Specifically, tyrosinase is a key enzyme, which catalyzes a rate-limiting step of the melanin synthesis, and the downregulation of tyrosinase is the most prominent approach for the development of
In many tissues, the effects of estrogen are counterbalanced by progesterone. Consistent with this, when melanocytes were exposed to progesterone, melanin production decreased, causing skin to lighten .
The TYR gene provides instructions for making an enzyme called tyrosinase. This enzyme is located in melanocytes, which are specialized cells that produce a pigment called melanin. Melanin is the substance that gives skin, hair, and eyes their color.
However, by far the most potent inhibitor of human tyrosinase is 4-n-butylresorcinol with an IC(50) of 21 μmol/L. In artificial skin models, arbutin was least active with an IC(50) for inhibition of melanin production > 5000 μmol/L. Kojic acid inhibited with an IC(50) > 400 μmol/L.
Hydroquinone (HQ)
HQ is the agent of choice for skin lightening. Combining HQ with a steroid cream and tretinoin have superior efficacy when compared to HQ alone. Although it's considered safe, there may be side effects and is subject to pre-market approval by Health Sciences Authority (HSA).
Popular Korean Skin Whitening Products
Products containing Vitamin C or licorice extract can help brighten the skin with every wash. Toners with brightening ingredients like niacinamide, Vitamin C, or licorice extract hydrate and balance the skin while preparing it for the next steps in your routine.
Hydroquinone. Hydroquinone is a depigmentation agent that is present in many skin bleaching products. A person can buy a 2% solution over the counter or seek a prescription for a stronger 4% solution.
Hydroquinone, one of the most effective and widely used melanin inhibitors, has been banned or restricted in several countries due to concerns over potential carcinogenicity and ochronosis, a condition causing bluish-black pigmentation of the skin.
The loss of melanin by desquamation can then remove the tan (Fig. S4, supplementary materials). The use of tyrosinase inhibitors is the most common approach for skin whitening, as the enzyme catalyzes the rate-limiting step of pigmentation (Wang et al., 2011).
Conclusions. We conclude that azelaic acid may be better than hydroquinone in reducing melasma severity as measured by the MASI. However, no significant difference between both treatments regarding the side effects.
Enzymes, such as cranberry, papaya, and pineapple enzymes, work hard to gently exfoliate the skin, effectively removing dead cells and impurities. This process promotes a smoother texture, a more even skin tone, and reveals a youthful glow.
Tyrosinase is a copper-containing enzyme present in plant and animal tissues that catalyzes the production of melanin and other pigments from tyrosine by oxidation.
The epidermis
The bottom sheet is where new epidermal cells are made. As old, dead skin cells are sloughed off the surface, new ones are pushed up to replace them. The epidermis also contains melanin, the pigment that gives skin its colour.
The major finding of this study is that women (not using make-up) with higher levels of late follicular oestrogen have more feminine, attractive and healthy looking faces than those with lower levels.
Vitamin C aids in the whitening process by priming the skin cells and making them more susceptible to the effects of Glutathione. ✔ Citrus Bioflavonoids are powerful antioxidants that reverse damage, resulting in visible signs of healthy, more vibrant skin.
Glutathione is the most common agent taken by mouth to whiten the skin. It can be used as a cream. It is an antioxidant normally made by the body.
Most commonly, celebrities resort to chemical peels or laser therapy to get rid of hyperpigmentation fast. Others opt for vitamin C supplements, retinol, or serums to lighten their skin.
Whitening Products
The most popular active ingredient traditionally used in this type of cosmetic product is hydroquinone (HQ).
The findings indicated that the topical metformin induced tail whitening in mice. They also confirmed the anti-melanogenic effect of metformin on the reconstituted human epidermis and human skin biopsies. They suggested a clinical strategy for using metformin for hyperpigmentation disorders (Lehraiki et al., 2014).
Swertiajaponin is the strongest tyrosinase inhibitor of fifty flavonoids. Of various natural compounds, flavonoids, a group of naturally occurring antioxidants and metal chelators, have been known to suppress tyrosinase activity because of their ability to form copper-flavonoid complexes [8, 9].
Niacinamide is a top skincare ingredient that effectively fades dark spots and melasma on skin. Compared to hydroquinone, niacinamide is a skincare ingredient with zero cancer risk. Plus, it brings more than just melasma-fading benefits to your skin.