7 Brightening Ingredients That Actually Work

We all want to glow but, brightening dull skin isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s also about promoting skin health and a healthy lifestyle. Dull skin, usually has an underlying external or internal issue that needs attention in order to get your spark back. There are many benefits of brightening dull skin like improved skin function, even skin tone, increased collagen production, protection and improved self confidence. Here are 7 ingredients proven to brighten dull skin.

Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that helps brighten the skin by inhibiting melanin production and promoting collagen synthesis.

Vitamin C

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), helps to inhibit melanin production, fade dark spots, and improve uneven skin tone, resulting in a brighter and more even complexion.

Niacinamide vitamin B3

Arginine PCA, arginine PCA promotes collagen synthesis, which can help improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. As collagen production increases, the skin’s structure becomes firmer and more even, leading to a brighter complexion. Active ingredient in SkinBetter Science Even Tone Correcting Serum.

Alpha-Arbutin, is known for its ability to inhibit tyrosinase activity, the enzyme responsible for melanin production in the skin. By blocking melanin formation, alpha-arbutin helps reduce the appearance of dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin tone, resulting in a brighter and more luminous complexion.

Arginine PCA & Alpha-Arbutin

Retinoids, (Vitamin A derivatives) stimulate cell turnover, increase collagen production, and fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation, resulting in smoother, brighter, and more even-toned skin over time.

Retinol

Kojic Acid, derived from various fungi, kojic acid inhibits melanin production, making it effective for reducing the appearance of dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin tone.

Kojic Acid

Azelaic Acid, this multitasking ingredient is known for its ability to reduce hyperpigmentation, brighten the complexion, and control acne. It works by inhibiting melanin production and reducing inflammation.

Azelaic Acid

Overall, brightening dull skin is not only about achieving a more radiant complexion but also about promoting long-term skin health and vitality. By incorporating brightening ingredients into your skincare routine and adopting healthy lifestyle habits, you can support your skin’s natural functions and maintain a glowing, youthful appearance.

Transform Your Skin With This Anti-Aging Serum

The desire to prevent or minimize the signs of aging and invest in anti-aging products can stem from various factors, like social pressure, personal confidence, cultural, self-esteem, health, comparing yourself to other and many other reasons. But that is OK, because there’s many ways you can prevent wrinkles and lines, or delay when and how they show up. Bulgarian rose oil, derived from the Rosa damascena plant, offers several benefits for skin health and reducing fine lines.

Hydration, rose oil has emollient properties, which help to moisturize and hydrate the skin, making it smoother and softer. This can prevent or reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by plumping up the skin.

Antioxidant Protection, it contains antioxidants like vitamin C and phenols, which help protect the skin from free radical damage caused by environmental stressors such as pollution and UV radiation. This can prevent premature aging and diminish the formation of fine lines.

Glymed+ Essential Serum

Anti-inflammatory, bulgarian rose oil has anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe irritated skin and reduce redness. By calming inflammation, it can help minimize the appearance of fine lines and promote a more even skin tone.

Collagen Boosting, rose oil can stimulate collagen production in the skin, which is essential for maintaining elasticity and firmness. Increased collagen levels can help diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles over time.

For anti-aging products and treatments to really prevent or delay fine lines and wrinkles, you have to start sooner than you think. If you wait long enough to see the lines then it will take longer for you to see them fade, and might never really go away. So, its best to start young, early 20s.

Spotlight Saturday

Hydrinity Accelerated Skin Science is a medical grade skincare brand that focuses on advanced hydration solutions for the skin. Their products are formulated using innovative technologies and potent ingredients to deliver intense hydration, restore skin’s moisture barrier, and promote a healthy, radiant complexion.

Say goodbye to dull, dehydrated skin and hello to a fresh, glowing complexion that is not aging. All their products are formulated to replenish moisture levels, improve skin texture, and enhance overall skin health. With a focus on innovation and effectiveness.

The Beginners Guide to Collagen Supplements

Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body, you need it for every function and every movement as well as healthy skin. Natural source is the best type of collagen, that you get from foods rich in animal products. But supplementing is also a good idea if you do not consume enough through your daily diet. Here’s what to look for when getting a collagen supplement.

Source of Collagen, look for supplements derived from high-quality sources such as grass-fed, pasture-raised cattle or wild-caught fish. These sources tend to have collagen with better nutrient profiles.

Type of Collagen, type I collagen is the most abundant in the skin and is crucial for skin structure and elasticity. Ensure that the supplement contains primarily type I collagen for highest skin benefits.

Hydrolyzed Collagen, collagen peptides are broken down into smaller molecules through a process called hydrolyzation. This makes them easier for the body to absorb and utilize. Look for collagen supplements labeled as “hydrolyzed” or “collagen peptides.”

Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides

Absorption Enhancers, some supplements may include ingredients that enhance collagen absorption, such as vitamin C or certain minerals like copper or manganese. These nutrients support collagen synthesis and skin health

Purity and Manufacturing Practices, choose supplements from reputable brands that adhere to high-quality standards and undergo third-party testing for purity and potency. Look for certifications like NSF International or USP Verified.

Ultimately, the best collagen supplement for your skin health will depend on personal preferences and specific skincare goals.

Friday Favorite

Pure Synergy Women’s Multivitamin

These are my super savor vitamins, it will save your skin and your hair, you will notice a difference in how you feel right away. These vitamins have become an essential part of my daily routine. Plus, knowing that they’re made with organic ingredients gives me peace of mind that I’m nourishing my body with the best nature has to offer.

Pure Synergy

4 Things to Know Before Using the Ordinary AHAs

It is so tempting to purchase and start using the Ordinary and other affordable AHAs and being your delicate skin own chemist (not a good idea) you are putting your skin at more harm. When using AHAs, several concerns can arise, particularly if they are not used properly, or if your skin is sensitive to these ingredients. AHA are acids (nothing to play around with) you need to use the right %, with the right formulation and the right skin type, otherwise your causing yourself problems that were never there. Here’s a few reasons to be careful when using affordable acids.

Skin Irritation

AHAs can cause skin irritation, redness, burning, or stinging sensations, especially when used in high concentrations or if you have sensitive skin. This irritation may worsen if AHAs are applied too frequently or in combination with other potentially irritating skincare products.

Increased Sun Sensitivity

AHAs can make your skin more susceptible to sunburn and UV damage. Failure to use adequate sun protection, such as wearing sunscreen daily and avoiding prolonged sun exposure, can lead to sunburn, premature aging, and an increased risk of skin cancer.

Skinbetter Science Sheer Sunscreen

Dryness and Flakiness

Wrong AHAs can strip away dead skin cells, leading to dryness and flakiness especially with a % acid your skin is not used to, or if your skin is dry or dehydrated. Using moisturizers and hydrating products alongside AHAs can help, stop using if irritation continues.

Glymed Moisturizer good for all skin types

Interaction with Other Skincare Ingredients

AHAs may interact negatively with certain skincare ingredients, such as retinoids or benzoyl peroxide, leading to increased irritation or reduced efficacy of both products. It’s important to be cautious when combining AHAs with other active ingredients and to consult an esthetician or doctor if any concerns come up.

It is best to get your skincare products from an esthetician or other professionals, they know what’s in their products and will guide you on how to use them along with when to use them. Your skin is very delicate and it will stay with you for the rest of your life, so invest in it to maintain it.

4 Ways Your Gut is Causing Acne

The gut-skin connection is so strong to the point that we can see which bacteria (good or bad) is winning on the inside. The gut microbiome plays a critical role in maintaining skin health, and imbalances in the gut microbiome can manifest as various skin issues. We’ll start with Acne!

Inflammation

inflammation can contribute to the formation of acne lesions by increasing sebum production, clogging pores, and promoting the growth of acne-causing bacteria like Propionibacterium acnes

Hormonal Regulation

Imbalance in the gut microbiome can lead to increased levels of androgens, which stimulate sebum production and contribute to the development of acne lesions.

Immune Function

Imbalances in gut bacteria can compromise immune function, making you more susceptible to infections and inflammation, both of which can contribute to acne development.

Skin Barrier Function

Leaky gut, can allow toxins, bacteria, and other harmful substances to enter the bloodstream and trigger systemic inflammation, which may exacerbate acne and other skin conditions due to a weakened skin barrier.

The gut produces and metabolizes certain hormones, including those involved in skin health. Disruptions in hormone levels due to gut dysbiosis can contribute to acne development, particularly in adolescents and adults with hormonal acne. (In simple words, the bad bacteria is winning)

*This site is for information only, consult with your physician for your health concerns*