Phytic acid was first used clinically in early 1995 as a skin lighting agent. It works by blocking the entrance of iron and copper in the formation of melanin. This antioxidant action is important to the skin because oxidation stress can help to stop the inflammatory process related to post inflammatory hyperpigmentation lesions.
What is it?
Phytic acid is a plant-based antioxidant that can help to defend your skin against sun damage while brightening hyperpigmentation. It works as an exfoliator, and as I mentioned earlier, blocks the synthesis of melanin in the epidermis. It is neither an AHA or BHA. Its predominant action is that it is like salicylic acid in a sense, helping to clear out the pores. The key difference is that salicylic acid binds to the protein keratin in the skin and helps to soften it, whereas phytic acid binds to calcium within the pores and helps to make it softer. In either case, phytic and salicylic acids (together or separately) help to clean out the pores and make pores temporarily appear smaller. It is one of the gentlest of all the acids making it great for those with sensitive skin or rosacea.
Products with Phytic Acid
One of the best products I have found with phytic acid is [easyazon_link identifier=”B01N12U3HW” locale=”US” tag=”cosmeticswiki-20″]SkinMedica Lytera[/easyazon_link]. It is a non-prescription, non-hydroquinone skin brightening product that minimizes the appearance of skin discoloration and dark spots. It has also been proven to improve the overall appearance of the skin. If you’re struggling with stubborn sunspots, I would definitely check this one out!