Liputan6.com, Jakarta Kojic acid or kojic acid is often found in skin care products.Kojic acid is a snack ingredient produced from various types of mushrooms.Kojic acid can also be found as a by-product of fermenting soy sauce, Japanese sake, and rice wine.Kojic acid is the main ingredient in many face lightening products ranging from creams, gels, soaps and serums.Kojic acid is useful for treating skin spots, hyperpigmentation, scars, and dark spots.Kojic acid is safe to use in predetermined concentrations.When used, the benefits of kojic acid can begin to be felt within two weeks.Although safe, sometimes kojic acid can also cause a number of side effects for some people.Here are 6 benefits of kojic acid and its side effects as summarized by Liputan6.com from various sources, Friday (21/8/2020).Kojic acid can reduce the effects of skin hyperpigmentation caused by sun exposure.Products containing kojic acid can help reduce dark spots, freckles and sun spots.Kojic acid makes skin look clean, bright, and radiant.Hyperpigmentation is a common condition in which the skin becomes darker than its normal color.Some forms of hyperpigmentation, including melasma and sunspots, are more likely to affect areas of skin exposed to the sun, including the face, arms, and legs.Kojic acid brightens the skin by inhibiting and preventing the formation of tyrosine, an amino acid needed to produce melanin.Melanin is a pigment that affects the color of hair, skin and eyes.Because it inhibits the production of melanin, kojic acid can provide a brightening effect.Decreased melanin production can have a lightening effect on the skin.Kojic acid can also reduce the appearance of scars.Kojic acid can also reduce discoloration of scars.This product can help reduce the dark pigmentation associated with certain types of scars.Its anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties can protect the skin from irritation and inflammation that trigger scars.Kojic acid not only reverses sun damage but also reduces wrinkles and other signs of aging.Kojic acid inhibits the action of tyrosinase which is responsible for melanin production and the skin aging process.Kojic acid can help fight skin-damaging free radicals caused by UV and pollution.Products that contain kojic acid can lighten the skin.It can repair age spots and sun damage.Dark spot reduction can have an anti-aging effect.Kojic acid also has an anti-bacterial effect on the skin.This can help reduce the risk of common skin infections such as acne.Although the antibacterial properties of kojic acid are not very strong, it is quite effective against some strains of bacteria.It can inhibit the growth of bacteria on the skin even when used in small amounts.Kojic acid products can help treat acne caused by bacteria on the skin.Kojic acid can also lighten acne scars that haven't faded.Kojic acid was found to have an inhibitory effect on certain fungal strains.Kojic acid can be very helpful in treating fungal infections, such as water fleas or ringworm and candidiasis.Regular application of kojic acid to the skin helps prevent bacterial and fungal infections of the skin.Kojic acid soap can also be used regularly to help prevent bacterial and fungal infections in the body.Although relatively safe to use, kojic acid can cause a number of mild side effects in some people.If you have special skin conditions such as dermatitis or sensitive skin, it's a good idea to consult your doctor about using kojic acid products.A dermatologist can also provide recommendations about specific products, including frequency of use and strength of concentration.Not everyone will experience these effects when using kojic acid.However, if you experience redness, rash, irritation, or pain while using kojic acid, stop using it immediately.The following are the side effects of kojic acid:Because kojic acid inhibits melanin production, the skin is more susceptible to sunburn.Melanin helps protect the skin from damage caused by the sun's UV rays.Over time, long-term use of kojic acid can make your skin more sensitive to sunburn.Kojic acid can cause contact dermatitis, especially for those with sensitive skin.Contact dermatitis can cause rashes, itching, and dry patches on the skin.In severe cases, contact dermatitis can cause blisters and pain.Contact dermatitis is the most common side effect of kojic acid.Products with higher concentrations of kojic acid may be more likely to cause irritation.Kojic acid should not be used on damaged or irritated skin.