Kojic acid: ally in the improvement of blemishes and skin luminosity

If you’ve ever sought to know more about skin blemishes, you must have come across treatments that use acids as stars. One of them is kojic acid, which contains whitening actives and can be used during the day, always with the use of sunscreen. See everything about this product and ask your questions in the matter:

What is kojic acid?

We talked to dermatologist Anna Clara Gaspar (CRM-RJ 98217-2) about the main doubts surrounding kojic acid. According to her, it is a depigmenting agent obtained by fermenting rice by two species of fungi and other bacteria. It is a less potent and non-photosensitive acid, which can be used during the day without causing damage to the skin.

7 benefits of kojic acid for skin health

1. Helps in the treatment of melasma and dark circles;
2. Promotes the reduction of inflammation, improving acne;
3. Helps to delay aging and improve the appearance of wrinkles, due to antioxidant action;
4. It has antifungal action, which helps to treat superficial mycoses;
5. Its use is safe in higher phototypes (dark and black skin);
6. Because it is not photosensitive, kojic acid can be used safely during the day;
7. It is a less irritating acid and can be used on sensitive skin.

Another point to consider is how the action of this acid on blemishes works: “kojic acid acts on the formation of melanin, preventing its accumulation and consequently the appearance of blemishes, also acting on those already installed”, points out the dermatologist.

How to use kojic acid

Kojic acid can be found in serums and moisturizers, but it can be manipulated up to 5%, as Anna Clara points out. When prescribing this treatment, she indicates starting with an amount of 1-3%, to reduce the chances of irritation, and application only on the stain. In the skincare routine, kojic acid should come after cleansing the skin.

We asked the dermatologist about combining kojic acid with other compounds. With glycolic acid, the effect achieved is that of cell renewal, increasing the lightening of blemishes and reducing acne. Together with tranexamic acid, it improves the whitening action and facial rejuvenation. Already used with vitamin B3, it brings more hydration, helping to treat acne and prevent aging.

As can be seen, the combination of kojic acid with other components has the effect of potentiating the results. However, Anna Clara Gaspar warns that none of them should be applied to irritated and inflamed skin.

The best kojic acids

Several products contain kojic acid in their formulation, bringing its lightening effect and improving skin luminosity. Invest in options that have selected and quality ingredients. With that in mind, we separate great suggestions. Check out:

1. Clair Concentrate Profuse – $$

With several whitening actives, such as alpha-arbutin, vitamin C and kojic acid, it can be used both morning and night. In addition, it is indicated for the whitening of the armpits, preventing the appearance of new spots.

“Being able to use it during the day is a good advantage, because even though it has super good actives to lighten the skin, it is not extra potent. But using it every shift you notice the difference in your skin quickly.” – Ju Lopes

2. Klassis Emulgel TheraSkin Whitening Cream – $$

A product made especially for oily and acne-prone skin. Improves the appearance and texture of the skin, including shrinking pores. Its main asset is kojic acid, in addition to glycolic and lactic acid.

“I highly recommend it to anyone who also has problems with skin blemishes. You do not need a prescription to purchase the products. In my opinion, if what you have are just blemishes that were left over time on your skin, as was my case, it is very worthwhile to use TheraSkin whiteners” – Bruna Munhoz

3. Blancy Tx Whitening Gel Mantecorp – $$

It is part of the Blancy line and is a product for blemishes on both the face and body. It works as a progressive lightener, which improves texture and evens out skin tone.

“I thought the result was very good and I liked the use. It has a very light and delicious texture, and it even disappears quickly into the skin.” – Joyce Kitamura

4. NeoStrata Targeted Whitening Gel – $$$

Cream-gel to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, improve uneven pigmentation and sun spots. It has glycolic, lactic, citric and kojic acid, as well as vitamin C and other components.

“The skin changed a lot, becoming more luminous and beautiful, the spots ended up improving a lot and in their tone it ended up softening too much, becoming super disguised.” – Natalia Gabriela

5. SkinCeuticals Depigmenting Multicorrective Serum – $$$

It is a daily use multi-corrector that brings the combination of three main actives: tranexamic acid, kojic acid and niacinamide. It has a number of benefits and is for all skin types, even the most sensitive.

“Anti-inflammatory and moisturizing action on our skin and anti-spot action. Helps delay skin aging and sensitivity.” – Joyce Kitamura

Warnings and Contraindications

In some cases, according to the dermatologist, the use of kojic acid can make the skin sensitive and burning, with the possibility of burns and blemishes. The use is contraindicated for irritated, inflamed skins or that have acid hypersensitivity. Anna Clara Gaspar also emphasizes that aesthetic changes can influence the patient’s social life and psycho-emotional aspect, and it is necessary to assess to what extent the use will be valid.

Kojic acid can be a great ally for your skin, especially when it comes to lightening blemishes. To learn more about this subject, see our article on tranexamic acid.