How do skin lighteners fade the spots caused by KP?
These products work three ways. First, alpha hydroxy acid softens and exfoliates the buildup of keratin (dead skin cells) that buries the hair follicle. Next, it acts as a “vehicle” to carry skin lighteners and brighteners deeper into the follicles. Last, skin lighteners help inhibit the over-production of dark melanin coloration in the basal layer of the epidermis, but need a vehicle with a small particle size to penetrate deep enough to be effective. Lighteners and brighteners include hydroquinone, kojic acid, mandelic acid, arbutin, bearberry extract, mulberry extract, azelaic acid, licorice root extract, l-ascorbic acid, vitamin K, lemon and lime extract, and others. These ingredients perform best when formulated with a “penetrant” (like AHAs and retinoids) that allows these melanin-suppressors to penetrate the follicle. Can I go into the sun after the KP clears up and my spots fade? If your skin is exposed to any direct sun at all, it is important to apply full-spectrum sunscreen
