Whitening skin with Kojic Acid for Pigmentation

What is Kojic Acid?

Kojic Acid is one of the most successful recent and natural skin whitening agents.  It is a natural product derived form a fungus (mushroom). Kojic Acid has been successfully used to lighten pigment spots and skin discoloration.
 

Kojic acid (5-hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)-4-pyrone) is used in skin care formulations to lighten the skin, like another agent, hydroquinone. However, while hydroquinone works by inhibiting the activity of tyrosinase by acting as a melanocyte cytotoxic inhibitor and by increasing the cytotoxicity of melanocytes (melanin-producing cells), kojic acid lightens the skin solely by suppressing tyrosinase activity (by inhibiting catecholase activity of tyrosinase) in a non-traditional way. Kojic acid is revered worldwide for its skin-lightening abilities, and is commonly used in topical formulations to treat dark spots. 
 

Kojic acid is a by-product in the fermentation process of malting rice for use in the manufacture of sake, the Japanese rice wine. There is definitely convincing research, both in vitro and in vivo, and also in animal studies, showing that kojic acid is effective for inhibiting melanin production (Sources: Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin, August 2002, pages 1045–1048; Analytical Biochemistry, June 2002, pages 260–268; Cellular Signaling, September 2002, pages 779–785; American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, September-October 2000, pages 261–268; and Archives of Pharmacal Research, August 2001, pages 307–311). Both glycolic acid and kojic acid, as well as glycolic acid with hydroquinone are highly effective in reducing the pigment in melasma patients (Source: Dermatological Surgery, May 1996, pages 443–447).
 

Why aren't there more products available containing kojic acid? 
Kojic acid is an extremely unstable ingredient in cosmetic formulations. Upon exposure to air or sunlight it turns a strange shade of brown and loses its efficacy. Many cosmetics companies use kojic dipalmitate as an alternative because it is far more stable in formulations. However, there is no research showing that kojic dipalmitate is as effective as kojic acid, though it is a good antioxidant. Research shows that Kojic Acid is best presented and stored in glass ampoules.
 

What is pigmentation?
Pigmentation is a disorder of skin complexion and color due to the increase in production of melanin.  In females, pigmentation often occurs due to hormonal changes in the body (in pregnancy, menopause etc), and appears as brown patches on the face.  Sun exposure causes this type of pigmentation increase, and also causes dark irregular patches on the exposed skin, like the upper lip, eye contour and body.  Another type of pigmentation is freckles.
 

How does it work?
Kojic acid can inhibit tyronisase activity, thus inhibiting skin melanin formation. Kojic acid and it's derivatives are widely used in high-quality skin lightening cosmetics, bath preparations and mouth or teeth care products. Cosmetics containing kojic acid can treat freckles, acne and pigmentation effectively without any toxic and bad results.
 

To get the best results out of Kojic Acid it is recommended to buy from a pharmacy the concentrate presented in glass cosmetic ampoules, as the Kojic Acid will be very concentrated, active and free from impurities.
 

Dermastir Kojic Acid skincare ampoules by ALTA CARE Laboratoires can be applied alone on the face without the need of mixing it with anything else. Otherwise it may also be added to your  night cream.  Since the Dermastir Kojic Acid Ampoule is a concentrate it may be applied on the face once every three days since kinetic studies show that the ingredients remain present and active in the skin for up to 3 days. It is highly recommended to use sun blocks all the year around especially during treatments with Dermastir Kojic acid ampoules.

For more information visit: www.altacare.com

DERMASTIR PEEL OFF MASKS Can also be done at home

 A facial mask is a creamy mask applied to the face to intensify the penetration of ingredients into the skin. There are 2 different kinds of masks. Some masks are washed off with tepid water, others are peeled off by hand. They are applied to the face not as frequent as day creams and night creams but are necessary at least once a week to intensify treatments. Facial masks are a very important part of aesthetic treatments and beauty therapists always use masks towards the end of their treatment.

DERMASTIR PEEL OFF MASKS of ALTA CARE Laboratoires, Paris, are facial masks that differ from the normal cream masks on the market.

First of all DERMASTIR PEEL OFF MASKS are not wash off cream masks but alginate – basically made from algae/seaweed - peel off masks. While the normal masks will need water to wash off the mask, the Dermastir PEEL OFF Mask won’t need it, for it can be peeled off easily. So while the application and removal of a cream mask tends to be rather messy, this is not the case with the DERMASTIR PEEL OFF MASK.

Secondly, while the hydrating properties of a cream mask are good, those of the Dermastir peel off masks are definitely excellent. Excellent too are the occlusive properties of these peel off masks which are thicker than the normal masks. They are very effective in opening the pores of the skin thus letting the fresh ingredients of the facial mask clean and moisturize the skin. The pores are cleansed deeply and any oily build up or trapped dirt is got rid off. The mask will also help slough off dead skin. It can also reduce the look of fine lines and small wrinkles to carry out a regular facial mask.

Of great importance too is the fact that the DERMASTIR PEEL OFF MASK has ingredients that are not only  fresh, but very active too. The reason why the peel off mask is fresh and active is because it has to be mixed with water immediately before application. Other masks that are not peel off are already processed and mixed.

The effects of the Dermastir Peel Off Mask are various: they hydrate the skin; they give lustre to the skin; the ingredients penetrate deeper into the skin; they have a soothing and relaxing effect; they cleanse the face; they give the face a healthier complexion.

There are 3 types of Dermastir peel off Masks available on the market at the moment.
Dermastir Vitamin C Peel Off Mask. This peel off mask is excellent because high concentrations of vitamin C are penetrated into the skin. Vitamin C has high anti-oxidant properties and is very effective in protecting the skin from pigmentation.

Dermastir Whitening Peel Off Mask. This peel off mask is excellent for people who already have pigmentation problems. Dermastir Whitening peel off mask can be used in combination with Dermastir Kojic acid ampoules.

Dermastir Purifying Peel Off Mask. This peel off mask is excellent for people who have skin redness problems. The purifying properties of this peel off mask are visible immediately as from the first application.
It is recommended to use one Dermastir peel off mask a week. Combine the contents of one sachet with 90ml of water. Add the water a little at a time and stir vigorously for one minute until a paste is formed. Do not add more than the recommended amount of water because the paste will be ruined. It is better to add less than 90ml than more. Once you succeed in doing the paste apply it to the face and leave it on the face for 15 to 30 minutes. It is important that you lie down with your face up when you have the mask on your face. After 30 minutes the mask may be peeled off all at one go.

So make it a point to start pampering yourself and keep your face healthy-looking. Contact Alta Care Laboratoires for more information. Enjoy the benefits of DERMASTIR PEEL OFF MASKS;  they are of very such high quality standard that even the unexperienced user can use apply them at home. Dermastir Peel Off Masks are available from pharmacies.

For more information: Click Here

or

Email: alta@altacare.com