten skin and is also effective as a nontoxic hyperpigmentation treatment, according to a 2012 study, mentioned on healthline.com. Apply pure aloe vera gel over the pigmented areas before going to bed. Rinse with warm water in the morning.
It helps fade hyperpigmentation
Vitamin C inhibits melanin synthesis by downregulating the activity of an enzyme known as tyrosinase. It's widely used in dermatology for depigmentation of hyperpigmented spots on the skin.
Hyperpigmentation within the dermis has a blue-gray appearance and may either be permanent or resolve over a protracted period of time if left untreated.
This increases the concentration of melanin in the epidermis, creating a temporary darkening of the spots. So, the darkening is what you want to see. It means the pigment is coming up and is ready to be shed away. You might be tempted at this point to over-exfoliate in an attempt to speed up the process even more.