You may have noticed a growing number of skin-brightening products gracing the shelves of your local skincare stockists and wondered about this booming global trend for lighter and brighter skin. ‘Skin-brightening’ is the industry term for products and techniques that help to lighten the skin, and in doing so address age spots, redness and pigmentation.
Wellington-based premium natural and certified organic skincare brand Antipodes® is championing the use of skin-brightening products to help restore a youthful glow and even complexion. The green beauty brand’s Global Beauty Expert Deborah Sampson says skin-brightening products work by using an active ingredient, or a combination of ingredients, that reduce the amount of melanin (a naturally occurring pigment) in the skin.
“Skin colour is determined by the amount of melanin in the skin and how much melanin you have is primarily determined by your genetic makeup. However, sunlight exposure, hormones, pregnancy, skin damage and exposure to certain chemicals can also affect melanin production.”
Over time, higher levels of melanin in the skin can trigger localised changes in skin colour, resulting in age spots, freckles, blemishes, and pigmentation. “This is where skin-brighteners come into their own,” Deborah says. “They work to give you bright, radiant skin.”
Natural skin-brightening ingredients harnessed by Antipodes in its skincare and makeup include revolutionary antioxidant Vinanza® Grape & Kiwi, a botanical extract from New Zealand grape seeds and kiwifruit that has been clinically shown to brighten and lighten skin by inhibiting melanin production. It can also improve elasticity and firmness and keep the skin moist and supple. The natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of New Zealand manuka honey addresses blemishes and help to soothe the skin, while delicate and beautiful peony flowers have powerful skin-brightening properties thanks to their ability to inhibit the melanin overproduction that can lead to pigmentation and uneven skin tone. Another prized flower extract is Persian silk flower, which contains an active skin-brightening compound that can help fade dark circles and reduce puffiness under the delicate eye area.
Discover the amazing skin brightening products from the Antipodes range on our online store.