Things You Need To Know About Skin Brighteners

Is skin brightening the same as skin whitening?

Much like the frozen beauty of a portrait, early skincare products attempted to prevent aging which replicated the universal idea of beauty, creating the perfect still picture.

The industry has since shifted to youth restoration and self-reliance so that now all aspects of skin care are marketed.

Many people out there seek out retail skin bleaching and skin brightening in their quest for a beautiful complexion.

Whitening the skin, a component of former anti-aging routines and brightening of the skin, has become one of today’s new methods and it is popular due to the expectation of society that they can obtain privacy and effectiveness whether they are in a dermatologist’s office or walking through the aisles in the drugstore.

Beauty Skin Brighteners

Lisa VanBockern, a licensed Aesthetician who owns Skin Script Products based in Tempe, Arizona says, “Products that are purchased over the counter at drug stores contain the lowest levels of ingredients so that the public cannot harm themselves.” Often the terms skin bleaching or whitening are used interchangeably in negative ways but skin brightening is a new term with a positive spin (source).

As the plastic surgeon and director of OCBody.com, located in Orange County, John Di Saia MD explains, “The market in bleaching creams has changed a bit in the last year or so as the FDA made an issue out of the use of hydroquinone, a long-used bleaching agent that was a common ingredient in both prescription and over-the-counter products (source).”

Hydroquinone was recently classified as a potential contributor to cancer, which caused public concern. He explains it from an ingredient vantage point “New products include vitamins and anti-oxidants.” There have been a few laser treatments performed by doctors as well as lasers for home use like the Starlite which provide consumers a less invasive method than skin lighteners or bleaching products that contain chemicals.

You May Also Like Ceramedx Reviews and Diamond Peel: Treatment, Benefits

The marketing strategy for skin brightening products focuses on the difference in skin whiteners and skin brighteners – rejuvenating the skin without the use of harsh chemicals found in skin whiteners.

But, doctor Di Saia says, “There isn’t a single formula and there has never been one for these products, however, the old bleaching creams are close to the brighteners used today”. However, there isn’t a consensus in the industry that brighteners are the new whiteners in the skincare industry.

The doctor is a board-certified dermatologist and has done research on skin.

What Skin Brighteners Really Do To Your Skin

Dr. Carl Thornfeldt, MD separates various skin clarity options into three categories:

  • Skin brighteners improve your skin in a variety of ways. They change the reflection of light off the surface of the skin while improving skin tone by increasing blood flow and skin cell regeneration.
  • Skin whiteners focus on the pigmentation cells in the skin and attempt to reduce their activity which gives the skin a whiter looking appearance.
  • Unlike whiteners, skin de-pigments focus on the other, abnormal pigmentation cells, by blocking UV rays with a sunscreen component and affecting inflammation

Whether or not you believe that skin whiteners and skin brighteners are actually different products, the choice you make will affect your goal to have lighter or more youthful skin.

Read MoreFacial Scrub Review and Benzac Blackheads Facial Scrub

Below you'll find some of the most effective skin brightening products on the market today, in our opinion:

Star

Our Top Skin Lightening Choices

#1. WOWMD 10% Niacinamide Serum

Overall Grade: A
10-niacinamide-serum RatingEditor Rating Learn More >>
Reduces Fine Lines & Enlarged Pores*
Improves Skin Tone & Texture*
Strengthens Skin Barrier*
Diminishes Redness & Blemishes*
Brightens Dull Complexion*
Ingredient Safety
4.8/5.0
Projected Effectiveness
4.9/5.0
Return Policy
4.9/5.0
Customer Satisfaction
4.7/5.0
Overall Rating 4.8/5

Positives

  • High-strength 10% niacinamide
  • Lightweight serum, layers easily under skincare
  • Great for anti-aging + blemish-prone skin
  • Improves texture and hydration
  • Cruelty-free & made in the USA

Negatives

  • Works gradually; results may take weeks
  • Strong concentration may cause mild tingling for very sensitive skin

Customer Review & Rating: 4.8/5

"This serum has made my pores look smaller and my skin much smoother. My overall complexion looks brighter after just a month." - By Rachel M.

BOTTOM LINE

WOWMD 10% Niacinamide Serum is a multi-tasking anti-aging serum that improves uneven texture, strengthens the skin barrier, and brightens the complexion. Perfect for those dealing with fine lines, enlarged pores, or dullness.

Check Price >>

#2 Gundry MD Polyphenol Dark Spot Diminisher

Overall Grade: A
Gundry MD Polyphenol Dark Spot Diminisher Rating Editor Rating Learn More >>
Reduces the Appearance Of Dark Spots*
Evens Skin Tone*
Boosts Skin Radiance and Brightness*
Acts As Antioxidant*
Improves Skin Smoothness & Texture*
Ingredient Safety
4.9/5.0
Projected Effectiveness
4.9/5.0
Return Policy
4.8/5.0
Customer Satisfaction
4.8/5.0
Overall Rating 4.8/5

Positives

  • Combines polyphenol-rich extracts (acai, blueberry, Kakadu plum, etc.), niacinamide, other advanced actives
  • Formulation is about 91% top-allergen free; free of gluten, coconut, nickel, many preservatives
  • Manufactured in the U.S., with a 90-day money-back guarantee
  • Lightweight serum texture, absorbs well
  • Targets existing discoloration and also helps prevent new dark spots

Negatives

  • Some users report limited or slow visible changes, even after weeks of use
  • Results vary; not everyone sees strong fading of dark spots
  • Price is relatively high compared to typical mass-market serums
  • Possible risk of irritation for very sensitive skin (as with many actives)
  • In some markets stock/availability may be inconsistent

Customer Review & Rating: 4.9/5

"I love the way it makes my skin look and feel some of the lighter discolored areas improved." By- Michelle Wagh

BOTTOM LINE

Gundry MD Polyphenol Dark Spot Diminisher is a well-designed serum that uses a blend of antioxidant, brightening, and plant-derived ingredients to address age spots, sun damage, and uneven pigmentation. Its safety profile is decent and the return policy is customer-friendly. However, the real-world results are mixed: many users see gradual improvement, while some see minimal changes.

Check Price >>

**This is a subjective assessment based on the strength of the available informations and our estimation of efficacy.

*Result may vary. The information contained in this website is provided for general informational purpose. No medical claims are implied in this content, and the information herein is not intended to be used for self diagnosis or self treatment of any condition.

*Disclosure of Material connection: Some of the links in the post above are "associate sales links." This means if you can click on the link and purchase an item, we will receive a commission. Regardless, we only recommend products or services which we use personally and/or believe will add value to our readers. We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials."