Skin-lightening products do come with some risks. As with any new product, be sure to read the label and know the facts before you buy and apply a skin lightener. What Determines Skin Color? If you have any severe symptoms that need urgent medical attention, such as a nasty rash, swelling or increasing pain, go to your local accident and emergency (A&E). Laser skin lightening Over the next few weeks, your skin should start to fade to a lighter colour. It will be sensitive to the sun for up to 6 months. Albzea, W., AlRashidi, R., Alkandari, D., Sadan, M., Alkandari, A., Alkanderi, J. J., AlHajri, M. T., Almutairi, S. N., Alenzi, A., Alanazi, S., Al-Qurashi, S., Alhajaji, R., & Shami, A. A. (2023). Azelaic Acid Versus Hydroquinone for Managing Patients With Melasma: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Cureus, 15(7). Derived from the bearberry plant, when used in a 1-2% concentration, alpha-arbutin can be one of the most effective natural skin lighteners. It works similarly to kojic acid by inhibiting tyrosinase enzymes.

There’s still not enough research on how well this robust antioxidant works on its own, so it’s best when used in a product with a blend of natural skin lighteners — like kojic acid, for example. However, it’s crucial to decipher the good from the potentially harmful skin-lightening products. Not sure where to begin? No problem. Here at the Derm Review, we’ve reviewed hundreds of products with a scientific lens to ensure you’re creating a skincare regimen that’s safe and effective. Ahead, nine of the best skin whitening creams to help you safely fade discoloration. How to Choose the Best Whitening Creams

Skin-lightening creams

It may not be ideal for those with dark skin."Sometimes bleached hair on darker skin is even more noticeable than the natural hair color," Tobia says. Also, hydrogen peroxide can have unintended results on darker complexions. "There have been some cases where bleach has actually lightened the skin," Jarosz warns, although the result is usually temporary. All of the products we recommend in this guide are free from the aforementioned harmful ingredients, and most of the companies mentioned rely mainly on natural ingredients. Who is whitening cream for?

Throughout your life, your skin can go through many changes — hormonal shifts, sun exposure, injuries, diseases, conditions, and more. While it’s part of the human experience to go through many of these, they can leave lasting visible effects, like hyperpigmentation. Weschler, C., Langer, S., Fischer, A., Beko, G., Toftum, J., & Clausen, G. (2011). The skinny on how shed skin reduces indoor air pollution. American Chemical Society. While OTC skin brightening products don’t have the dangers of skin lightening creams that a doctor prescribes, they take longer to work because they’re not as strong. Products formulated with natural and evidence-based ingredients such as retinol, niacinamide, kojic acid, licorice extract, glycolic acid, and paper mulberry are still effective (and safer). Still, it takes around a couple of months to start to see visible results. Aim to use the minimum amount necessary, once or twice a day, only on the hyperpigmented area of the skin. Platsidaki, E., Efstathiou, V., Markantoni, V., Kouris, A., Kontochristopoulos, G., Nikolaidou, E., Rigopoulos, D., Stratigos, A., & Gregoriou, S. (2023). Self-Esteem, Depression, Anxiety and Quality of Life in Patients with Melasma Living in a Sunny Mediterranean Area: Results from a Prospective Cross-Sectional Study. Dermatology and Therapy, 13(5), 1127-1136.

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Papakonstantinou, E., Roth, M., & Karakiulakis, G. (2012). Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging. Dermato-Endocrinology, 4(3), 253-258. How each whitening cream works depends on its ingredients, but the majority of active ingredients found in these creams work by inhibiting the enzyme tyrosinase, which synthesizes melanin. 19 Preventing tyrosinase from doing its job should lower the amount of melanin, thereby reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation. Most people will need to continue the treatment for around 3 or 4 months. Your doctor may recommend stopping treatment after this time, or only using it very occasionally. Possible side effects