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What is Brightening Serum?

Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel

A brightening serum is a beauty product that is used to lighten the tone of the facial skin. It usually comes in the form of a gel or thick liquid. While most brightening serums are packaged in bottles, there are some that come in capsules that contain enough serum for a single use. While some moisturizers, cleansers, foundations, powders, and other skin products may be used to brighten the skin, a serum usually includes the most concentrated dosages of the ingredients which alter the tone of the skin.

These products are most commonly used by people who are trying to combat the appearance of age spots and sun damage on the face. A brightening serum may also be used to try to lighten dark scars and pockmarks on the face that may be the result of an injury or of acne. Some brightening serums are indicated for use on the hands, where age spots and sun damage can also become quite visible.

Mica is a common natural reflective ingredient for skin brightening.
Mica is a common natural reflective ingredient for skin brightening.

There are a number of ingredients that can be used to lighten the skin. One of the most popular ingredients in brightening serum formulas is vitamin C. For this reason, there are some skin care companies that carry entire product lines formulated with fitamin C and intended to be used for skin brightening. Some skin-brightening products also use reflective materials that create lighter-looking skin. The most common natural reflective ingredients are crushed pearls and flecks of mica, a naturally occurring mineral.

Many serums are designed to be used in conjunction with brightening cleanser for best results.
Many serums are designed to be used in conjunction with brightening cleanser for best results.

In order to enjoy the best results of brightening cosmetics, it is advisable to use a number of products that will help to lighten dark spots and the appearance of sun damage. Using a brightening cleanser and moisturizer along with a brightening serum will likely lead to better results that can be noticed more quickly. Furthermore, for those who can afford regular trips to the spa, there are many estheticians who are trained in performing skin-lightening and skin-whitening facials. These facials often include the application of numerous brightening products in addition to a brightening mask. For visible results, bi-weekly or monthly appointments at the spa may be necessary.

People who use a brightening serum should also use sunscreen that offers a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher.
People who use a brightening serum should also use sunscreen that offers a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher.

While brightening serum and similar products may help to reduce age spots and sun spots, the best defense against these marks is good sunscreen. In order to combat damage to the skin or the spreading and darkening of existing spots, be sure to use a daily moisturizer that includes a sun protection factor (SPF) of 20 or higher. If you plan to spend half or more of your day in the sun, then consider using a sunscreen with an SPF of 60 or higher.

Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel

In addition to her work as a freelance writer for WiseGEEK, Diane is the executive editor of Black Lawrence Press, an independent publishing company based in upstate New York. She has also edited several anthologies, the e-newsletter Sapling, and The Adirondack Review. Diane has a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College and an M.A. from Brooklyn College.

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Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel

In addition to her work as a freelance writer for WiseGEEK, Diane is the executive editor of Black Lawrence Press, an independent publishing company based in upstate New York. She has also edited several anthologies, the e-newsletter Sapling, and The Adirondack Review. Diane has a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College and an M.A. from Brooklyn College.

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    • Mica is a common natural reflective ingredient for skin brightening.
      By: vvoe
      Mica is a common natural reflective ingredient for skin brightening.
    • Many serums are designed to be used in conjunction with brightening cleanser for best results.
      By: ipag
      Many serums are designed to be used in conjunction with brightening cleanser for best results.
    • People who use a brightening serum should also use sunscreen that offers a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher.
      By: Antonioguillem
      People who use a brightening serum should also use sunscreen that offers a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher.
    • A brightening serum may be used to combat darkening skin caused by aging.
      By: brankatekic
      A brightening serum may be used to combat darkening skin caused by aging.
    • Some moisturizers contain ingredients that can help brighten and lighten facial skin.
      By: Africa Studio
      Some moisturizers contain ingredients that can help brighten and lighten facial skin.