Lightening Cream

Our skin color is determined by how much melanin our skin contains. Melanin is a pigment caused by certain cells, called melanocytes. People who have darker skin have more melanin than people with fair skin; this is determined by genetic makeup. Environmental factors also play a role in skin pigmentation. Exposure to the sun, hormones, aging skin, and chemicals can affect the production of melanin. While tanned skin reverses itself as the tan fades and as the sun’s exposure is diminished, other pigments, like age spots or melasma, may become permanent.

What is a skin lightening treatment?  

There are many skin lightening regimens on the market—skin lightening treatments can come in bleaching creams or are included in facial moisturizers. Skin lightening treatments fade and even treat freckles, acne scars, age spots, pregnancy mask and other superfluous skin pigmentations.  While age, liver, moles or other “spots” can be diminished or treated, skin lightening treatments can also even out the overall tone and improve skin’s glow. The most common ingredient in skin lightening treatments is hydroquinone (up to 2 percent for over the counter and up to 6 percent for prescription). Some treatments contain Vitamin A (from steroids), while others contain a natural ingredient, called kojic acid. 

Precautions with skin lightening treatments

If you use a skin lightening treatment long-term, there are risks involved including the possibility of skin cancer because lighteners make your skin more vulnerable to the sun’s damaging rays, so be sure to use a sunscreen often while using a skin lightening treatment. Premature aging of the skin is also possible and because some contain steroids, your skin may thin and not heal adequately. Steroids contained in some lighteners also increase the risk of infections on the skin. It is important to consult a doctor or dermatologist to be sure you’re using a skin lightening treatment that is safe for you.