Lightening skincare the key to brighter more glowing skin

Our cosmetic trends are often culturally defined, which is why beauty routines vary across the globe. In Asia, light skin has always been historically associated with purity and wealth, hence the mania over there for 'lightening' products that create bright, even skin, devoid of any hyperpigmentation (age spots and dark patches). These products have taken the Asian beauty market by storm and are about to become the next big thing in European cosmetics. Don't be put off by their misleading name though; this is not necessarily about making yourself 'whiter', but rather creating a bright, even skin tone, devoid of any blemishes and sun damage. Lightening products usually come in cream or serum form, to be applied during the daytime or at night, just as you would your regular moisturiser. The day versions often come in the form of BB creams, with built-in blurring agents and light-reflecting particles creating a flawless, radiant base.

You suffer from hyperpigmentation. Lightening products don't necessarily bleach the colour of the skin, but rather even out the tone. Any imperfections such as acne scars, liver spots, dark circles or pregnancy-related pigmentation are targeted, with active ingredients like hydroquinone, tranexamic acid and niacinamide sloughing off the top layer, controlling melanin production and upping circulation.

You're on the quest for a glow. With active ingredients including vitamin C, arbutin, mulberry extract and grape seed extract, these lightening products refine and smooth the texture of the skin to give it a healthy glow. They are rich in moisturising ingredients (including hyaluronic acid) and antioxidants to also up the ante on luminosity.

A reduction in hyperpigmentation will take time, don't expect your age spots to disappear overnight. Use your product daily and over the course of two to three months, you should start to see results. And remember : always wear an SPF in conjunction with your lightening product. Exposing your skin to harsh sun will just make any hyperpigmentation marks worse and your lightening cream will just be going to waste! Stick with it, and a bright, glowing complexion could soon be yours!