A common concern today with both women and men is how to brighten and lighten freckles, age spots and discolorations and restore a more youthful, radiant glow to the skin. Specialty products that address these issues are available in both prescription form and over the counter, but confusion over which product is more effective or is more appropriate is an even larger concern. Most people have heard about hydroquinone, the ingredient that has been proven to lighten freckles and age spots. Dermatologists offer hydroquinone in formulas with 4%, while over the counter allows only up to 2%. Hydroquinone works by inhibiting tyrosinase, an enzyme which jumpstarts the production of melanin, the naturally occurring dark pigments that affect skin color. While hydroquinone has been used for approximately 15 to 20 years for patients, it is currently undergoing further investigation by the FDA since doctors are not sure of its long- term effects. Also, hydroquinone may possibly once again be available only in dermatologists’ offices. In lieu of using hydroquinone, there are various botanical extracts that have also proven to be effective in lightening and brightening skintone but without the uncertainty of using hydroquinone. Some of these botanical ingredients include:

·    Mulberry

·    Bearberry

·    Blueberry

·    Raspberry

·    Strawberry

·    Licorice

·    Vitamin C

·    Kojic Acid – derived from Japanese mushrooms

As with hydroquinone, these botanical ingredients inhibit tyrosinase production and are found in both facial serums and moisturizers. Even more botanical (and all natural) are lemon and peach slices – when applied once a week on clean, dry skin for 20 minutes, they can help reduce discoloration and lighten freckles and age spots. Glycolic acid, an alpha hydoxy acid, can help with the lightening and brightening process to a certain degree since it exfoliates the outer layers of the skin and helps create the look of more even toned skin. However, as with any skin care treatment results will vary with each individual skin type. In order for one to determine which is the right product, always try a sample first of a botanical facial product to check for any irritation or reactions. Always follow product directions accordingly and follow a smart sun care routine (use SPF daily, wear protective clothing and avoid the sun during its hottest hours) to protect newly brightened and lightened skin. Women who are pregnant and experience melasma, the “mask of pregnancy”, should avoid using hydroquinone and check with their physician before using any botanical product.

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