When it comes to skincare, there are loads of different products on the market that claim to help increase radiance and youthfulness, and the most popular and well-loved of them all are undoubtedly “brightening serums”.
While their primary function is obviously to brighten up your skin, we’re deep-diving into these popular products to explain everything you need to know about what they are, how they function, and what you can realistically expect from them in terms of results.
What are brightening serums and do they work?
As the name suggests, brightening serums (often sometimes referred to as “radiance serums” or “glow serums”) are a type of skincare product that is designed to make your skin appear brightener and more vibrant overall, but what does brightening mean in skincare, and how is it achieved?
Such effects are attained by the serum using active ingredients that work to even out skin tone, smooth out the skin’s texture, and support the skin’s overall health and barrier function by stimulating collagen and elastin production.
The main brightening ingredients
Most brightening serum products draw from the same pool of go-to ingredients.
Below we’ve broken down the most commonly found actives within brightening serums, and explained what they do:
- Vitamin C: One of the most popular and well-studied skincare ingredients out there, vitamin C (often seen on labels as Ascorbic acid) is a potent antioxidant that can help to brighten the skin, even out skin tone, and promotes collagen production.
- Lactic acid: this is an alpha hydroxy acid that gently exfoliates the skin, helping to remove dead skin cells. In addition, lactic acid increases cell turnover, which can further help enhance the skin’s visual appearance, revealing brighter, smoother, and youthful-looking skin.
- Glycolic acid: Glycolic acid is a type of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that is derived from sugar cane. It’s used in brightening serums because of its ability to exfoliant, promote cell regeneration, and stimulate collagen production.
- Alpha arbutin: Alpha arbutin is a synthetic form of the popular plant-based ingredient, arbutin. It works by inhibiting melanin production, which can help to brighten the skin and even out skin tone.
- Azelaic acid: this is a gentle, leave-on exfoliating acid that works to enhance the skin’s surface, leaving it smooth and reflective. Additionally, this ingredient has been shown to fight hyperpigmentation, making it a useful lightening agent.
- Caffeine: not just found in coffee or energy drinks, when used in skincare products, Caffeine works by constricting blood vessels, which makes the skin look brighter. Caffeine also has antioxidant properties, which help to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals.
- Squalene: This potent skin hydration booster helps skin appear less dull. Moreover, it’s non-irritating and non-comedogenic, so it will not clog pores or contribute to breakouts. When used regularly, squalane can help to improve the appearance of your skin by making it softer, smoother, and more youthful-looking.
- Niacinamide: often simply referred to as “Vitamin B3”, niacinamide is a water-soluble vitamin that works to even out skin tone, improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and diminish the look of dark spots.
If you’re shopping around for a brightening serum that’ll work, if it contains any of the above ingredients then it’s very likely good to go! As always, do your research and read user feedback on any product before you buy it.
How long does it take to see results from a brightening serum?
The time it takes to see results from a brightening serum can be influenced by various factors. To achieve the best results, it’s essential to understand these factors and follow a consistent skincare routine:
- Product formulation: Different brightening serums contain different active ingredients, such as vitamin C, niacinamide, glycolic acid, or kojic acid. The specific formulation can impact the rate at which you see results. Some formulations may work more quickly, while others may require more time to show visible improvements.
- The concentration of active ingredients: The concentration of the active ingredients in the serum will also play a role in determining how quickly you notice results. Higher concentrations may produce faster results, but it’s essential to choose a product suitable for your skin type to avoid irritation or sensitivity.
- Skin type: Everyone’s skin is unique, and individual responses to skincare products can vary. People with sensitive or reactive skin may need to use a lower concentration of active ingredients or introduce a brightening serum more gradually to avoid irritation.
- Consistency in usage: To see results from a brightening serum, it’s crucial to apply the product consistently, typically once or twice daily, as recommended by the manufacturer. Inconsistent use can hinder the effectiveness of the serum and prolong the time it takes to see results.
- Sun protection: Sun exposure can contribute to skin discoloration and dullness, counteracting the effects of a brightening serum. To optimize results, always wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and practice sun-protective measures, such as seeking shade and wearing protective clothing.
- Overall skincare routine: A well-rounded skincare routine that includes cleansing, exfoliating, moisturizing, and sun protection will enhance the effects of a brightening serum. Make sure to use products that are compatible with your skin type and the brightening serum.
To give you a brief answer, you may start to notice improvements in your skin’s tone and texture within 2 to 4 weeks of consistent use of a brightening serum. However, more significant results may take 8 to 12 weeks or longer to become apparent. Patience and consistency are key, as everyone’s skin responds differently to skincare products. Remember to follow the product’s recommended usage instructions and maintain a comprehensive skincare routine for optimal results.
Are they worth the money?
In our opinion, yes, brightening serums are worth the money.
Not only do they provide you with a host of immediate benefits that can improve the overall appearance of your skin, but when used consistently over time, they can also help to slow down the signs of aging and give your skin a more youthful appearance.
If you’re looking for a product that can help to even out your skin tone, reduce the appearance of dark spots, or give your skin a boost of radiance, then a brightening serum is worth the investment.
Remember, brightening isn’t whitening
One thing many people get confused about is the difference between brightening and whitening.
Brightening skincare products work to increase radiance and glow; they are not designed to reduce melanin in the skin (i.e. they won’t lighten your skin color).
Whitening serums often use “anti-pigmentary” active ingredients to achieve whiter-looking skin, so if that’s your goal, a brightening serum won’t work for such purposes.
How to correctly use a brightening serum
To correctly use a brightening serum and achieve the best results, follow these steps as part of your skincare routine:
- Cleanse your face: Gently cleanse your face with a mild cleanser suitable for your skin type. This will remove dirt, oil, and makeup, providing a clean base for the serum to be absorbed effectively.
- Tone (optional): If you use a toner, apply it after cleansing. Toners can help balance the skin’s pH and prepare it for the serum application. Make sure to choose a toner compatible with your skin type and the brightening serum.
- Apply the serum: Dispense a small amount of the brightening serum onto your fingertips or the palm of your hand. Using your fingertips, gently apply the serum to your face, focusing on the areas with discoloration or uneven skin tone. Use light, upward strokes, and avoid tugging or pulling the skin.
- Allow the serum to absorb: Give the serum some time to fully absorb into your skin before moving on to the next step in your routine. This usually takes about 1-2 minutes. The serum should feel lightweight and not leave a heavy or greasy residue.
- Apply moisturizer: Once the serum has been absorbed, follow up with a moisturizer suitable for your skin type. This will help lock in the serum’s active ingredients and provide additional hydration to your skin.
- Use sunscreen: During the day, always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 after your moisturizer. Sun protection is essential for preventing further discoloration and allowing the brightening serum to work effectively.
Remember that consistency is key. Apply the brightening serum regularly, typically once or twice daily, as recommended by the product’s instructions. Be patient and allow several weeks to see improvements in your skin’s tone and texture.
Also, be sure to monitor your skin; pay attention to how your skin reacts to the brightening serum. If you notice any irritation or sensitivity, you may need to reduce the frequency of application, switch to a different formulation, or consult a dermatologist for guidance.
Conclusion
Brightening serums are popular and effective skincare products designed to improve skin’s radiance and overall appearance. With active ingredients like vitamin C, lactic acid, glycolic acid, and niacinamide, these serums work to even out skin tone, smooth texture, and promote collagen production.
Results can be seen within 2 to 4 weeks, but more significant improvements may take up to 8 to 12 weeks. To achieve the best results, it’s important to follow a consistent skincare routine, use sun protection, and choose a serum suitable for your skin type.
Brightening serums are not the same as whitening serums and are focused on enhancing radiance rather than lightening skin color. By following the proper application steps, brightening serums can be a valuable addition to your skincare regimen.
