What are the best skincare products for those with fair skin?

When our skin is exposed to the sun, it triggers a 'red alert' to protect itself. Here's how it works:

1. In the first stage, the skin decides to produce melanin.

2. In the second stage, it activates the melanin production factory.

3. In the third stage, the factory starts producing melanin.

4. In the fourth stage, melanin is delivered to the cells.

To achieve a whitening effect, key ingredients must block the production and spread of melanin. Here are the KFDA-approved whitening functional ingredients for each stage:

Stage 2: Activating the Melanin Factory

• Mulberry Extract

• Arbutin

• Oil-Soluble Licorice Extract

• Alpha-Bisabolol

• Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate

Stage 3: Producing Melanin

• Ascorbyl Glucoside

• Ethyl Ascorbyl Ether

• Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate

Stage 4: Delivering Melanin

• Niacinamide

Here are some products to help with each stage:

Stage 2:

• ISOI Blemish Care Up Serum with Alpha-Bisabolol

• Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum (₩88,000): Contains squalane, which helps with pore care and whitening.

Stage 3:

• Laneige Radian-C Cream (₩32,000) [Ethyl Ascorbyl Ether]: A moisturizing formula suitable for all skin types, providing both hydration and whitening.

Stage 3 & 4:

• Langbel Vita Energy Spot Ampoule (₩25,500) [Ethyl Ascorbyl Ether + Niacinamide]: Contains hyaluronic acid, making it a bit sticky, so it's great for nighttime use.

• Biohealbo Vitamin Hyaluronic Ampoule Toner (₩30,000): Includes Niacinamide, Ascorbyl Glucoside, and Hyaluronic Acid for comprehensive care.

Stage 5 :
the well-known ingredient is retinol. Our skin sheds dead cells every 28 days. Retinol speeds up cell regeneration, helping melanin-storing cells shed faster. Since our skin is thin and sensitive, using products with less than 0.1% retinol reduces irritation while aiding cell production. Recommended products include The Ordinary Retinol and IOPE Retinol