You already know that there are tanning products available that can darken your skin, but did you know that there are also products that can lighten your skin? Skin whitening creams do exactly that- they make your skin lighter. Even better, there are natural brands available. Read below to find out how these products work, and what the top natural brands are.
About Whitening Creams
While some use a whitening cream all over their body in hopes of getting an overall lighter skin tone, there are others who apply it over dark patches, age spots, dark scars, etc. Others only apply it to certain parts of their body such as their face, feet or arms- areas that may have gotten darker from sun exposure.
Some whitening products also have brightening properties. Many people are satisfied with the results they get, especially when using the product over an extended period of time. They find that their overall skin tone is lighter, their dark marks are diminished, and their skin tone is more even-toned. Results will not be the same for everyone however, as it depends on your skin type, the product you’re using, and the results you want.
When you are reading through ingredients, a few that you’ll likely often come across are kojic acid, hydroquinone, and mulberry extract. Note that there are dangers associated with using hydroquinone, so watch out for that particular ingredient.
It’s also important to be aware that, even if a whitening cream may be labeled as “natural” or “organic” it could still be harsh on your skin. It’s for that and several other reasons that it’s important to consult with a dermatologist for approval of the product you wish to use.
Top Brands
If you think a whitening cream may be right for you, take a look at the following products to see if any could be a good match.
1. Mediderm
This product comes in a 1.7-ounce jar, and it reduces pigmentation, makes skin brighter, and lightens smelasma, freckles, dark spots, liver spots, and other skin discolorations. As a bonus, it can also make your skin feel softer.
The Mediderm Skin Fading Cream is a hydroquinone-free product that’s also free from parabens. With this product, it could take about 4 to 6 weeks to show a noticeable change, but it’s recommended that you use it for at least 6 to 8 weeks. According to Mediderm, the shelf life of the product is about six months from the time you open the jar. It’s also important to note that this cream wasn’t made to be used around the eyes.
2. Shouvy
While there are some creams that are meant to be used on a daily basis, this particular cream is also a sleeping pack. This means that rather than use it every day, you use it two or three times a week, apply it at night, and leave it on while you sleep.
Shouvy Whitening Mask will give you a more even skin tone, reduce dark spots, allow for radiant skin, and of course, lighten your skin. This product is completely free of Hydroquinone.
One of the benefits of this mask is that you only use it a couple or a few times a week. This means that, depending on how much you use during a single application, it could last longer than most other brands. If you already use a night cream and you find that this sleeping pack works well for you, then it would be best to forgo using your night cream on the nights that you apply the sleeping pack.
Usage
Because these creams could be harsh, those who use it need to be aware that it may be extremely irritating, make your skin sensitive, cause dry skin, and/or cause redness. There is also a chance that it can whiten the skin unevenly. If you notice any adverse effects after usage, such as burning or inflammation, you need to wipe it off immediately and stop using that product.
In addition, whitening creams can make your skin more vulnerable to the sun’s rays and to sun damage, so it’s vital that you incorporate a strong sunscreen into your skin care regimen. Although there are those who only use sunscreen in the summer, if you’re using a whitening cream then it’s essential that you use the sunscreen on a daily basis. Apply it about 30 minutes before you leave your home and continuously reapply it throughout the day every two hours, especially after you shower or go swimming. Even if the whitening product states that it includes sun protection, it’s still a must that you apply extra sunscreen as a precaution.
To use a whitening cream, you’ll typically apply it onto your skin once per day, and it will very likely take you several weeks to notice a change. Rather than immediately start using it daily, it’s best if you start out using the cream every several days then every two days until you work up to every day. This gives your skin a chance to get acclimated to the new product.