Skin bleaching creams is gaining popularity for treating hyperpigmentation and a large number of skin discolorations, sun damage, and blotchiness.
Uneven pigmentation affects most people in many forms such as melasma (darkening of the skin) age spots, liver spots, freckles, acne marks, birth marks, and also hormonal imbalances such as a rapid change of skin color due to pregnancy or use of oral contraceptives.
Facial bleaching products are used to suppress pigmentation in order to lighten hyperpigmented areas or to achieve a fairer complexion.
For decades, skin whitening has been very popular in Asia, Latin America, India and Africa and gaining popularity in the US market. Whitening skin care is also very popular in japanese skincare.
The cosmetics industry has joined the market share for beauty enhancement products offering safe skin whitener products by top skin care companies and cosmetic manufacturers.
The best cream skin whitening product is specially formulated to slow down melanin production and induce mild skin peeling to help resurface a fresher and lighter skin layer.
Using skin bleaching creams is a gradual process in which cosmetic products are used to lighten the skin following a prescribed skin care routine.
This is not an overnight process- factors depend on the color density of the pigmented area, depth of the pigment and product consistency. Once the desired result is reached a minimal maintenance routine is needed.
Skin Bleaching Ingredients
Natural ingredients that have been shown to be successful in treatments include-
Kojic acid, licorice extract, and alpha-arbutin ingredients are natural inhibitors used to block skin discoloration and melanin production. (Melanin is the brown pigment responsible for tanning the skin).
Kojic acid-
Kojic acid is derived from mushrooms. This natural product ingredient is used in many japanese beauty products and used regularly in their diet. It is an alternative to hydroquinone. Kojic acid is used in concentrations ranging from 1-4%.
Licorice Extract –
(plant extract) The glabridin compound found in licorice suppresses pigmentation by inhibiting melanin production.
Alpha-Arbutin-
Alpha-Arbutin is a pure, water soluble, biosynthetic active ingredient that is very effective in blocking melanin production. More expensive to manufacture than its related form (Beta-Arbutin) however, it has shown it to be more effective in skin whitening.
Other safe ingredients to look for in skin whitening creams-
Papain (Papaya fruit), Willow Bark extract, Lemon juice extract, Grapefruit extract, Mulberry extract, Glutathione, Aloe Vera, Shea butter, Vitamin C and Vitamin A Palmitate.
Ingredient Dangers
The most effective but risky skin-bleaching agents in fade creams are often the least expensive
Mercury is a very common ingredient found in some of these products. Mercury is a very potent, toxic metal that is easily absorbed by the skin. It is known to cause long term problems such as liver failure, hearing and speech impairment, memory loss and many other harmful side effects.
Hydroquinone remains to be the main ingredient used in skin bleaching creams products to inhibit melanin production. Over-the-counter concentrations contain up to 2% hydroquinone and prescription creams contain up to 4% hydroquinone.
It works well in disrupting the production of melanin. However, there have been concerns over it ’skin irritations and clinical studies showing cancer causing properties.
It has also been reported that Hydroquinone can cause other debilitating effects such as skin damage, kidney failure, as well as a condition called Ochronosis which results in very dark patches of skin that are difficult to remove or leukoderma (The skin loses the ability to produce pigment, resulting in pink patches.)
Steroids-This harmful ingredient causes bacterial and fungal infections, pigmentation disorders, thinning of the skin and numerous other skin problems.
Be aware- Dangerous, inexpensive black-market skin bleaching products with powerful but illegal bleaching agents. Bootleg skin whitening products are still widely available. Always buy from reputable manufacturers.
Skin Whitening Tips
*Daily exfoliation will help achieve the best results. Exfoliation eliminates the upper layer of dead cell buildup and enhances penetration for bleaching. Regenerating the skin cells will reveal new fresh skin and help work with skin bleaching cream products to be more successful.
*Retinoids such as Tretinoin (topical medication commonly known as Retin-A) is helpful when used in conjunction with other effective topicals for best whitening results. It helps to increase cellular turnover.
*Lightening your skin with skin bleaching creams can cause dryer skin. Apply a moisturizer daily to keep skin hydrated and supple.
*Other effective products that can be helpful is a whitening facial skin toner, whitening soap, glycolic moisturizer, facial bleaching cream masks, or cosmetic treatments such as chemical peels, Lactic acid, microdermabrasion, IPL treatments (Intense Pulsed Light), and laser resurfacing.
*Wear a good sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. Always protect against sun damage and skin cancer. Pay particular attention when undergoing any skin treatment. Fresh skin is more susceptible to sun damage.
Without sunscreen, the use of any skin bleaching treatment or skin whitening cream product is pointless.
Nowadays skin discoloration is treatable. Advances in cosmetic solutions and effective skin bleaching cream products offer gorgeous flawless results.