How It Works

The Science Behind Epibright...

The primary lightening agents in Epibright are alpha-arbutin and kojic acid. Alpha arbutin inhibits the activity of tyrosinase considerably more than its beta version, which is found in many lightening products today. Tyrosinase is an element that is responsible for melanin production, which leads to increased development of dark spots and skin irregularities. The alpha form of arbutin offers higher stability and efficacy, leading to a skin lightening active that acts faster and more efficiently leading to much more pronounced diminishing of liver and age spots, and an obvious reduction in the degree of skin tanning after UV exposure.

Kojic acid is a more recent remedy for the treatment of pigment differences and age spots. Approved for cosmetic use in 1989, kojic acid has an effect similar to hydroquinone without the risk of excessive burning or skin irritation. It is derived from a fungus, and studies have shown that it is extremely effective as a lightening agent especially when used in conjunction with certain elements. In addition, kojic acid has antibacterial and antifungal properties that help to further protect the new, luminous facial skin.

Natural extracts and elements also play a large role in completing the lightening and refreshing of facial skin. Mulberry and bearberry extracts work in harmony with alpha-arbutin to further reduce the production of tyrosinase. Melissa officinalis balm and licorice extracts provide a soothing and moisturizing effect while decreasing the risk of irritation. It is this wonderful blend of natural elements and active lightening agents that make Epibright the premier skin brightening cream.

Arguably the most outstanding characteristic of Epibright is the lasting lightening effects that the cream has when compared with any of its competitors. The secret of the extended skin brightening is the presence of kojic dipalmitate. This wonderful element helps Epibright deeply adhere to facial skin for an extended period of time allowing the active ingredients to penetrate and lighten the darkened areas. The result is beautiful, vibrant facial skin that stays full of life and shine for weeks and months on end!

Facial Skin Gets Discolored Because…

Uneven pigmentation affects most people, regardless of ethnic background or skin color. Facial skin often appears lighter or darker than normal in some areas and these discolorations can be found in a variety of locations. There may be blotchy and uneven areas, patches of brown, excessive freckling or general skin tone inconsistencies.

Skin pigmentation disorders occur because the body produces either too much or too little melanin. Melanin is the pigment produced by melanocyte cells and is triggered by an enzyme called tyrosinase, which creates the color of skin, eyes, and hair shades. Melanin consists of two main components that combine to create varying skin tones. Eumelanin produces a range of brown skin and hair color, while pheomelanin imparts a yellow to reddish hue. Melanin does provide some amount of sun protection for the skin by absorbing ultraviolet light. Darker skin colors are less susceptible to sunburn and the overall effects of sun damage.

Increased melanin production, also known as hyperpigmentation, is often referred to as melasma, sunspots or solar lentigenes. Aside from sun exposure and hormones, hyperpigmentation can be caused by skin damage, such as remnants of blemishes, wounds or rashes. This is especially true for those with darker skin tones. The most typical cause of darkened areas of skin, brown spots or areas of discoloration is unprotected sun exposure. On lighter to medium skin tones, these dark spots will emerge as small or medium-sized brown patches of freckling that can grow and accumulate over time on areas of the body that receive the most unprotected sun exposure. For those with darker skin colors, these discolorations can appear as patches or areas of ashen-gray skin.

Melasma Is…

Melasma is a tan or dark facial skin discoloration that usually develops gradually over time. The symptoms of melasma are dark, irregular patches commonly found on the upper cheek, nose, lips, upper lip, and forehead. Melasma is thought to be the stimulation of melanocytes or pigment-producing cells by estrogen and progesterone to produce more melanin pigments when the skin is exposed to sun. People with light skin tones who live in regions with heavier sun exposure are particularly susceptible to developing this condition. Genetic predisposition is also a major factor in determining whether someone will develop melasma. It is also thought that the overproduction of melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) brought on by stress can cause outbreaks of this condition. Thankfully, melasma does not cause any other symptoms beyond the cosmetic discoloration.

Sunspots Are…

Sunspots are blemishes on the skin associated with aging and exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun. They are also commonly known as liver spots, age spots or lentigos. Usually, they range in color from light brown to red or black and are located in areas most often exposed to the sun, particularly the hands, face, shoulders, arms and forehead, and the head if bald. These areas of discoloration are not related to the liver physiologically, but often have a similar color. It was once believed, incorrectly, that liver spots were due to liver problems. From the age of 40 years old and onward, the skin is less able to regenerate from sun exposure and discolorations are very common in this age group. They have been known to proliferate in some individuals under emotional distress. In the vast majority of cases these discoloration spots pose no health threat and medical treatment isn't necessary.

Hydroquinone Can Be Dangerous…

At Sisquoc Healthcare, we do not use hydroquinone in our products because of the science-based concerns about its long-term effects. If you do choose to use a product with hydroquinone, please be certain you've done ample research and/or have consulted with a skin care specialist.

In human medicine, hydroquinone is used as a topical application in skin whitening to reduce the color of dark spots or hyperpigmentation. This use is banned in some countries (e.g. France) because of fears of a cancer risk. The safety of hydroquinone is based upon proper use of the medication but will vary from person to person. Hydroquinone cream or gel is for external use only and should be limited to an area equal to that of the face and neck or hands and arms. It should not be used near the eyes. Safety has not been established in children younger than 12 years of age. If no bleaching or lightening effect is noted after 2 months of use (or 3 months if using the 2 % cream), stop treatment with the hydroquinone.

The most commonly reported side effect is skin irritation, such as burning or stinging. Periodically, a blue-black darkening of the skin may occur. Should this happen, the product should be discontinued, and a physician should be contacted. In addition, no in-depth pregnancy studies have been completed and thus it is not known whether hydroquinone causes damage to an unborn fetus when applied to the skin. A physician should be consulted in the case of pregnancy, as use of this product should only take place if clearly needed. It should also be used with caution in nursing women, as it is not known whether hydroquinone is absorbed into breast milk.