Benefits of Kojic Acid
Have you been wondering how to enhance the look of discoloration or resolve the hyperpigmentation on your skin that happened due to melasma or sun damage? If so, you should consider using kojic acid as it acts as an effective skin-lightening agent. The specialty of the ingredient is it can treat several skin problems from melasma to dark spots, acne scars to sun damage. It functions by inhibiting pigment production. If you are hearing about kojic acid for the first time, then you should read about its usage, benefits, and forms of kojic acid in this blog.
What is Kojic Acid?
Being made from various kinds of fungi, kojic acid prevents and hinders the development of tyrosine, which is an amino acid required to develop melanin. It is also a derivative when some foods like rice wine, soy sauce, and Japanese sake ferment. As kojic acid prevents melanin production, it is said to have a whitening effect.
What does it do to the skin?
In simple words, kojic acid functions by restricting the appropriate proteins needed to develop extra melanin. It is classified as an exfoliant and antioxidant and consists of several properties that are helpful for your skin. Some dermatologists prescribe kojic acid creams with hydroquinone for best skin-lightening results. But kojic acid has the potential to work effectively on its own and it is an excellent alternative for individuals who do not prefer or tolerate hydroquinone.
Benefits of kojic acid
· Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory:
Popular for its anti-inflammatory properties, kojic acid assists with inflamed, red, and itchy skin. It even consists of few antimicrobial properties and aids better than Neosporin. While applied on the skin, kojic acid safeguards from certain kinds of bacteria alongside performing other functions.
· Treats melasma:
Pregnant women experience a skin condition called Melasma. It affects them three times faster than normal individuals. As a consequence of Melasma, they may notice dark patches on their face. The melanin inhibiting properties in the kojic acid serve as an effective ingredient to inhibit melasma and its symptoms.
· Serves as an antioxidant:
It searches and responds to skin destructive free radicals that occurred due to exposure to things like pollution and UV damage. Kojic acid enhances overall skin tone and serves as an ideal anti-aging ingredient.
· Aids in fading dark spots from sun, hyperpigmentation, or age:
Kojic acid is mainly used for fading dark spots and enhancing skin color through its antioxidant properties.
· Resolves hyperpigmentation caused due to hair removal:
Do you have scars due to ingrown hairs, razor burns, or hair removal-associated problems? Well, kojic acid is the best option for you. If you are wondering how to stop the irritation in that particular area, you should apply kojic acid. Keep applying and remain patient until the skin gets back to its original tone.
· Antifungal:
Kojic acid aids in treating and preventing certain common fungal infections like yeast infections and athlete’s foot.
Risks and side effects of kojic acid
It is safe to use kojic acid if it is present in a composition of 1 percent. But still, some individuals experience risks or side effects after its usage. One of the main side effects of kojic acid is Contact Dermatitis. It develops as discomfort, pain, swollen skin, rashes, itchiness, irritation, or redness. It happens mostly for individuals who have sensitive skin or when they use a product that contains a high amount of kojic acid. If you are finding reactions, ensure to stop using kojic acid cosmetics immediately.
Kojic acid should not be used on broken or damaged skin. If you are using topically, you can notice results within one to two weeks. It can be used for treating areas of scarring or hyperpigmentation but should not be utilized for lightening your natural complexion.
Consult a dermatologist when using cosmetic products that contain kojic acid for treating certain appearances or skin conditions. The physician would help in deciding the safest and best course of action for your skin type.
Remember, when kojic acid products are used for long periods, it has the chance to make your skin vulnerable to skin. We recommend using sunscreen regularly if you are using creams or lotions that contain kojic acid.
What products have kojic acid?
Kojic acid is added as an ingredient in body and face products including moisturizers, serums, and soaps. It is safe to use products with kojic acid daily. However, if you are using the product in the morning, you have to use sunscreen for better protection and results. Tamira Pharmacy provides a wide range of top-branded products like Kojic Cream, Lipzlite, Melaglow Rich Cream, and Ethiglo Face Wash. These moisturizers, gels, spot treatments, and serums combine kojic acid with Vitamins A, E, and C and antioxidants to fight sun damage and free radicals and improve the glow and health of your complexion.
Can kojic acid be used for the body?
Kojic acid is mostly found in cosmetic products such as serums, lotions, creams, and even some soaps. The majority of such products are formulated to use on the face or hands. If you are selecting a cosmetic product that contains kojic acid, you can use it as mentioned and even on body parts like the arms and legs.
The composition of kojic acid usually ranges from 1 to 4 percent in cosmetics. Serums with kojic acid can be applied directly to the skin. When applied over, it gets absorbed. Soaps with kojic acid have to be washed off. It should be used only on non-sensitive parts of the body. According to the concentration and the ingredients the cosmetic product is compounded with, it can be utilized daily.
What are the kojic acid creams for hyperpigmentation in India?
Melaglow rich cream controls skin pigmentation that causes skin darkening with its bleaching effect. As you use it, you can notice glowing and damage-free skin. It is mainly used for boosting skin cell activity and treating hyperpigmentation. Some of the other kojic acid creams and lotions for hyperpigmentation are Aloesof lotion and Kojic.
What are the kojic acid creams for skin brightening in India?
Kojic skin lightening cream reduces the black or brown spots that happen on the face post pimples or acne. It consists of three active ingredients like Lactokine, Kojic Acid Dipalmitate, and Azeloglicina that are popular for their skin lightening efficacy. The main benefit of using Kojic is it can be used even during morning hours and it is not photosensitive. It is oil-free, non-comedogenic, and simple to use. It does not cause any irritation to all skin types.
As Kojic does not contain any steroids, it does not cause any side effects. With the help of a unique spot application, apply Kojic on spots that are discolored due to pimples or acne. If you are stepping outdoors, you can apply sunscreen that has an SPF of a minimum of 30 after applying Kojic.
How long does it take for kojic acid to begin showing effects?
It is not possible to see results overnight. However, some people notice the results after using it for a few weeks. If you are using kojic acid continuously, you may notice good improvements in one to two months. Consistency is important for ultimate results.
Remember, kojic acid does not permanently lighten or bleach the skin. Though it brightens to a certain extent, it does not destroy melanin. It will interrupt melanin production. If you are feeling skin becoming light after continuous usage of kojic acid, you can stop the application and see how the melanin production speeds up again. It takes months for your skin to return to its previous state when you stop applying kojic acid skincare products.
What are the foods that are rich in kojic acid?
Kojic acid is derived from aspergillus oryzae (koji malt). In Japanese cuisine, koji malt is utilized in the preparation of foods like miso, sake, and soy sauce. It is mostly utilized as a natural preservative for fresh vegetables and meat and also as an antioxidant. The meaning of the term Kojic means ‘bacteria’, which is ‘culture’ in Japanese.
Miso:
Miso is the main ingredient for preparing soy sauce. It is a fermented paste obtained from soybeans. It is also prepared by including koji to wheat, barley, rice, and several other ingredients and permitted to ferment. It may take weeks to years for the miso to get fermented. Once it reaches the right form, the ingredients are crushed into a paste and the texture resembles nut butter.
Sake:
It is popular Japanese alcohol that has been in use since the 3rd century. Some of the main ingredients utilized for preparing Sake are koji mold, yeast, water, and rice. Once prepared, it is evaluated continuously for one to two days and then served for consumption.
Soy sauce:
Soy sauce is known to have high kojic acid composition. Also referred to as shoyu, tamari, and soya sauce, soy sauce was first prepared in China around 2500 years ago. It is also high in sodium and contains manganese, protein, and niacin.