How effective is kojic acid for melasma?

More than half of the melasma cleared in 24/40 (60%) patients receiving kojic acid compared to 19/40 (47.5%) patients receiving the gel without kojic acid. In 2 patients, there was complete clearance of melasma, and this was on the side where kojic acid was used. Side effects include redness, stinging, and exfoliation.

Does kojic acid permanently remove hyperpigmentation?

While kojic acid can help deal with the occasional melasma flare-up, it won't cure it permanently.

Which is more effective hydroquinone or kojic acid?

Topical Hydroquinone has a faster onset of action and higher efficacy compared to kojic acid with Vitamin C.

What is the most effective treatment for melasma?

Triple combination cream (hydroquinone, tretinoin, and corticosteroid) remains the most effective treatment for melasma, as well as hydroquinone alone. Chemical peels and laser- and light-based devices have mixed results. Oral tranexamic acid is a promising new treatment for moderate and severe recurrent melasma.

Can kojic acid remove melasma?

Results: All patients showed improvement in melasma on both sides of the face. The side receiving the kojic acid did better. More than half of the melasma cleared in 24/40 (60%) patients receiving kojic acid compared to 19/40 (47.5%) patients receiving the gel without kojic acid.

Kojic Acid for Dark Spots and Melasma | This is How it is Done!

What are the disadvantages of kojic acid?

Kojic acid can lead to contact dermatitis in some people, especially those with sensitive skin. Contact dermatitis can cause a rash, itching, and dry patches of skin. In severe cases, pain and blisters can develop. The concentration of kojic acid in creams, serums, and soaps may vary by manufacturer.

What happens if you stop using kojic acid?

But your skin will appear light as long as you continue using kojic acid. The brightness will not reduce as soon as you stop, it will take a few month for your skin to remove to its normal skin tone.

Is it OK to use kojic acid everyday?

How Often To Use It: This depends on what other ingredients it's compounded with and the concentration, but generally it can be used daily. Works Well With: Studies have shown that kojic acid works well with and enhances the effects of glycolic acid and hydroquinone, says Nazarian.

Will I get darker if I stop using kojic acid?

Despite its "acid" moniker, kojic acid is safe to use — though we wouldn't recommend any of the products designed to completely lighten your complexion as your overall skin tone shouldn't be tampered with; it will eventually shift back to its natural state once you discontinue use.

What percentage of kojic acid is effective?

As per scientific research [4], kojic acid is safe to use within 1-4% concentration in cosmetics. Two double-blind studies concluded that a combination of 2% kojic acid with 2% hydroquinone and 4% kojic acid with 5% glycolic acid works efficiently on pigmentation.

How long should I leave kojic acid on my face?

You'll want to follow these instructions carefully, massaging the soap onto your face for at least 2 minutes for maximum effect. Then wash off with warm water.

What completely clears hyperpigmentation?

Chemical peels, laser therapy, microdermabrasion, or dermabrasion are all options that work similarly to rid skin of hyperpigmentation. These procedures work to gently remove the top layer of your skin where the dark spots lie.

Which is better alpha arbutin or kojic acid?

Alpha Arbutin has comparatively fewer risks than many whitening ingredients, including kojic acid, making it effective for dark spots and melanin overproduction. While kojic acid has been proven to be more effective than alpha-arbutin, it is hard to store.

Why is kojic acid making my skin darker?

Kojic Acid is very strong. It exfoliates your skin. So you will get a little darker, that is the dead skin sitting on top.

Is kojic acid cancerous for skin?

Kojic acid was not a toxicant in acute, chronic, reproductive, and genotoxicity studies. While some animal data suggested tumor promotion and weak carcinogenicity, kojic acid is slowly absorbed into the circulation from human skin and likely would not reach the threshold at which these effects were seen.

Which acid permanently lighten skin?

Glycolic Acid

It also works to directly reduce melanin formation by inhibiting melanin production.

What makes melasma worse?

Sun exposure.

"The sun is the major exacerbating factor, whatever the underlying cause." Melasma can be caused or worsened by not only the sun's rays, but also heat and visible light. This means that even sunscreens that protect against skin cancer aren't enough to ward off melasma, says Dr. Kourosh.

Why is it so hard to get rid of melasma?

Because the condition is fueled primarily by sunlight and female hormones, there's no true way to cut off the stimulus for melasma. In other words, you may get encouraging results from a gentle chemical peel, but they're likely to be short-lived. Eventually, nature will regain the upper hand.

Can melasma go away completely?

Most people with melasma do not need treatment. Melasma may fade away slowly if you stop taking birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy. If melasma appeared while you were pregnant, it may go away a few months after you have the baby. If melasma doesn't fade or it bothers you, it can be treated.

Should you moisturize after kojic acid?

Moisturize: After applying kojic acid to the skin, be sure to moisturize. This will help to hydrate the skin and prevent any dryness or irritation.

Can I apply kojic acid on face overnight?

While you have to wash off soaps and cleansers immediately after application, you can leave kojic acid serum, cream, or lotion on overnight for better absorption.

Can I use kojic acid twice a day?

Kojic acid is an effective treatment for hyperpigmentation, melasma, sun spots, acne scar therapy, and uneven skin tone. This skin lightening ingredient is safe to use twice daily for most skin types.

Is kojic acid recommended by dermatologists?

Similar to retinol and vitamin C, kojic acid is a particularly powerful skin-brightener that's a favorite amongst dermatologists and estheticians for its gentle effects.