Vitamin C for Dark Spots: 5-Step Brightening with VC-IP｜Part 2

Following our previous post, we will explain the brightening effects of "NIKKOL VC-IP / NIKKOL VC-IPVS" along the 5-step pathway of how vitamin C addresses dark spots.

NIKKOL VC-IP / NIKKOL VC-IPVS" has demonstrated a wide range of preventive effects corresponding to Steps 1 through 5 of the dark spot formation mechanism described above.

Human epidermal cells treated with NIKKOL VC-IP for 24 hours were irradiated with UVB, and the subsequent intracellular peroxidation levels were measured using dihydrorhodamine 123 (DHR123).

As a result, NIKKOL VC-IP was confirmed to inhibit the increase in intracellular peroxidation levels induced by UVB.

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and endothelin-1 (ET-1) are known melanocyte activation factors released from epidermal cells. Additionally, interleukin-1α (IL-1α) is released from epidermal cells and acts on them in an autocrine manner to promote ET-1 release.

To evaluate the effect of NIKKOL VC-IP on UV-induced PGE2 and IL-1α release, human epidermal cells treated with various concentrations of NIKKOL VC-IP for 24 hours were irradiated with UV light. The amounts of PGE2 and IL-1α in the culture supernatant were then detected via ELISA. The results demonstrated that NIKKOL VC-IP inhibits the release of both PGE2 and IL-1α from epidermal cells.

NIKKOL VC-IP inhibits UV-induced pigmentation by suppressing melanin production in melanocytes.

The pigmentation-inhibiting effect of formulations containing NIKKOL VC-IP has also been demonstrated in clinical trials.

UV radiation (UVA and UVB) was applied to the inner human forearm using a solar simulator. Immediately after irradiation, a formulation containing NIKKOL VC-IP and a placebo formulation were applied to their respective test sites daily for 3 consecutive weeks. Skin color (lightness: L value) was measured weekly, and the degree of pigmentation was evaluated using ⊿L* (=L* before UV irradiation - L* after UV irradiation). As a result, the NIKKOL VC-IP formulated site showed a significantly lower ⊿L* compared to the placebo site, confirming that pigmentation was suppressed.

Melanocytes extend long, slender branch-like projections called dendrites to transfer melanin to the surrounding keratinocytes.

NIKKOL VC-IP suppresses the transfer of melanin from melanocytes to epidermal cells by inhibiting this dendrite elongation.

Normal human epidermal keratinocytes and normal human melanocytes were treated with endothelin-1 (ET-1) and NIKKOL VC-IP, and observed under a confocal laser scanning microscope. The results confirmed that NIKKOL VC-IP inhibits dendrite elongation in melanocytes.

We highly recommend utilizing "NIKKOL VC-IP / VC-IPVS" for developing anti-aging, dark

spot, and dullness care products, for which market demand continues to grow!