They are sometimes used to lighten the complexion overall.
While these creams can be prescribed for specific skin conditions, they can have side effects.
The risks can be serious, especially with over-the-counter creams that may not be tested for safety.
NickyLloyd / Getty Images
This article discusses how skin lightening creams work.
It also covers the conditions they can treat and the risks of using them.
NickyLloyd / Getty Images
What Are Skin Lightening Creams?
Skin lightening creams are products designed to bleach and lighten the skin.
They target skin cells to decrease the level of melanin.
Melanin is apigmentproduced by skin cells.
It determines how light or dark our skin appears.
Skin lightening products can come in the form of creams, lotions, oils, and serums.
Creams and oils are usually heavier and better for dry skin.
Your dermatologist can advise you on which kind is best for your skin punch in.
Several varieties of skin lightening creams are available online and over the counter (OTC).
However, its best to talk with your healthcare provider before using skin lightening creams.
Prescription products are regularly tested for safety and efficacy, unlike OTC products, which could contain dangerous ingredients.
How Do Skin Lightening Creams Work?
Skin lightening creams contain ingredients that work to decrease your bodys production of melanin.
Melanin is made by cells called melanocytes.
Skin bleaching products work by lowering the number of melanocytes in your skin.
Many skin lightening creams contain hydroquinone, which is known to decrease melanocytes.
Glycolic acid, which is also found in many skin brightening creams, works as an exfoliant.
It helps to brighten the skin by clearing away dead cells.
Retinoids, products derived from vitamin A, can also be used to lighten dark spots.
They work by speeding up the turnover of surface skin cells.
They can include retinol, adapalene gel, tazarotene, and tretinoin.
What Skin Conditions Do Skin Lightening Creams Treat?
Skin lightening creams may be used for various conditions that cause discoloration.
These include:
Melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) are both conditions that cause dark, blotchy areas.
Common areas include parts exposed to the sun, like the forehead and cheeks.
There are manyskin-lightening treatmentsavailable to treatmelasma.
Some creams require a prescription.
PIH leads to a darker complexion in areas inflamed because of injury to the skin.
For example, scarring may cause darker areas, or severe acne can leave dark spots after it resolves.
Hormonal imbalances and endocrine conditions likeAddison’s diseasecan also lead to darkening of the skin.
With Addison’s disease, the adrenal gland doesn’t produce enough of certain hormones.
Skin Lightening Cream vs. As soon as the makeup is washed off, your skin will return to its natural color.
Its unclear how long the effects of skin lightening creams last.
However, extended use carries serious risks (see below).
Risks of Skin Lightening Creams
In 2020, OTC products containing hydroquinone were removed from the market.
“Even though hydroquinone products were removed from store shelves, they’re still available by prescription.
Hydroquinone has been linked toexogenous ochronosis, a disorder that makes the skin appear black and blue.
This condition is difficult to treat and can result in permanent skin discoloration.
Discoloration may be more common when applying hydroquinone over a large skin area or in higher concentrations.
Milder side effects have also been reported, including dermatitis and skin irritation.
Colorism refers to the belief that lighter skin is better and more beautiful than darker skin.
Mercury Poisoning
Mercury is a heavy metal that is toxic even in small amounts.
However, in a 2014 study, researchers tested 549 skin lightening products for their mercury content.
Of the U.S. products, 3.3% had mercury levels over 1,000 ppm.
Avoid any product with mercury as an ingredient.
More research is needed to determine the long-term effects of using skin-lightening products.
They may be prescribed for specific skin conditions, such as melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
However, these creams can have serious side effects.
Alexis AF.New and emerging treatments for hyperpigmentation.J Drugs Dermatol.
2014;13(4):382-5.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.How to fade dark spots in darker skin tones.
2016;21(1).
American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD).Melasma: Diagnosis and treatment.
Charoo NA.Hyperpigmentation: Looking beyond hydroquinone.Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology.
2014;70(2).
doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2013.09.050
NYC Health.Hazardous products: Mercury in soaps and creams.
Al-Saleh I.Potential health consequences of applying mercury-containing skin-lightening creams during pregnancy and lactation periods.Int J Hyg Environ Health.
2018;145(2):100-103. doi:10.1016/j.annder.2017.06.016
