It seems as if every single day, there’s some new miracle ingredient guaranteeing flawless, glass skin. Whether topical or an ingredient to boost your smoothie, there’s an endless amount of skincare secrets that have been helping women combat everything from hyperpigmentation and cystic acne.
The latest beauty secret to emerge is methylene blue. While it was initially known as a treatment for malaria and other diseases, methylene blue is now seemingly at the center of a skincare revolution. Here’s everything there is to know about it and whether or not its benefits apply to black and brown skin, too.
What is Methylene Blue?
Methylene Blue is a synthetic dye that has been a superstar in medicine and biology for over 149 years. This bright blue compound is traditionally used as a treatment for blood disorders, malaria and as a staining agent in microscopy. However, over time and with more research, it has also gained attention in the skincare world for its potential benefits.
An aromatic compound, it has antioxidant properties that can help with cellular health when applied to the skin. In skincare products, methylene blue is useful as a part of anti-aging or skin-brightening formulations. It works by stimulating various biological processes in the skin that support skin health and resilience.
Methylene Blue Skincare Benefits
At this current moment, MBlue Labs holds the U.S. patent on the use of methylene blue in skincare cream. Thanks so its antioxidant properties and ability to combat signs of aging, here are a few of methylene blue’s key benefits:
Antioxidant Properties
Methylene Blue is known for its ability to neutralize free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage skin cells, leading to premature aging and inflammation. By neutralizing these free radicals, methylene blue helps protect the skin from oxidative stress, which can reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots.
Anti-Aging Benefits
Methylene Blue’s antioxidant effects can also help improve the skin’s appearance over time by reducing oxidative damage. Some studies suggest that methylene blue may stimulate the production of collagen and elastin. These are two essential proteins responsible for maintaining skin’s firmness and elasticity. This could lead to a more youthful, plump appearance and smoother texture.
Enhancing Skin Regeneration
Some research also indicates that methylene blue has the potential to promote skin cell regeneration. By supporting the energy-producing units of cells, Methylene Blue may enhance the ability of skin cells to repair and regenerate, which can improve overall skin luminosity.
Brightening Effects
Methylene Blue can also work as a skin-brightening agent. It may help lighten hyperpigmentation and even out skin tone, making it a potential treatment for dark spots, acne scars or sun damage. It works by inhibiting the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for dark spots, and by accelerating skin turnover.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Another benefit of Methylene Blue is its anti-inflammatory action. It can help calm irritated skin and reduce the redness and inflammation associated with conditions like acne, rosacea and eczema. By reducing skin inflammation, methylene blue promotes a clearer and more even complexion.
Does Methylene Blue Work on Black Skin?
Luckily, Methylene Blue works just as effectively on melanated skin. In fact, its benefits may be particularly helpful for issues commonly found in darker skin tones. This most importantly include hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone.
Darker skin is more prone to hyperpigmentation due to higher melanin production. Methylene blue’s ability to inhibit melanin production can help reduce the appearance of dark spots and acne scars. This will leave you with a flawless face canvas. By promoting an even skin tone, methylene blue may be especially beneficial in managing pigmentation concerns, including post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (common in acne scars).
Beyond that, Methylene blue can also promote a brighter and more radiant complexion, which benefits Black skin in terms of reducing dullness and uneven texture. By supporting skin regeneration and providing anti-inflammatory benefits, it can contribute to smoother, more balanced skin for all skin tones.
Is Methylene Blue Better Than Retinol?
The secret to retinol is that it encourages cell death, whereas Methylene Blue extends the life of a skin cell and helps create healthy cells. Because of that, it’s not recommended to combine the two. For optimal skin health, stick to whichever you find best suits your skin journey, or cycle between both every three months.