Beauty and skincare world's favourite vitamin C has established its place as the miracle worker for decades now. It's that little black dress in your closet that you'll always need. Dull skin, pigmentation, dark marks or even sagging skin? Vitamin C can address all these skin concerns. Just by ageing, our body diminishes its vitamin C production and so we need it all the more in our skincare regime. Think fine lines, wrinkles, loose skin and loss of that youthful freshness. Now imagine, combining this potent antioxidant with kojic acid, another game-changer in the realm of beauty. Kojic acid is a byproduct of the fermentation of foods like rice wine, soy sauce, and Japanese sake. Known for its ability to reduce pigmentation, it prevents melanin production, the pigment responsible for dark spots and acne scars. Both kojic acid and vitamin C complement each other brilliantly. But first, let's understand their individual strengths.
01Benefits of Kojic Acid in Creams and Serums
Kojic acid has the power to support a healthy skin barrier for you. Kojic acid benefits for skin include promoting an even skin tone and reducing pigmentation, it allows to achieve a balanced and uniform complexion. Kojic acid creams are an excellent choice for daily use, as they provide a gentle yet effective treatment, helping to brighten and even out the skin tone over time. The rich, hydrating formula of creams ensures a more surface-level treatment, making them ideal for those with dry or sensitive skin. While kojic acid serums penetrate deeper into the skin, kojic acid creams are a great option for those looking for a more hydrating, surface-level treatment. These creams are perfect for daily use, providing gradual and consistent brightening results without irritation. Kojic acid also has antioxidant properties, which can help neutralise harmful free radicals that contribute to premature ageing. This means it works at reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Kojic acid in serum form has proven to be the most effective as a serum has the ability to penetrate much deeper into the skin than cream. For instance, Dermalogica's PowerBright Dark Spot Serum combines shiitake mushroom extract aka kojic acid, ashwagandha and black currant oil and peony flower, all of which boost the skin's natural luminosity.
02Benefits of Vitamin C
Vitamin C is known for boosting collagen production, the component responsible for firm, plump and youthful-looking skin. Just like kojic acid, it also aids in fading dark spots and pigmentation and evens out the skin tone. Additionally, vitamin C can speed up wound healing leading to reduced acne, acne scars and accelerating skin repair. Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant shield, neutralising free radicals produced by UV exposure. So, it is said to protect against sun damage as well. Paula's Choice Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum with Vitamin C is a hydrating, antioxidant-enriched serum that restores visible radiance for dull, dry skin while fighting against environmental attack. You can also go for Lakme Vit C Brilliance Serum which is infused with kakadum plum extracts, a superfood with numerous health benefits, this serum will help you combat dull skin and improve the skin's radiance.
03Why Kojic Acid and Vitamin C work Better Together?
Sometimes, when two powerful components are amalgamated, they form something incredible together. Individually, both vitamin C and kojic acid have their benefits enlisted. However, when combined, you can see a synergistic effect that would accelerate the results you desire. Case in point: faster and more noticeable results in brightening and evening skin tone. We asked Dr Sravya Tipirneni Reddy, a dermatologist and trichologist in Bangalore who is also the APJ Abdul Kalam Excellence Awardee in her field, about combining kojic acid and vitamin C. "By understanding the science behind this powerful duo, you can harness their benefits to achieve a glowing, even-toned complexion. Together, the two provide a stronger defence against oxidative stress, protecting the skin from premature ageing. The combined exfoliating and collagen-boosting properties of these ingredients can improve skin texture, making it smoother and more refined." Both kojic acid and vitamin C work to deliver a synergistic effect. She adds, "Both ingredients work together to inhibit melanin production, the pigment responsible for skin colour. While kojic acid gently exfoliates the skin, vitamin C brightens and promotes collagen production, leading to a more even skin tone and reduced hyperpigmentation." To combine the two, the best way is to take Kojic acid in serum form and layer it with a vitamin C face wash or moisturiser. Lakme 9 To 5 Vitamin C Facewash is a good place to start. It has lemon extracts that deliver the vitamin C dose you need. You can also layer your kojic acid serum with Lakme Vit C Brilliance Day Cream that has shea butter, vitamin C and E.
04Possible Side Effects
According to Dr Reddy, while both kojic acid and vitamin C are generally safe, it's important to use them correctly. "Potential side effects can include skin irritation, especially if used in high concentrations or on sensitive skin. Both ingredients can also increase sun sensitivity, so it's crucial to use sunscreen daily." It can also lead to dryness, peeling or flaky skin. "To minimise side effects, start with lower concentrations and gradually increase usage", adds Sravya. Always patch test new products before applying them to your entire face. You can pair with a hydrating moisturiser to counteract potential dryness. Go for Pond's Super Light Gel Oil-Free Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid & Vitamin E, a hydrating formula infused with hyaluronic acid, vitamin E and glycerine – perfect for locking in moisture. Don't forget to use sunscreen post this. Lakme Sun Expert Tinted Sunscreen with SPF 50 will do just the work of giving you a flawless finish while shielding you from sun damage. When combining two strong antioxidants like kojic acid and vitamin C, just remember to follow these before and after application pro tips. Finish off with a moisture locking cream and add a sunscreen at the end. Get ready for that luminous glow by mixing kojic acid and vitamin C in your skincare routine.
