Vitamin C
- Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a potent antioxidant that inhibits **tyrosinase**, an enzyme critical for melanin production.
- It helps reduce hyperpigmentation, lightening dark spots and uneven skin tone.
- Promotes collagen synthesis, which improves skin texture and overall radiance.
2. Vitamin E
- Vitamin E (tocopherol) is another strong antioxidant that protects the skin from UV-induced damage.
- It prevents the oxidative stress that leads to **post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)**.
- Helps maintain skin barrier integrity, reducing redness and inflammation.
3. Kojic Acid
- Kojic acid is a natural compound derived from fungi, known for its skin-lightening properties.
- It inhibits **tyrosinase**, reducing melanin production and helping lighten dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
- **Mechanism**:
- Blocks the activity of tyrosinase, thereby preventing the synthesis of melanin.
- Has antioxidant properties that further reduce pigmentation caused by oxidative damage.
4. Glutathione
- Glutathione is a tripeptide and powerful antioxidant that plays a role in reducing melanin synthesis.
- Shifts melanin production from **eumelanin** (dark pigment) to **pheomelanin** (lighter pigment), resulting in brighter skin.
- **Mechanism**:
- Inhibits tyrosinase activity and reduces free radicals that stimulate melanin production.
- Encourages the conversion of dark melanin into lighter melanin, improving overall skin tone.
Combined Effects Synergy:
- Combining Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Kojic Acid, and Glutathione enhances their effectiveness against pigmentation by targeting melanin production and oxidative stress at multiple levels.
- For example, Vitamin C and E together provide photoprotection and antioxidant benefits, while Kojic Acid and Glutathione actively reduce melanin synthesis.
