The best skin lightening Cream

There are many skin lightening creams, some over the counter products, and some can only be obtained with a prescription. Prescription lightening creams generally contain hydroquinone and corticosteroids (steroid medication). Products containing these ingredients in some countries are only available with a prescription as they have potentially dangerous side effects if misused. Mercury is another banned substance often found in skin lightening creams.

When you buy products over the counter make sure to check the ingredients. Do not buy anything with hydroquinone, corticosteroids or mercury. There are many highly effective products that include natural ingredients.

Hydroquinone: A Skin Lightening Option Which Is Not Recommended

The most common ingredient found in skin lightening products over the last 50 years is hydroquinone. What makes this ingredient so sought after is that it effectively decreases melanin in skin. This makes it a potent skin lightening ingredient for someone looking to lighten dark spots, freckles, acne scars, and more. Until recently it was considered to be the safest and most effective treatment for hyperpigmentation including age spots, melasma, sun damage, and other discolorations. The Local Government Association has recently announced that Hyroquinone is dangerous and should be avoided.

How Does It Work?

Hydroquinone works by decreasing the number of melanocytes present in your skin. Melanocytes are cells that produce melanin, which is what makes your skin, eyes and hair darker. Less melanin means lighter and more even skin tone.

It can irritate sensitive skin and may result in redness, itching or dryness. Although the itching and redness often fades over time some people find that their skin can’t tolerate it. Research suggests there may even be lethal side effects associated with long term use of synthetic hydroquinone. One possible side effect is exogenous ochronosis, which is a skin disorder that could potentially leave blue-black spots on your skin, especially if you are of African descent.  Due to its toxicity and potential side effects the European community banned its use in cosmetics, and limited its availability to prescriptions. In the US the FDA announced in 2006 that it could potentially cause cancer.

The great news is there are plenty of natural skin lightening products that are completely natural and have none of the side effects. Here are just a few.

The following ingredients will lighten your skin naturally, without the risks associated with Hydroquinone.

Bearberry Extract

Bearberry extract is a completely natural skin lightening ingredient found in the bearberry shrub which contains arbutin, a natural skin lightener and brightener.   Arbutin is a distant cousin to hydroquinone, but is completely natural. It makes the enzyme that is responsible for producing melanin inactive like hydroquinone does, providing you the benefits of hydroquinone such as lightening and brightening your skin tone while also correcting hyperpigmentation problems like age spots, freckles, melasma, and acne scars. Since it is completely natural it has no side effects.

Another benefit of bearberry extract is it contains sun protection filters that can reduce the effects of sun exposure helping to slow the effects of aging.

Licorice Root Extract

Would you believe that licorice is not only used in candy. It is also a powerful natural skin lightener that is often used to treat hyperpigmentation such as age spots, sun damage, melasma and more. It is not only a skin lightener but is also can be used to control excessive oil on your skin.

Licorice root extract is perfect for people with sensitive skin as it can be used to calm down redness, puffiness and itching. Since it has amazing anti-irritant abilities it has far fewer side effects than hydroquinone.

Kojic Acid

Looking to effectively treat melasma? Kojic acid which comes from fermented mushrooms inhibits the over production of melanin in unevenly pigmented skin. This makes it a potent ally in brightening everything from freckles to melasma. Kojic acid has become revered worldwide for its skin lightening abilities. It therefore makes sense that it is found in numerous skin lightening products.

This ingredient is produced after rice is malted for the making of sake. By inhibiting melanin, which is known to darken the skin, kojic acid brightens and lightens your skin instead.

Azelaic Acid

This lightening agent is found in grains like wheat, rye and barley. It is not only effective in lightening skin, but is effective in treating numerous skin conditions too. Azelaic acid was originally used to treat acne. It also reduces inflammation and decreases the production of keratin. Keratin promotes the growth of acne bacteria.

Azelaic acid does two things:

1. It inhibits melanin production.
2. It combats hyper-pigmentation by suppressing the growth of melanin producing cells.

Azelaic acid effectively targets hyperpigmentation while has little effect on normally pigmented skin like freckles. This makes it ideal for treating hyperpigmentation disorders.

Niacinamide

Niacinamide actively reduces jagged pigmentation and age spots effectively lightening and soothing your skin. Niacinamide increases ceramide and fatty acid levels in skin effectively increasing hydration levels in your skin. This ensures you softer, smoother skin which is less prone to irritation. In the long term well hydrated skin ensures you firm and wrinkle free skin.

Citrus Extracts

Citrus extracts are a rich source of vitamin C which destroys free radicals in your body. Free radicals are cells that cause aging.  Citrus extracts give your skin a radiant glow while rejuvenating it from the inside. Lemon juice naturally whitens skin and effectively removes dark spots. It is also used to mildly exfoliate your skin due to its acidic content by safely peeling off the top layer of your skin. Researchers have also found that citric acid can be used to significantly reverse photo aging and sun damage.

Glycolic Acid

Glycolic Acid is the most active and beneficial of the Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) in skin care. It is generally used as a natural skin exfoliant and moisturizer. Glycolic Acid not only evens out skin discoloration, but also helps minimize fine lines and wrinkles. AHA’s such as Glycolic Acid can assist other ingredients in skin lighteners by allowing them to penetrate farther into the skin.

Lactic Acid

Also an AHA, Lactic Acid mimics the properties of Glycolic Acid but is typically better suited for individuals with sensitive skin. AHA’s such as Lactic Acid can assist other ingredients in skin lightening by allowing them to penetrate farther into the skin.

Glutathione

Found in a wide array of ointments, lotions, pills, and soaps, this ingredient is packed with antioxidants and designed to effectively lighten the skin. Not only does this ingredient help with skin whitening, it also contributes to tissue repair and regeneration.

Lemon

Packed with Vitamin C and citric acid, lemons are made with organic bleaching agents that not only brighten your skin but also give it a healthy glow as well. Our Bio AHA are made with lemon fibers and other natural ingredients, guaranteeing fresh and healthy skin. Not only do lemons leave a refreshing scent on your skin, they also contain citric acid which is a well-known natural bleaching ingredient. Just make sure to apply a rich moisturizer to your skin after the lemon treatment, to avoid dryness.

Mulberry

Made popular in Japan, Mulberry extract is another all-natural choice that will deliver results with consistent use. It may not be the most effective or potent, but it will get you a lighter skin tone over time.

Mulberry extracts are known to help skin. They are widely used by many people all over the globe for purposes of skin lightening. Significant research has been gathered to prove the anti tyrosinase activity of mulberry plants produces the desirable effects as far as skin lightening is concerned. Furthermore, the extract is known to slow down the ageing process. It contains rich anti-oxidant properties thus making it extremely beneficial for preventing wrinkles formation As a result, someone who uses mulberry extract will have flawless, silky smooth skin for many years to come.

Cosmetologists also promote the extract and recommend it for effective skin lightening.  The roots and the barks contain excellent healing properties and this is one of the main reason why they are used for producing mulberry extract popularly used as a skin lightener. The extract can additionally be used for removing residual rough skin as well as impurities that may be present on the skin. The extract is also recommended by cosmetology experts because it lowers melanin production that occurs as a result of UV exposure.  When used as a skin lightener, mulberry extract resolves all issues related to uneven skin tone thereby allowing a user to have a pleasant skin tone after use.

Aloe Vera

This wonder-plant is not only gentle and soothing on the skin, but effective in reducing redness and skin discoloration as well. By rubbing the insides of the plant (the gel part) on your face, you will make your skin feel brighter, refreshed, and altogether lighter.

Oranges

Like lemons, oranges have bleaching properties that can really lighten your skin. On top of that, these super-fruits also pack a vitamin C punch and make your skin feel more elastic and soft.

More Natural Skin Lightening Ingredients

While hydroquinone is a popular option for lightening your skin, it comes with a great deal of negative side effects. In fact, experts say it can be dangerous and should be avoided. Nanopeptides are considered a much effeciver and safer active agents, even with its limited research. 

How do they work?

DECAPEPTIDE-12 is a small oligopeptide with potent anti-tyrosinase activity. According to research, it is capable of helping improve both skin tone and texture. Tyrosinase is an enzyme found widely in plant and animal tissues, and is vital to the production of melanin. Overactive production of tyrosinase can lead to hyperpigmentation of the skin. As Decapeptide-12 is a powerful tyrosinase inhibitor, this could be a potential cure for skin hyperpigmentation issues.

NONAPEPTID 1  can prevent melanin synthesis and unwanted pigmentation by preventing activation of the tyrosinase, thus allowing for a better control over skin tone. 

TETRAPEPTIDE-30 has a nice anti-inflammatory function that leads to a dual action in hindering the pigmentation process. It acts as a tyrosinase inhibitor (the famous enzyme needed to create melanin), and it also blocks the transfer of the melanin up into the top layers of the skin. 

Natural Skin Lightening Products

Skin lightening is not skin bleaching. If you want to restore your skin’s natural tone there are many over the counter natural skin lightening products. DRHAZI skin lightening products are naturally infused and hydroquinone free. Here are a few samples: