Kojic Acid
About Kojic Acid
Kojic Acid belongs to a combination of 'skin cosmetics' primarily used for brighter, more radiant skin complexation. Besides this, it is also used to clear the complexion, acne scars, hyperpigmentation, melasma, and photoaging (premature aging of the skin caused by repeated exposure to UV radiation). Hyperpigmentation is a skin condition in which patches of skin become darker in color than the normal surrounding skin. Melasma is a common skin problem that causes dark, discolored patches on your skin. Dark spots occur when some skin areas start producing more melanin (a natural pigment that gives color to eyes, hair, and skin), ranging from light to dark brown.
Kojic Acid contains Kojic acid (oxidizing agent) is a skin lightening product that reduces melanin production and improves skin tone, texture, sensitivity, and reduces skin uneven color.
Kojic Acid is for external (for skin use) use only. Avoid contact with eyes, eyelids, lips, mouth, and nose. If the medicine comes in contact with any of these areas, rinse with water immediately. In some cases, you may experience irritation, itching, or burning sensation at the application site. Most of these side effects of Kojic Acid do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your physician.
Avoid using Kojic Acid if allergic to it. It is essential to let your doctor know if you are pregnant, planning to conceive, or are a breastfeeding mother. Do not apply Kojic Acid in large amounts or use it for a long time than recommended as it does not give quick or better results but increases the risk of side effects. Kojic Acid can make the skin more sensitive in sunlight. Hence always use sunscreen and protective clothing before you step outdoors.
Uses of Kojic Acid
Medicinal Benefits
Kojic Acid protects the skin from harmful sunlight, lightens dark spots and blemishes, and the skin even tone and soft. Kojic Acid contains ‘Kojic acid’ is a skin-lighting agent used to treat skin problems like acne scars, melasma, hyperpigmentation, and photoaging. It also used to treat freckles (small brown spots on the skin), age spots, and chloasma (darkened skin caused by hormonal changes). It works by decreasing the amount of melanin (a skin pigment) that is responsible for the darkening of the skin. It is a skin-lightening product that reduces melanin production and improves skin tone, texture, sensitivity, and reduces skin uneven color.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Kojic Acid
Irritation
Itching
Burning sensation
Dry skin
Contact dermatitis
Drug Warnings
Avoid using Kojic Acid if allergic to it. Kojic Acid is for external use only. Avoid contact of Kojic Acid with nose, ears, mouth, or eyes. In case Kojic Acid comes in contact with these areas accidentally, rinse with water thoroughly. If you are pregnant or a nursing mother, please inform your physician before using Kojic Acid. Kojic Acid is not recommended for children below 12 years of age. Do not apply Kojic Acid in large amounts or use for a long time than advised as it does not give quick or better results but increases the risk of side effects. Kojic Acid can make the skin more sensitive in the sunlight, hence always use sunscreen and protective clothing before you step outdoors. It is recommended to avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Please inform your physician if you are using any other medications you are taking, including vitamins, herbal supplements, before starting Kojic Acid.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: No interactions found.
Drug- Food Interaction: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interaction: If you have any allergic reactions to medicines, inform your doctor before using Kojic Acid.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionThe interaction of Kojic Acid with alcohol is unknown. Please consult a physician before consuming physician while using Kojic Acid.
Pregnancy
cautionKojic Acid is safe to use in pregnant women. However, please consult a physician if you are pregnant before using Kojic Acid.
Breast Feeding
cautionKojic Acid is safe to use in breastfeeding women. However, please consult a physician if you are breastfeeding before using Kojic Acid.
Driving
safeKojic Acid usually does not affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.
Liver
consult your doctorKojic Acid is safe in kidney patients. If you have any concerns regarding the use of Kojic Acid in patients with kidney problems, please consult a physician.
Kidney
consult your doctorKojic Acid is safe in kidney patients. If you have any concerns regarding the use of Kojic Acid in patients with kidney problems, please consult a physician.
Children
cautionKojic Acid should be used with caution in children if recommended by a physician. However, Kojic Acid is not recommended for children below 12 years of age.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
Use mild soap while taking baths and prefer warm baths.
- Avoid harsh products on your skin.
- Do not scratch or pick your skin to avoid getting the affected area infected.
- Manage stress, eat healthily, drink plenty of water, exercise regularly, and get plenty of sleep.
- Do not walk barefoot at places like gym showers to prevent bacterial infections.
- Avoid or limit the intake of alcohol and caffeine.
Special Advise
Consult your dermatologist if you do not notice any improvement after 4-6 weeks of treatment with Kojic Acid.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Hyperpigmentation is a skin condition in which patches of skin become darker in color than the normal surrounding skin. This darkening of skin occurs when an excess of melanin (hormone), the brown pigment that produces normal skin color, forms deposits in the skin.
Melasma is a common skin problem that causes dark, discolored patches on your skin. It is also called the “mask of pregnancy” when it occurs in pregnant women. It can be occurred due to hormonal changes during pregnancy or from sun exposure.
Dark spots: It occurs when some skin areas start producing more melanin(a natural pigment that gives color to eyes, hair, and skin) which can range from light to dark brown.
FAQs
Kojic Acid is used to treat hyperpigmentation, melasma, and photoaging (premature aging of the skin caused by repeated exposure to UV radiation).
Kojic Acid contains Kojic acid. It is a whitening agent with oxidizing properties that reduce melanin (a chemical that determines the skin and hair color) production, thereby lightening its complexion.
Kojic Acid is a skin-lightening product that reduces melanin production and improves skin tone, texture, sensitivity, and reduces skin's uneven color. Using it for some days lightens the appearance of scars.
You can leave Kojic Acid overnight on the skin. However, if any irritation occurs, please stop usage and consult your physician.
No, it is not advised to stop using Kojic Acid even after your symptoms are relieved. You should complete the full course of treatment. You might see improvement in your symptoms, but the disease might not be cured completely.
Kojic Acid can make your skin more sensitive to the harmful effects of sunlight. Hence it is advised to use sunscreen and wear protective clothing while using Kojic Acid. It is recommended to avoid tanning booths and sunlamps.
Apply Kojic Acid evenly to the affected areas on your face, skin, and neck, making sure the skin is clean and dry. Gently massage it in until it's fully absorbed. Remember, Kojic Acid is for external use only. Be careful to avoid contact with your nose, mouth, or eyes. In case of accidental contact, rinse thoroughly with water.
Generally, Kojic Acid is a non-comedogenic. However, it's always best to check the specific product ingredients to confirm it.
Yes, Kojic Acid is effectively used in the treatment of hyperpigmentation. It reduces melanin production and improves skin tone, texture, sensitivity, and treats uneven skin colour.
Kojic Acid does not contain steroids. It contains kojic acid, a pyrone derivative.
Yes, Kojic Acid can generally be used daily. However, use Kojic Acid exactly as suggested by your doctor.
The common side effects of Kojic Acid may include irritation, itching, or burning sensation at the application site. Most of these side effects of Kojic Acid do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
Kojic Acid may start to show its effect within 2 to 4 weeks. However, its effect varies based on your condition. Consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding it.
Yes, Kojic Acid removes the dark spots by reducing melanin production.
