Kojic Acid is a key ingredient that can be found in many skin lightening products such as serums, creams and gels.

It has been advertised as an answer to people who have been battling skin problems such as sun damage, age spots, and scars. 

However, can kojic acid permanently lighten skin or is its effect temporary?

One of the properties of kojic acid, which is a natural metabolite produced by fungi, is that it can inhibit tyrosinase activity in the synthesis of melanin.

Melanin is the pigment that is responsible for giving color to the hair, skin and eyes. So when the tyrosine is inhibited, the melanin production is reduced, thus the brightening and lightening effect when a product with this acid is used on the skin.

Regular use of this acid will result to the permanent brightness and lightness of the skin. However, discontinuing use will result to the skin reverting to its normal tone, although not immediately as it will take a few months.

Also, when the skin darkening is caused by skin damages like hyper pigmentation and acne, kojic acid-infused products can have a permanent lightening effect.

The effect of using products with kojic acid is temporary in the case of the usual volume of melanin that is pre-programmed right from birth. However, the skin sometimes produces melanin as protection due to skin damage from excessive exposure to sun, or from a scar onas a consequence of acne or spots.

Kojic acid is not to be used to lighten a person's natural complexion. Its use is to lighten discoloration that was not originally on the skin, such as age spots, sun spots, and marks left by skin breakouts. 

Prolong use of products will always result to side effects and risks. A person with super sensitive skin should consult a dermatologist first before using products that has kojic acid.

Otherwise, it may result to contact dermatitis which manifests as redness, irritation, itchiness, rashes, swollen skin, pain, and discomfort.

Or, it can also be because the product has more than the prescribed volume of kojic acid deemed to be safe for use. It has been approved for use in cosmetic products in concentrations between 2 and 4 percent.

And, because kojic acid interferes with melanin production, prolonged use will make the skin sensitive to the sun. A sun block is advisable to be on hand when the person who uses a product infused with kojic acid steps out into the sun.

The kojic acid's effect will vary depending on the type of skin and severity of the condition. This should be noted when using products that promises immediate results. For some it may take just a few weeks while for some, it may take months. So, it is best to stick with the product for a few months before dismissing it for not immediately getting the desired results.

Kojic acid is also safe to use because it is not cytotoxic which means it is not harmful to living cells.

Check these out: 

Kojic Acid: Is It Safe to Be Used for Skincare?

Kojic Acid: Treats Sun Damage, Age Spots, Lightens Skin

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