Brightening Versus Lightening.

 If you are out and about, looking for some new skin product to try, you might run across the terms "brightening" or "lightening".  It is always helpful to know the difference and there is a big one.  I usually see the term "brightening" associated with my vitamin C serums but most of the products that might claim to "lighten" your skin tend to be sold at small neighborhood ethnic stores or overseas.  There is a reason for this.

Brightness or brightening is a term that refers to how well your skin glows or its increasing radiance while lightening talks about changing the pigment of your skin so it isn't as dark as it started or evening out the skin tone.  This difference is rather important.

Brightening just means the product will help hydrate, eliminate dead skin cells, repair the skin's barrier and protect the skin from environmental damage.  The skin looks younger, fresher, and nicer rather than dull.  This is what most people strive for. On the other hand, lighteners are products that help reduce the amount of melanin in the skin so it becomes lighter. Skin lightening is often referred to as skin bleaching (aka skin whitening) or skin lightening depending on the intended result.  One can help even skin tones while the other lightens it using harsh chemicals.

In many countries those with a darker skin tone often purchase something that is supposed to "lighten" their skin. Unfortunately, these can be quite dangerous and can damage the skin badly due to the chemicals contained in them.  

Neither brightening or lightening is permanent and must be done on a regular basis.  Brightening is something you should do every day to keep your skin in good shape, clear of dead cells, and hydrated. On the other hand, lightening is something that should be done by a professional so it is done correctly and safely since it could leave you disfigured if you go for the skin whitening.

So now you know the difference, brightening rejuvenates your skin while skin lightening works on changing the shade of your skin.  Let me know what you think, I'd love to hear.  Have a great day.