by Alexandra Nicole Nuralam

6 Skin-Brightening Ingredients For That Lit-From-Within Glow

Brightening skincare products can benefit everyone, no matter the skin tone and yes, it is different from whitening products. Brightening skincare is really about clearing the skin of issues like pigmentation and bringing radiance to it, rather than making it fairer.

If you’ve been searching for skincare products that will help you achieve that lit-from-within glow, look no further. We’ve compiled a list of the best skincare ingredients (and products!) that brighten the skin. Scroll ahead for clear, even-toned skin.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is by far the most well-known skin-brightening ingredient to fight dark spots and dullness. It keeps skin looking bright and clear by preventing inflammation and blocking pigment production.

Vitamin C is also packed with antioxidants that help fight free radicals and boost collagen production, making it a great ingredient for reducing wrinkles and fine lines.

Tip: Use in the morning and avoid mixing with retinol, AHAs and BHAs. Serums are best since they absorb better into the skin.

BEAUBIT’s Pick: The Inkey List 15% Vitamin C and EGF Serum, SGD26.50

Niacinamide

Also known as vitamin B3, niacinamide is a water-soluble vitamin that works with the natural substances in your skin to help visibly minimize enlarged pores, tighten pores, improve uneven skin tone, soften fine lines, diminish dullness, and strengthen the skin barrier. It also helps regulate sebum production without drying out the skin, great for those with acne-prone skin.

BEAUBIT’s Pick: Paula’s Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster, SGD63

Kojic acid

Mushrooms are the source of kojic acid, a byproduct of the fermentation of certain Asian foods, like soy sauce and rice wine. It inhibits a necessary enzyme in the production of melanin, which helps to fade dark spots and discolouration. It also works as an antioxidant and counteracts skin-damaging free radicals.

BEAUBIT’s Pick: Skinceuticals Discoloration Defense, SGD159

Azelaic acid

Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring acid found in grains like barley, wheat, and rye. It has anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it particularly effective at treating redness and uneven skin tone caused by skin issues such as acne, rosacea, and melasma. Azelaic acid also has antibacterial properties and helps to clear dead skin cells, so it’s great for acne-prone skin. 

Tip: For those who are conceiving, azelaic acid is a safe alternative to exfoliants like salicylic acid.

BEAUBIT’s Pick: The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%, SGD11

Arbutin

A naturally-occurring compound in plants like cranberry and blueberry, arbutin is a natural ingredient that reduces the skin’s melanin production. It’s particularly great at fading dark spots left behind by acne and sun damage. 

Tip: Use with vitamin C for maximum results. 

BEAUBIT’s Pick: Sunday Riley Tidal Brightening Enzyme Water Cream Moisturiser, SGD98

Liquorice Extract

This ingredient is particularly effective at brightening the skin; it inhibits the production of pigmentation while removing excess melanin. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which is great for those with skin prone to redness.

BEAUBIT’s Pick: Skin Inc Licorice Serum, SGD68

More tips for glowing skin:

Another step you can take to brighten your skin is to accelerate the skin renewal process with regular exfoliation. AHAs and BHAs, as well as retinol products, are recommended for this, as they work by sloughing off the “discoloured” skin cells on the surface and replacing them with new skin cells.

Last but definitely not least, always put on sunscreen! It is especially important for boosting your skin’s radiance as sunscreen acts to shield your skin and prevent UV rays from provoking your skin into producing more melanin.

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