Skin lightening creams, often called “skin lightening creams” or “fairness creams”, are primarily intended to lighten skin tone, brighten complexion, and reduce dark spots, pigmentation, or other skin discolorations. These creams use various active ingredients and compounds that affect the skin’s melanin production. Let’s find out how these skin whitening creams work:
Controlling melanin production
- Melanin is the pigment that gives the skin its natural colour. When there is more melanin in the skin, the skin colour becomes darker. Skin lightening creams work by slowing down or stopping the production of melanin.
- Hydroquinone: This is a commonly used ingredient that inhibits melanin production. However, its long-term use can have harmful effects on the skin.
Exfoliating the skin
- Some creams contain ingredients like AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) and BHA (beta hydroxy acid) that exfoliate the upper layer of the skin. This removes dead skin cells and reveals new, fresh and lighter skin.
- It helps in brightening and glowing the skin.
Use of antioxidants and vitamins
- Ingredients like vitamin C, vitamin E, and niacinamide are added to creams that help repair and lighten the skin. These ingredients make the skin brighter and healthier and also protect it from damage caused by the sun and pollution.
- Vitamin C can also reduce melanin production and help lighten spots.
Protection from UV rays
- Many skin lightening creams contain SPF (sun protection factor), which protects the skin from the harmful rays of the sun. UV rays can increase the production of melanin in the skin, which can darken the skin. Creams containing SPF protect the skin from sunburn and tanning.
Moisturizing and hydrating the skin
- These creams provide moisture to the skin, thereby increasing the elasticity and glow of the skin. When the skin is hydrated and healthy, it looks more radiant and fairer.
Are skin lightening creams safe?
Caution must be taken when using skin lightening creams. Some creams may contain harmful chemicals that can damage the skin if used for a long time. In particular, long-term use of ingredients such as hydroquinone, steroids, and mercury can have serious effects on the skin.
