What Are The Common Chemicals Used In Skin Bleaching Products

A few months ago, World Health Organisation (WHO) announced that the largest users of skin bleaching products are the Nigerian women. Having lighter complexion seems to make women more attractive.

Skin bleaching products are the same as skin lighteners, brighteners, and whiteners. Its primary goal is to reduce melanin, a skin pigment. If you have hyperpigmentation such as freckles, sun damage, melasma, or acne scars, you can use skin lighteners to minimize their appearances.

So how do they work? They depends on lightening agents to hinder the production of melanin. Melanin is a pigment produced by melanocytes.

Many skin bleaching creams use hydroquinone. There are two types of concentration regulated by the FDA. If you use over-the-counter lightener, the concentration is 2%. 4% is only available by prescription. 

For over-the-counter hydroquinone, make sure the concentration does not exceed 2%. If such information is missing, don't use it. It may contain more than what is allowed by the FDA.

Beside hydroquinone, Retin-A is another common ingredient used for treating pigmentation problems. How it works to fade the brown spots is not clearly understood.

Steroids is commonly used to combat skin discoloration. There is a potential risk of skin infections and skin thinning. It also delays wound healing. Using steroids on a large areas of skin is another health hazard when absorbed by the skin. 

Most of the lightening creams contain mercury. When you put mercury on your skin, your blood stream will absorb it. Eventually, it will end up in your kidney. Therefore, it affects the function of the kidney.

With these in mind, you can choose a safe skin lightener based on the following guidelines.

1. Make sure you follow the directions when using hydroquinone.
2. Check the label for mercury. Sometimes, the label does not state mercury but other similar terms. Among are mercurous, mercurio, calomel, or mercuric.
3. Ask your dermatologist if your skin is suitable for steroids.

If you are worried about chemical based brighteners, there are products that rely on botanical extracts. Kojid acid and arbutin are the common natural ingredients used in skin brightening products.

Sometimes, you could not make those dark spots disappear with skin lightening creams alone. This occurs if your hyperpigmentation is at the dermal level. To treat this type of pigmentation, you need multi-modal approach. It is a combination of other treatments such as laser and chemical peels.

If you are planning to buy skin whiteners, make sure the cream is not too thick. Otherwise, your face will feel waxy. Furthermore, its high density make it difficult for the skin to absorb. You may end up with a clump on your skin.

Sun avoidance is an important step after applying skin bleaching cream. Whenever you are out, use sunscreen with at least 30SPF to protect your skin. 

If you've been searching for spotless, more radiant skin, the search is over. One natural skin lightener that may work for you is Meladerm. It is loaded with 12 potent plant extracts which some of them have been tested to lighten dark spots effectively. You can find out more about this product by checking out one of the many Meladerm reviews found on the web. Visit http://www.fairskindiva.com today to learn not just how it works but whether you are the right candidate for this skin bleaching cream.