The purpose of skin lightening creams, sometimes called skin brightening creams, is to lighten the color of the skin. Dark spots on the skin, such acne scars or age spots, are frequently treated with these treatments. They are occasionally used to brighten the skin tone in general.
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These creams may have adverse consequences even though they can be recommended for certain skin disorders. Particularly with over-the-counter treatments that might not have undergone safety testing, the hazards might be severe.
The operation of skin-lightening creams is covered in this article. It also discusses the hazards of utilizing them as well as the diseases they can address.
What Are Creams That Lighten Skin?
Products called skin lightening creams are made to lighten and bleach the skin. To lower the amount of melanin, they target skin cells. Skin cells create a pigment called melanin. It determines the appearance of our skin tone.
Products that lighten skin might include oils, lotions, serums, and creams. For dry skin, creams and oils tend to be thicker. Choosing a lighter serum could be a good choice if you have oily skin. The ideal kind for your skin type may be determined by seeing your dermatologist.
Over-the-counter (OTC) and internet retailers provide a wide range of skin-lightening lotions. However, before using skin-lightening lotions, it is essential to see your healthcare professional. Unlike over-the-counter treatments, which may include hazardous substances, prescription medications are routinely examined for safety and effectiveness.
How Do Creams That Lighten Skin Work?
Ingredients used in skin-lightening treatments help your body produce less melanin. Melanocytes are the cells that produce melanin. Skin bleaching products function by reducing your skin’s melanocyte count.
Hydroquinone, a substance included in many skin-lightening treatments, is known to reduce melanocytes.
Vitamin C, an antioxidant that is also frequently found in skin-lightening treatments, is known to reduce the generation of melanin in our cells.
Many skin-brightening lotions also include glycolic acid, which has exfoliating properties. It removes dead cells from the skin, making it more radiant.
Additionally, black spots can be lightened with retinoid treatments, which are derived from vitamin A. They function by accelerating the skin’s surface cell turnover. Retinol, adapalene gel, tazarotene, and tretinoin are a few examples.
Which Skin Conditions Are Treated by Skin Lightening Creams?
Skin lightening creams can be applied to a number of discoloration-causing disorders. These consist of:
Age spots
Freckles
Scars from acne
Melasma
Hyperpigmentation following inflammation (PIH)
Unbalanced hormones
The Addison’s disease
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) and melasma both result in dark, blotchy patches. Common locations include the forehead and cheeks, which are exposed to the sun.
In parts of the skin that are inflamed due to skin damage, PIH causes a darker complexion. For instance, black patches may remain after severe acne clears up, or scarring may result in darker regions.
Skin darkening can also result from endocrine disorders such Addison’s disease and hormonal abnormalities.
The adrenal gland produces insufficient amounts of certain hormones in people with Addison’s disease. The high levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone produced by Addison’s disease patients cause melanocytes to create more melanin, darkening the skin.
Ask Your Healthcare Professional
Always with your healthcare professional before using any skin-lightening products if you are pregnant, nursing, or receiving treatment for any medical condition.
See your healthcare practitioner if you develop symptoms of mercury poisoning or think that you have been exposed to mercury, particularly over an extended period of time.
Summary
Skin lightening creams can be used to lighten the skin generally or to treat dark spots on the skin. For some skin disorders such melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, they could be recommended.
Nevertheless, there may be severe adverse effects from these creams. A condition known as exogenous ochronosis, which results in black and blue skin, can be brought on by hydroquinone usage. Certain skin-lightening creams may contain mercury, which can cause nephrotic syndrome, a kidney condition, or mercury poisoning.
