Overwhelmed by all the skin-brightening products out there? The secret is to look at the active ingredients.
Once you reach age 40, your skin becomes more prone to dullness, dryness, and more visible fine lines and wrinkles. This is because the body’s production of elastin and collagen slows down at this age, according to Dr. Maximin Navarro, Fellow of the Philippine Dermatological Society and co-founder of Bella Pelle Philippines.
He explains how chronic sun exposure to UV rays can damage the skin’s elastin fibers, which then leads to premature aging concerns like sagging and the loss of elasticity. “So while sun damage may not show when you’re young, it may start to show at age 40,” he says. Add to this, Navarro says, gravity and facial expressions are also to blame for visible skin aging.
Related: Powerful Ways Women in Their 40s and 50s Can Practice Self-Love in Everyday Life
So at age 40, you may be looking for anti-aging products to brighten dull skin and bring back that radiant glow. But with countless skin-brightening products available in the beauty market, it can be difficult to figure out exactly what to add to your skincare routine.
The key is to look for the right active ingredients that promote skin brightening. Once you know what ingredients to look for, it will serve as your guide to choosing the right products.
It’s also important to check that the ingredients are approved by the Food and Drug Administration. For instance, you need to steer clear of toxic chemicals like mercury, according to Dr. Navarro. Some skin-brightening products sold in the Philippines contain mercury, which is why it’s important to consult a board-certified dermatologist.
Active ingredients to look for
There are many skin-brightening ingredients in the market—you can start with these recommendations from Dr. Navarro.
- PhytoflORAL: The patented ingredient consists of colorless carotenoids, which naturally increase the body’s glutathione and promote brighter, more radiant skin.
- Fernblock: Developed in collaboration with Harvard Medical School for over 12 years, the patented all-natural fern extract derived from Polypodium leucotomos prevents hyperpigmentations that darken skin, helps protect against sunburn and redness and promotes elasticity.
- NeoGlucosamine: The patented non-acid amino sugar targets discolorations, promotes a more even skin tone, and gently exfoliates the skin to reveal new cells.
- L-Cystine: A precursor of glutathione that regulates melanin production, this antioxidant fights free radicals and prevents skin darkening.
- Vitamin C: Studies show that this antioxidant protects the skin against sun damage and aids in brightening.
- Vitamin A: The anti-aging antioxidant stimulates cell renewal and collagen production.
- Niacinamide: A form of Vitamin B3, Niacinamide has been clinically proven to improve elasticity and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
- AHA and BHA: Alpha Hydroxy Acids and Beta Hydroxy Acids are clinically proven to exfoliate the skin, which leads to cell renewal, lightens pigmentations, and brightens the skin.
- Pomegranate extract: This antioxidant inhibits UV-induced pigmentation, evens the skin tone, and boosts collagen production.
Skincare products to try
As some of the best skincare products in the Philippines, these products contain active ingredients that promote skin brightening. Try them one at a time to find out which one best suits your skin.
Acting as a natural sunscreen, the food supplement contains PhytoflORAL, colorless carotenoids that naturally increase the body’s glutathione. It delivers unique brightening actives at a cellular level for all skin types.
Heliocare Pure White Max 240, P4,500
The anti-aging capsule contains Fernblock and White Tech Complex, a blend of skin-brightening ingredients such as pomegranate extract, L-Cystine, Vitamin C, and Vitamin B3. It also boasts photoprotection capabilities, fighting against free radical damage and the production of dark pigments. Use after dermatological procedures, such as peeling and laser treatments, to help prevent hyperpigmentation.
NeoStrata Enlighten Trio Kit, P8,000
This premium kit consists of the Ultra Brightening Cleanser, an exfoliating cream wash with 6% NeoGlucosamine; Illuminating Serum, a tone-correcting concentrate with NeoGlucosamine, 4% Niacinamide, and Vitamin C; and Pigment Controller, a skin tone corrector with NeoGlucosamine, Vitamin C, 0.1% Retinol (a form of Vitamin A), and brightening plant extracts. It’s suitable for dry, normal, and oily skin.
Biologique Recherche Lotion P50 PIGM 400
Improving dull skin and targeting hyperpigmentation, this wonder product has the brightening power of the PIGM 400 range plus the AHA and BHA of P50 Lotions. It regulates melanin synthesis, protects the complexion, and promotes glowing skin. It’s recommended for seborrheic skin.
Isispharma Geneskin White, P4,350
The brightening, anti-aging serum diminishes the appearance of pigmentation and restores skin uniformity. It has Vitamin C and DN-Act Complex, a patented blend of active ingredients that create a radiant glow.
For more beauty and skincare tips, subscribe to our newsletter:
