Multiple skincare products are readily available in the market. In every turn we take, we can see celebrities and stars promoting skincare brands and solutions for all our skin problems. Both natural and chemicals are part of this coveted list.
But how many of them could work? Can it be something you are looking for? Kojic acid is the latest addition to this long line of popular compounds.
So our article will be discussing the acid in detail along with its benefits, uses, and side effects to know if it is worth your time.
We want you to consider everything about the product and this is why its safety would also be one of our major concerns.
Uses of Kojic Acid
Kojic acid is produced by fungi called Aspergillus Orzyae. Usually, it is used to make a Japanese drink called Sake by fermenting rice but in skin care, it has been known to bring some different results.
With its white crystalline appearance, recently it has been used by many to get a clearer and better skin condition. Some of its major uses include,
1. Skin lightening: Our skin could go through various pollutants and severe tanning as it is exposed. Skin darkens when there is melanin production is increased.
Kojic acid has been known to lighten the skin including hyperpigmentation. Dark spots with melasma can also be removed with Kojic acid.
2. Anti-aging: Kojic Acid consists of many elements that could increase collagen production which could decrease age. Moreover, age spots and skin discoloration will also be removed after its application.
3. Treatment of skin conditions: Psoriasis and Eczema are kinds of skin conditions that need to be treated. However, researchers claim that kojic acid can be beneficial for these conditions. Acne and hyperpigmentation also seem to fade away with the use of kojic acid.
Benefits of Kojic Acid
Several benefits could be attributed to the use of kojic acid which include,
1. Antioxidants: Kojic acid has an abundance of antioxidants. Mostly, the skin is damaged by the free radicals that prevent oxidization and release toxins into the skin.
2. Reduce wrinkles and dark spots: Wrinkles cover the face as age progresses. They are fine lines under the eyes and over the cheek that could alter your appearance.
Additionally, the growth of dark spots is also concentrated on the face which can be removed by kojic acid.
3. Helps the skin glow: Kojic acid also contains elements that can help the skin return to its normal vibrance by clearing pores in the skin.
4. Remove the tan: Tanning is fairly common when you are exposed to skin. A lotion or sunscreen with kojic acid could be used to protect it from ultraviolet rays.
Those are harmful not only because of the tanning causes but also because they can prevent skin burns.
Side Effects of Kojic Acid
This is not to say it is without side effects. While it is wholly used by everyone, adverse effects could be seen in some which may include,
1. Unnecessary breakouts: This could mean the skin could break out due to the application. It could vary from redness to itching to severe acne or boils.
2. Allergic reactions: This could mean you will probably have itching all over the body. Individuals also suffer from respiratory distress when it is used more than needed.
3. Exogenous Ochronosis: It is a rare defect particularly associated with the usage of kojic acid. It involves the development of bluish-black marks on the body and face which are hard to remove. With continuous use, this condition could escalate and cause problems for the individual.
4. Loss of color: Some people have also reported having been suffering from dark spots on the skin which could worsen the skin allergies leading to pigmentation
How To Use Kojic Acid Safely?
Using Koji acid-induced products safely could be the only answer. To do so you must be careful about the following steps while incorporating them into your skincare routine.
1. Patch test: It is always important to conduct a detailed test as far as new products are considered. This is especially applicable to those with sensitive skin.
You could avoid the allergic reactions stated above by working out a small patch test. Let it be for 24 hours so that you know how your body responds to it.
2. Concentration matters: Most skin products are laced with kojic acid and could give similar results but you must choose the product wisely. For instance, a product with 4-5% concentration of Kojic acid can cause harm to the skin and the body.
Therefore it is necessary to calculate the amount needed to be applied. You should look for products that have no additives to let the lotion or cream take its effect.
3. Sun protection: Though it is known to protect the skin from tanning and hyperpigmentation caused due to excess melanin production, some also believe that it can react with the sun and to avoid longer hours of exposure, you must apply a high SPF sunscreen.
4. Consultation with a dermatologist: Before introducing anything new to your skin, you might want to consult a dermatologist and determine the kind of skin you sport. If you have extremely sensitive skin, breakouts could happen very often, and use a better chemical or natural product to deal with it.
Conclusion
No one in the world remains unaffected by skin issues. With every swipe of the internet, one can see products popping up left and right.
Kojic acid seems to be the latest fad. Its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties make it a rare compound that could revive your skin health but it comes with its set of side effects.
But this is common with any chemical compound and the intensity of our skin problems is what determines the effectiveness of most products.
Additionally, throwing caution to the wind is never a good idea while applying anything on your face. Unlike others, it should be considered to be delicate and therefore taken care of.
