Kojic Acid and Vitamin C: The Power Couple
Skincare today is evolving at the fastest pace. New ingredients are introduced every day to target a new skin concern. While some of the ingredients just 'trend' for a brief period, some withstand the test of time. One of those ingredients is Vitamin C. It has been in the skincare world for decades and is still considered the 'all-rounder' ingredient. Another ingredient that has gained popularity over time is kojic acid and vitamin C. It is a relatively new ingredient in the skincare industry, but it is known for its antioxidant properties for decades.
This blog will dive deep into the science behind these ingredients and how they work on our skin. We will also see what will happen when we mix these two potent ingredients in our skincare routine and the do's and don'ts of pairing these two ingredients together. So, join us on this enlightening voyage as we unlock the secrets of this dynamic duo and embrace the radiant potential that awaits within each luxurious jar of cream and bottles of serum.
Let's start with understanding each of the ingredients individually first.
Vitamin C: The brightening hero
In the world of skincare, Vitamin C is a multi-talented hero. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that fights against free radicals, molecules responsible for skin damage and premature aging. It helps to protect the skin from pollution, damage, and UV rays. It boosts Collagen in your skin, a protein responsible for the firmness and elasticity of skin, reducing fine lines and wrinkles. Inhibiting melanin production and promoting cell turnover can effectively fade dark spots and improve overall skin tone, helping you achieve plump, youthful, and glowing skin.
Kojic acid: The Pigmentation Police
Its roots are in Japan; it is derived from various fungi and is a byproduct of the fermentation of foods like rice wine, soy sauce, and Japanese sake. Kojic acid is known for its ability to reduce pigmentation. It hunts excess melanin in our skin, a pigment responsible for those dark spots and acne scars. Kojic acid can effectively fade hyperpigmentation, age spots, and even melasma. It inhibits Tyrosinase, an enzyme responsible for melanin production in our skin. It helps improve skin texture, reduces pigmentation, and offers antifungal properties.
Vitamin C and Kojic acid: the power couple
We just told you about the excellent benefits of kojic acid and vitamin C. But what will happen if we mix these two ingredients?
You get a skincare power couple that is all about improving your skin tone and skin radiance. They both complement each other beautifully. While Vitamin C focuses on overall skin health and glow, Kojic Acid zeroes in on pigmentation issues. This is not it. Vitamin C helps stabilize kojic acid, making it more effective. Plus, the antioxidant properties of Vitamin C can help reduce the potential irritation that Kojic Acid might cause, especially for those with sensitive skin. When these two ingredients are combined, they create a synergistic effect, delivering unmatched results. With regular use of this combination, you can expect noticeable improvements in your skin's clarity, brightness, and overall health.
What goes first on the skin?
The order in which you apply these products to your face is essential in deciding the duo's effectiveness. The correct sequence is the key to achieving skin harmony.
We follow a fundamental skincare principle for optimal absorption: lightest to heaviest. Vitamin C serums usually come in a much lighter form designed for fast absorption in our skin. On the other hand, Kojic acid comes in a much thicker and heavier texture, absorbing into our skin slower than Vitamin C. After the absorption of Vitamin C, Kojic acid steps in and focuses on targeting melanin production without competing with Vitamin C for skin penetration.
Vitamin C's molecular size is smaller than Kojic acid's, allowing it to absorb faster into the skin. By applying it first, you ensure that the skin is not blocked by heavier molecules and that Vitamin C effectively reaches the deeper layers of the skin.
Vitamin C thrives in a specific pH environment. When applied first, it can work at its ideal pH without being altered by the subsequent application of kojic acid and vitamin C. This helps maintain the stability and effectiveness of Vitamin C on your skin.
Here is how to incorporate kojic acid and vitamin C in your skincare routine
- Cleanse: Clean your face with a gentle cleanser that suits your skin type. Look for gentle ingredients that do not strip your skin of its natural oils. Light Up Beauty's Superfood Green Juice Brightening Skin Cleanser contains superfoods like Avocado, Hemp, Matcha, and Parsley, which help gently clean the skin while giving it a brighter tone. It is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
-
Apply Vitamin C serum: Gently apply your Vitamin C serum, patting it into the skin and giving it time to absorb in the skin properly. When selecting a product, choose one with a stable form of Vitamin C. The best form of Vitamin C is THD Ascorbate. It is also known as the Gold Standard of Vitamin C. It is an oil-soluble form of Vitamin C, proven to penetrate the skin 3x faster as most of our skin comprises Lipids and Fats. One of the biggest challenges with most Vitamin C serums is their instability. Most Vitamin C types and derivatives are unstable and deteriorate very quickly. However, THD Ascorbate is a highly stable form of Vitamin C, which does not oxidize quickly. It stimulates 50% more collagen, which means it works faster than any other Vitamin C. Light Up Beauty brings you this miraculous form of Vitamin C in India. Light Up Beauty's Prism Vitamin C face glow cream and Blaze Vitamin C glow serum are one of a kind in India.
Prism Vitamin C glow cream contains THD Ascorbate, Milk peptides, Alpha Arbutin, and Bio retinol. This cream helps brighten the skin, boost elasticity, and target dark spots and hyperpigmentation. This cream is perfect for beginners who want to incorporate Vitamin C into their daily routine but get overwhelmed by serums. This cream is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, because it contains THD Ascorbate, which does not cause any irritation and is the best form of Vitamin C if your skin is sensitive to active ingredients. Light Up Beauty's Blaze Vitamin C face glow serum is infused with THD Ascorbate and 12 power nutri-complexes like Kakadu plum, Beetroot, Chia, Blackcurrant, Pumpkin seeds, and Chinese ginger. It helps brighten the skin, reduce dark spots and pigmentation, and achieve a radiant glow.
- Follow it up with a Kojic acid serum: Once the Vitamin C serum is completely absorbed into the skin, apply a few drops of Kojic acid serum to your face in a patting motion. If you are new to this ingredient, start with a lower concentration and apply it on alternate days to avoid skin sensitivity.
- Moisturizer: Seal everything in with a good hydrating moisturizer. Look for formulations that are not too heavy and noncomedogenic so they don't clog your pores. Light Up Beauty's Wave Hydrating Day Cream is an ultralight moisturizer that contains 5% Squalane, which is best for sensitive skin, and 2% Niacinamide, which helps to reduce acne and acne scars while keeping your skin hydrated for 72 hours. It is very lightweight, noncomedogenic, and non-oily, making it perfect for this hot weather.
- SPF: Sunscreen is a must after applying these serums. Always top it up in the morning with a broad spectrum SPF to protect your skin from sun damage. Light Up Beauty's Gold Rush Vitamin C sunscreen has SPF 60 PA ++++ protection, which protects UV A and UV B rays, infrared rays, and blue light. It has more than 6 UV filters while being very lightweight and nonsticky. It is infused with THD Ascorbate and 1% Ceramides, so it not only protects your skin against sun damage but also helps reduce hyperpigmentation and dark spots. In contrast, ceramides help repair the skin barrier and hydrate the skin. This sunscreen ticks all the boxes a sunscreen should and more, making it essential in your skincare routine.
Conclusion
Kojic acid and Vitamin C have many benefits of their own, but together, they have the potential to transform your skin. With their complementary benefits and gentle yet effective nature, these two ingredients work harmoniously to address many skincare concerns. Whether battling dark spots, dullness, or fine lines, incorporating this powerhouse duo into your skincare routine will surely leave you glowing from within.