(Photo : Naver)

Have you been suffering from sun damage, melasma, acne scarring, dark spots, or hyperpigmentation? Well, the answer to all your skin problems is finally here. Thanks to your favorite K-Pop Idols divulging their precious skin secrets. It is no news that idols use several skincare products and procedures to take care of their skin. One such important and vital component of their routine is kojic acid.

Kojic acid is a chelation agent produced by several fungi species, especially Aspergillus oryzae, which has the Japanese common name koji. Kojic acid is a by-product in the fermentation process of malting rice for use in the manufacturing of sake, the Japanese rice wine. It is a mild inhibitor of pigment formation in plant and animal tissues and is used in food and cosmetics to preserve or change the colors of substances.

Kojic acid is held with pigmentation by preventing tyrosine production, the amino acid responsible for producing melanin (skin pigment). It also works as an antioxidant in your skincare products.

Kojic acid is often used topically to treat several different cosmetic conditions, mostly visible sun damage and dark spots, and uneven skin tone. It’s been approved for use in cosmetic products in concentrations of 1 percent or less. As a result, one has to be extremely careful about kojic acid concentration that one is applying to the skin.

Kojic acid can be found in several different beauty and skincare products, including powder form products, serums, lotions, creams, cleansers, and soaps. Powders should be mixed with water or lotion, depending on the product instructions. Some products, like soaps and cleansers, are meant to be washed off immediately. Others, like creams and serums, are designed to be left on and absorbed into the skin. Kojic acid face masks are meant to be used on special occasions only, perhaps once or twice a week. However, creams and cleansers may be used regularly and can be integrated into your skincare routine. While kojic acid products are usually used on the face and hands, it is safe to use it on any non-sensitive area of the skin. However, one must make sure that they're not using it on broken or wounded skin.

In addition to anti-aging effects, kojic acid also contains some antimicrobial properties. It may thus help to fight off several common types of bacterial strains, even in small dilutions. This can help treat acne caused by bacteria in the skin. It may also lighten scars from acne that haven’t faded yet.

Kojic acid also has antifungal properties and can also help in fungal acne. It’s even added to some antifungal products to increase their effectiveness. It may be useful in treating fungal infections of the skin like yeast infections, candidiasis, and ringworm or athlete’s foot. If soap containing kojic acid is used regularly, it may help prevent bacterial and fungal infections on the body.

If you use kojic acid topically, you’ll likely start to see great results within just two weeks! You may see even greater results — or perhaps faster results — if you also add glycolic acid to the treatment. However, before introducing something new to your skin, make sure to check with your dermatologist first to ensure you're not allergic to any of the substances or ingredients in the product you're using. Kojic acid is relatively safe for almost all skin types and, therefore, would be an amazing addition to your skincare routine to achieve that idol-like glow.