All you need to know about Brightening Serums

Brightening serums are among the most talked about and sought-after skincare products. These elixirs have captured the attention of beauty enthusiasts because they promise a brighter, more radiant complexion. 

How do brightening serums work and when should you apply them?  We discuss these and other questions. 

What are brightening serums?

Brightening serums are lightweight, fast-absorbing skincare formulations designed to target and correct various forms of hyperpigmentation, dullness, and uneven skin tone. They usually contain a blend of active ingredients, such as vitamin C, niacinamide, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), and botanical extracts, which work synergistically to brighten the skin and promote a more uniform complexion.

Brightening serums are formulated to penetrate deeply into the skin, delivering concentrated doses of brightening agents to inhibit melanin production, promote cell turnover, and enhance skin radiance. They help fade existing discolouration and prevent new pigmentation from forming.

How brightening serums work

Brightening serums brighten the skin through various mechanisms based on their active ingredients. The following are some active ingredients commonly found in brightening serums.

1. Vitamin C: Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, brightens the skin by inhibiting melanin production and reducing oxidative stress caused by free radicals. It can fade blemishes and dark spots by restricting the enzyme tyrosinase, which is involved in melanin production.
2. Niacinamide: Niacinamide inhibits the transfer of melanin to the skin’s surface, reducing the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation. It also strengthens the skin’s natural barrier, improving skin health and resilience. 
3. Tranexamic acid: Tranexamic acid is a synthetic derivative of lysine, known for inhibiting melanin production in the skin. It blocks the activity of plasmin, an enzyme involved in the melanin production process, to fade blemishes, dark spots, and hyperpigmentation. 
4. Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs): AHAs help to remove dead skin cells, revealing newer, brighter skin underneath. This exfoliation process can help fade dark spots, refine skin texture, and produce a more even skin tone, thus contributing to a more glowing complexion overall.
5. Licorice extract: Licorice extract contains a compound called glabridin, which has skin-brightening properties. Glabridin inhibits tyrosinase activity, reducing melanin production and improving skin tone. 

Who should use a brightening serum?

Consider brightening serums if you have the following conditions.

1. Sun-damaged skin: Sun-damaged skin often presents dark spots and uneven skin tone. Brightening serums containing ingredients like vitamin C and niacinamide can help repair and protect the skin from further sun damage while promoting a brighter, more radiant appearance.
2. Ageing skin: As we age, our skin’s ability to regenerate and maintain an even tone diminishes, leading to age spots and dullness. Brightening serums can help counteract these signs of ageing by promoting cell turnover and restoring luminosity to the skin.
3. Acne-prone skin: Acne blemishes often leave behind post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, resulting in uneven skin tone and discolouration. Brightening serums containing niacinamide and AHAs can help fade these dark marks, revealing clearer, more even skin.

Even if you don’t currently have visible blemishes, though, incorporating a brightening serum into your skincare routine can still help. You can maintain your youthful, radiant complexion and prevent future discolouration from developing.

Choosing the right brightening serum

When selecting a brightening serum, it’s essential to consider several factors.

1. Active ingredients: Brightening serums should contain active ingredients with brightening properties, such as the ones we mentioned earlier:
   • Vitamin C
   • Niacinamide
   • Tranexamic acid
   • AHAs
   • Licorice extract
2. Formulation: Choose a serum that suits your skin type. If you have oily skin, get oil-free or gel-based formulations that won’t clog pores. Pick serums with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or soothing botanical extracts for dry or sensitive skin.
3. Concentration: While higher concentrations may yield faster results, they can also heighten the risk of irritation, especially for sensitive skin types. Start with lower concentration products and gradually use those with higher concentrations.

When to apply brightening serums in a skincare routine

To maximise the efficacy of your brightening serum, include it in your daily skincare routine. Use it after cleansing and toning and before moisturising and applying sunscreen. Doing this allows the active ingredients to penetrate the skin effectively without interference from heavier products.

Brightening serum in Singapore

Brightening serums are indispensable tools in anyone’s quest for luminous, even-toned skin. With a diverse range of formulations available, Singaporean consumers can access various brightening solutions that are suitable for their needs.

SkinLab formulated Brightening Serum with Pure Vitamin C to reduce the appearance of dark spots and fine lines and repair skin damage by stimulating collagen production. It is infused with grapefruit extract to exfoliate the skin, promote cell turnover, and revitalise your complexion. 

Book an appointment to learn more about our brightening skincare and treatments.