What Are Bleaching Creams?

Skin bleaching is not new in the current age. It is so common that more than 60% of celebrities are using skin whitening products. BeSkinformed lists down some of the top celebrities, who have used skin bleaching products. Some celebrities have openly admitted using skin bleaching products.

Actually, there are many reasons for bleaching the skin. Regardless of why you are doing or planning to do it, you must ensure that you are making the right choice. It is usually an irreversible step to take that needs proper thinking before deciding to do it. But what are the skin bleaching creams? We will be discussing that in this article.

What are Bleaching Creams?

They are also called skin lightening products, and they are creams that are used as a cosmetic treatment to reduce the skin discoloration or the whole color of the skin. Usually, the skin bleaching creams will be used to treat specific skin problems like age spots, freckles, acne scars, or any other hormone-related discoloration. It is generally a method used to lighten the naturally dark skin.

Some use it on intimate areas like around the genitals, the anus, nipples, and armpits. Always ensure you use the best bleaching cream for private areas to avoid adverse side effects.

How Do They Work?

Typically, the main aim of the skin bleaching cream is not precisely to bleach the skin as such. Instead, it will fade out the unwanted blemishes. This will be done by inhibiting the melanin that is responsible for the color of your skin.

A layer called the basal layer is found within the layers of our skin. This is the layer where the skin cells form and divide to create the outer layer of the skin. Also, melanocyte, which is a cell responsible for transporting melanin-rich cells, melanosomes, is found in the basal layer. Still in the melanocyte is an enzyme called tyrosinase, which produces melanin. When tyrosinase over-produces melanin, there will be a condition called hyperpigmentation. Here is when you will notice dark spots on the skin.

The solution for this is to reduce the production and levels of tyrosinase in the skin. When tyrosinase is inhibited, there will be a limited and controlled production of melanin. In other words, there won’t be an overproduction of the pigment.

Most skin bleaching creams will contain tyrosinase inhibitors. Some people who use the creams may not have hyperpigmentation, but they can apply the cream to prevent the condition in the future.

Are they permanent?

If you intend to use the bleaching creams on your skin, there is something you should know: they are not permanent. What happens is that the cream will contain ingredients that reduce the melanin content on your skin. However, they do not eliminate the melanin producers, which is the origin of the dark color of the skin.

Since the skin is renewed constantly, more melanin will be produced in the layers. As a result, the hyperpigmentation can occur again after you have used the bleaching creams. After using the cream (and you stay without applying it), your skin will go back to its usual state and produce melanin like it used to.

How Long Will It Take For It To Work?

When it comes to how long the skin bleaching cream would take to work on you, it will depend on a number of factors. Some of the factors that will affect the time it takes to bleach your skin include the natural color of your skin, the ingredients of the cream, and your skin type.

If you have normal skin, it will take between four to eight weeks to work, sensitive skin would take two to three weeks, while combination skin takes six to eight weeks to respond to the cream.

All in all, it would take a maximum of eight weeks for you to experience the results of the skin bleaching cream.

But then again, you will need to use them as instructed for you to experience the promised results. As a general rule, always ensure that you have washed and dried your skin properly before you apply the cream. For further directions on how to use it, here is a guide to help you.

Any Side Effects?

Since these creams are made with chemical-based products, they will have some side effects. Again, the side effects you experienced will be based on your skin type. Some of the common side effects you may encounter when using the bleaching creams include the following:

• Rashes
• Stinging sensation
• Irreversible darkening
• Thickening or thinning of the skin
• Redness of the skin
• Visible blood vessels in the skin
• Scarring

All these can occur based on the ingredients in the cream that you are using.

What Are The Safe Ingredients To Look Out For?

As always, you should ensure that you use products with organic content. However, there are some chemicals used in skin whitening creams. Luckily, some ingredients are considered safe (not 100%) because they will not cause a serious side effect on your skin.

That said, here are the top ingredients you should look out for in a bleaching cream:

• Kojic acid (a by-product of malted rice)
• Vitamin C with abilities like antioxidant, collagen builder, promotes skin’s strength, protects skin against pollution, lightens skin, or anti-aging properties.
• Niacinamide
• Alpha-arbutin
• Azelaic acid
• Glutathione
• Glycolic acid
• Linoleic acid
• Liquorice extract
• Paper Mulberry

These ingredients work differently at lightening your skin. Keep in mind that Hydroquinone is a popular ingredient used in bleaching creams, but it is not recommended. It is very effective at whitening the skin, but it has some serious side effects like skin cancer, kidney and liver disorders, respiratory tract irritation, and more. Avoid using products with this ingredient.

Who Shouldn’t Use The Bleaching Creams?

Generally, anybody has the right to use the creams as they wish. However, it might not be safe to use on some people. For instance, pregnant and breastfeeding women should not use the bleaching creams. Also, if you have had any history of skin cancer or skin-related conditions, you should avoid using the bleaching creams on your skin.

All in all, ensure that you talk to your doctor or a professional dermatologist to determine if it is safe to use the bleaching creams or not.