Who can benefit from using skin lightening creams? Well, if you have uneven pigmentation, where patches of skin are lighter or darker than others, you could use a lightening cream to even out your skin tone. And if you have skin blemishes, like moles or other discolorations, a lightening product can help to make them less visibly noticeable, or even get rid of them altogether.



The ingredients used in skin lighteners can vary from product to product. Here are the most common ingredients.

Hydroquinone

A lot of lightening products don't actually bleach the skin. Instead, they inhibit the production of melanin, the substance that adds color to your skin. And one of these melanin inhibitors is hydroquinone.

Hydroquinone is considered one of the most effective substances that can be used to lighten the skin. However, possible health risks have caused it to be banned in some places.

Licorice Extract

Like hydroquinone, licorice extract can inhibit the production of melanin. However, it doesn't seem to come with the same health risks. In fact, it is often recommended to those who want to use a lightening product, but who have skin too sensitive for other ingredients.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C also inhibits the production of melanin. When used as a skin lightener, Vitamin C (also known as ascorbic acid) is applied as either a serum or a powder.

Arbutin

This melanin inhibiting ingredient comes from the leaves of certain fruits, like cranberries, blueberries, and mulberries. Arbutin can also be found in pears.

Alpha Hydroxy Acids

You can find alpha hydroxy acids (or AHAs) in many over the counter products. AHAs are also used in some chemical peels.

Alpha hydroxy acids are another inhibiter of melanin production. AHAs also remove unhealthy, discolored skin cells, resulting in fewer blemishes and skin discolorations.

While over the counter products can have noticeable results, alpha hydroxy acid peels performed by a qualified physician can be even more effective. And those with dry or sensitive skin should probably avoid AHAs.

Kojic Acid

Kojic acid is a by-product of the process used to make sake, or Japanese rice wine. This substance is often recommended for those who have sensitive skin. And, like hydroquinone, there are concerns about the possible health risks of using kojic acid.

Azelaic Acid

Azelaic acid has been used in acne treatments. And it also been found to help decrease skin discolorations.

Mercury

While mercury can lighten the skin, it can also be toxic. When choosing skin lightening creams, avoid those that contain this chemical.

While searching for skin lightening creams, you will come across many options. And it's important to weight the pros and cons before choosing the product that's right for you.