If you are reading this article, then chances are you have already tried all natural-whitening tips such as drinking plenty of water, wearing sunscreen even when indoors, or massaging your face with olive oil and honey – but without success. Well, a famous DIY approach doesn’t always work, hence no wonder, more and more women and men are looking for a ready-made cream that can lighten their skin.
However, with a plethora of products available in the market, it’s not that easy to make the right choice, all the more so, the internet is chock-full of warnings that skin whitening can be dangerous. It’s not a secret, not all creams are the same, which is also the situation with any other drug or product and, of course, it is of utmost importance to use the one that won’t make things worse.
Knowledge is key, that’s why it is essential to study all the pros and cons of a certain product and be aware of its benefits and eventual side effects before starting to apply it. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to safely use skin whitening products and get the desired results.
Ingredients That Are Not Safe
As already mentioned, not all skin bleaching products are created equal and the main ingredient that is in charge of making your skin lighter does make a huge difference. Not so long ago, the majority of such creams contain mercury, which was later banned by the FDA as a dangerous substance that can cause poisoning. Even though mercury-based creams were found to cause severe skin problems, they are still produced and sold on the black market.
Infamous hydroquinone is another substance that can bring lots of troubles and trigger exogenous ochronosis after prolonged use. Beauty experts from Ashenly.com explain that creams containing hydroquinone are still available but not considered safe anymore, especially for the treatment of larger areas. Instead of lightening your skin, they can cause black and blue blemishes, and make your pigmentation issue even worse.
Finally, corticosteroids. We bet, it’s hard to find a person who doesn’t know that corticosteroids can do more harm than good if used for a long period of time. Bleaching creams based on corticosteroids can cause steroid acne, which often requires up to 2 months of antibiotic treatment. More than that, the skin might need a few more months to get back to normal.
How To Use Skin Lightening Creams Safely
First of all, stick to the products that are FDA-approved. Perhaps you will run into “wondrous” creams here and there that promise instant results – do not fall for such offers as if something seems too good to be true it most probably is. Always check whether the product is made in the USA as it is another sign of its full compliance with the strict requirements of the Food and Drug Administration.
Carefully study the list of side effects – reading the fine print can help you avoid a heck of a lot of troubles and unpleasant health issues. Do not be lazy and check out the manufacturer’s website to find out more about the brand and the cream you are plotting to purchase. Also double-check for drug interactions, as well as for interactions with certain foods or alcoholic beverages. Take them seriously and do not hesitate to seek the advice of your doctor if you feel you might need one.
You should be especially attentive to the slightest details if you have sensitive skin or allergies. Ask the pharmacist about all active and inactive ingredients of the cream to make sure it is safe for you. It is also important to follow strictly the directions provided by the manufacturer and never apply a greater amount than recommended. Apply the cream exactly as it said on the product label.
Be aware, that the majority of skin bleaching creams do not go along with the sun as this combination can cause skin burns. Just as we said at the beginning of this article, research and do your due diligence but always remember that fast results come with the greater risk of developing side effects. To reach your goals and stay healthy you need to look for a balance between efficiency and safety.
Skin whitening products bring plenty of benefits and are great for minimizing dark spots, lightening the skin tone, and even reducing acne scars. However, just like all other drugs and medicines, they should be used wisely and with a certain precaution. Make sure to buy only quality FDA-approved creams and enjoy your dream skin.