Skin Lightening Creams

Skin lightening creams also known as whiteners, bleaching creams, skin lightening products, fading creams, or skin brighteners operate by reducing a skin pigment called melanin. The use of skin lightening products is a technique used to lighten naturally dark skin. Many people who use skin lightening products, especially women, do so in order to treat skin issues such acne scars, age spots, or body discoloration due to hormones. However, it is important to note that inasmuch as skin lightening products can make you feel good at your look, they do come with some risks.

Everything that you need to know about skin lightening creams

Before going into the detail aspects of skin lightening creams, it is worth understanding a few things surrounding skin color.

What determines skin color?

Perhaps one of the most important questions to answer when unravelling the mysteries surrounding skin color and skin lightening creams. The skin color of each and everyone on earth is determined by the level of melanin in their skin. The next question that one might be asking is to know what melanin is. In a simple language, melanin is a pigment produced by specialized body cells that are referred to as melanocytes. People with dark skins have more melanin than people with fair complexions of completely white colors. Note that skin damage, sunlight exposure, and exposure to certain chemicals can significantly affect melanin production in the body.

What is skin bleaching?

Skin bleaching is more of a cosmetic treatment aimed at reducing the prominence of skin discolorations as it even out the color of the skin. There are two ways to buy bleaching creams: over the counter and by prescription. When it comes to skin bleaching, the most complicated as well as riskier task is applying skin Lightener to your entire body with aims of changing your complexion.

A good number of skin lighters come with mercury as their active ingredient. Hence, bleaching can lead to mercury poisoning. And worth knowing here is the fact that mercury is a toxic agent that can cause significant neurological, psychological, and kidney related health issues. We must also say here that pregnant women who use skin lighteners that have as active ingredient mercury for bleaching can pass it to their unborn child. The use of mercury as an active ingredient in making skin lighteners is banned in the U.S. However, other manufacturers out of the U.S. can still use it. That’s why you should be very vigilant when buying a skin lightening cream.

How do skin lighteners work?

Skin lighteners either contain an active ingredient or a combination of ingredients that have been tested and proven to have that ability to bring about the skin lightening effect. It does this by reducing the amount of melanin in the skin at the exact position where it is applied. According to Bruce Katz, MD, a dermatologist and director of the Juva Skin and Laser Center New York City, the most effective skin lightening creams are those that contain hydroquinone. While some skin lightening creams may contain Kojic acid, they are less effective, says Dr. Bruce.

However, some manufacturers combine Kojic acid and hydroquinone. While you can buy them over a counter, you can as well have them prescribed by a dermatologist. These skin lightening creams do the work by actively causing a chemical reaction that blocks melanocytes, the skin cells that give your skin its pigment, explains Dr. Katz. As recommended by Dr. Bruce Katz, a skin Lightening cream is meant to be used for a maximum of two to three months. According to the Dr, this is enough time to use the skin lightening cream without causing damage to your skin. He further says that if you are careful enough about staying under the sun (which stimulates melanocytes to darken your skin) and if you avoid doing things that can easily lead to brown spots such as acne, your skin should stay lightened for good and pleasing to the eye.

Risks of skin lighteners

The potential exposure to mercury is one of the main risks of using skin lighteners. A recent study found that almost 1 out of every 4 skin lighteners made in Asia and sold outside the U.S. contained mercury. Below are more risks of using skin lighteners:

• Hydroquinone may lead to ochronosis (unwanted and untreatable skin discoloration).
• Prolonged use of skin lighteners can lead to premature aging of skin.
• Various bleaching agents, including natural ingredients can cause skin irritation, and to some extent cause allergic reactions.
• Applying steroids to large portions of your skin is likely to lead to health problems especially when the steroid has been absorbed by the body.
• Prolonged use of skin Lightener can lead to skin cancer.

Precautions when using a skin Lightener

• Always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen when using a skin lightening cream and when going outside.
• See unto it that an over-the-counter skin Lightener with hydroquinone contains not more than 2% of the actual chemical.
• Always talk to your doctor before using a skin lightener and ask for specific instructions about the product that you are about to use.
• Always make sure that there is no mercury in the skin lightening product that you are about to purchase.
• Have in mind that mercury is sometimes listed under other names, such as mercuric, calomel, mercurio, or mercurous.
• If a label lists hydroquinone but does not say exactly how much it contains, avoid assuming that it is safe to use.

Always turn to your doctor in moments of doubts. If you encounter an issue using a product along the way, meet your doctor for more inquiries. Do not just use skin lighteners just for using sake as they might turn to hurt your skin. In this journey, make sure that you go along with your dermatologist.