Difference Between 'Brightening' and 'Lightening'

The terms skin lightening and skin brightening tend to be applied incorrectly. There actually is a clear difference between the two, and knowing what each one is, makes it a lot easier in creating the right regimen/routine.

Skin Brightening is not actually 'lightening' your skin in any way. It is basically products that enhance your natural skin tone. Anything that promises a 'glow', or 'radiance' usually is also a skin brightener. Peels and exfoliants can be touted as skin brighteners. Results from skin brighteners are much different than that of lighteners, in that they are very mild. There is no lightening up in terms of shades, just a glow and overall radiance. Some examples of skin brighteners are: Aveeno Skin Brightening Treatment, Avon Skin Brightener, Aveda Tourmaline Radiance Charged Mask, Aloette Enzyme Restorative Peel, Vichy Oligo 25 line, Neutrogena Visibly Even line, Fairever, Reversa Anti-Spot Night Care, The Body Shop Moisture White Brightening Serum, Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Line, Elizabeth ArdenVisible Whitening line etc.

Skin Lightening is significantly decreasing the amount of melanin in your skin. It is an actual change in the current chemistry of your cells and the act of lightening up in shades. They usually contain a potent concentration of botanical lighteners that depigment, as well as active ingredients that alter melanin synthesis (10-20% L-Ascorbic acid, retinoic acid, bearberry, arbutin, kojic acid). Skin lightening is commonly referred to as 'skin whitening' or 'skin bleaching' but I personally refrain from using those two terms, since I feel they are not fitting at all, and actually create negative connotations in the minds of people.

Lighteners have evolved throughout the years, and most on the market now are safe and healthy. There are still some knock-offs, fakes, and products that use mercury and hydroquinone, and that is why it is important to research and only pursue products that are safe. That is the main reason why I started this blog, so I can help people only look for products that are effective and healthy. I do not recommend any products that are unsafe or contain hydroquinone.

Hopefully that cleared up some confusion between the two.

=D