Best Skin Bleaching Creams of 2018 Reviewed

Does the color of your skin impact your personal confidence?

The cosmetics world has evolved greatly, and women, including myself, are finding it difficult to neglect the color and texture of their skin.

The definition of beauty is changing, and nowadays, the modern woman is feeling more confident with an even and clear skin.

For this reason, the popularity of skin bleaching creams has increased all across the globe.

These creams are used to remove dark patches on the skin.

Lately, their use in reducing normal skin melanin has come into fashion.

The use of skin bleaching creams has become a familiar phenomenon amongst dark-skinned women, especially those who find it difficult to be comfortable in and love their own skin.

I have been there, and with the experience, I have gained in the cosmetic industry, I can help you demystify skin bleaching creams.

Therefore, if you have dark spots on your face or have dark patches triggered by hormonal imbalances, then you need not worry.

This article is tailored to answer all your questions about skin bleaching creams.

Before you dive into the market to find the best skin bleaching cream, you must gather important information.

These creams will only help you obtain a lighter, brighter, and blemish-free skin tone if you get a safe and quality products.

This article will help you unearth what you need to know about this product.

Let’s get started.

What are Skin Bleaching Creams?

Before we start to answer this question, you must understand what causes your skin color.

Your skin color is determined by a pigment called melanin (2, 3), which is produced by specialized skin cells called melanocytes (4).

The more the melanin, the darker the skin color.

The amount of melanin in your skin is determined by your genetic makeup and other factors like hormones, sunlight exposure, exposure to chemicals, and skin damage.

A skin bleaching cream is a cosmetic product that is used to reduce the melanin in the skin, or even out skin discolorations (in the case of dark patches).

Bleaching creams can also be prescribed by a dermatologist as a treatment for post-inflammatory pigmentation.

These dark spots occur because of acne inflammation or a skin injury and can be faded safely by applying bleaching cream on the affected area.

Some of the chemical compounds found in skin bleaching agents include:

• Hydroquinone
• Topical retinoid
• Botanicals
• Topical corticosteroids
• Mercury
• Other agents

When used in moderation, or as directed by a dermatologist, skin bleaching creams can greatly benefit your overall beauty.

Benefits of Skin Bleaching Creams

When using a bleaching cream you aim to get the best results for your skin.

Skin bleaching creams are widely prevalent because they deliver excellent results on your skin.

These products are also very economical and this is one of the reasons they are very popular.

If you are planning to use a bleaching cream, here are some of the benefits you will most likely get.

Skin Lightening

This is the core benefit you will derive from the use of skin bleaching agents; in fact, this is the reason most people choose a bleaching cream.

Bleaching creams reduce the prominence of melanin in your skin, resulting in a lighter skin shade.

The regular use of this product will lead to the reduction of the dark layer of your skin.

The changes affected by the bleaching creams can be long lasting but in most cases, they fade after some time.

Remove Blemishes

If you have many dark spots and blemishes on your skin, then using a skin bleaching cream can help you reclaim your lost beauty.

Bleaching creams have special chemical compounds that cause the pigmentation and dark spots to fade away.

When applied to the affected area, bleaching creams are able to reduce the effect of melanin, thereby removing all the dark spots, and making your skin look uniform.

However, you should not expect that the effect of removing dark spots completely will be achieved by applying the cream regularly.

You should have reasonable expectations, and avoid being overambitious in your quest for blemish-free skin.

Improve Skin Glow

Do you want to look and feel fresh and young? Then you should use a bleaching cream.

This is because it will help your skin achieve the perfect glow and a lighter tone.

When you use bleaching creams regularly, they remove the dead skin layer.

When the dead cell layer peels away, your skin rejuvenates, shines, looks young, and feels fresh.

When the skin is revitalized, its internal health improves, making it less prone to ugly blemishes and pimples.

This is the best way to remove the dullness that affects your personal confidence and bars you from being productive at work.

When the glow on your face is enhanced, it will go a long way toward improving your self-esteem, making you feel rejuvenated and fabulous.

Improve Skin Texture

Everyone craves smooth and clear skin.

This can be achieved by the regular use of skin bleaching creams which revitalize and enhance the texture of your skin, making it very soft and smooth.

When you apply bleaching creams to your skin, the whiteheads, dead cells, and blackheads are eliminated.

This also lightens the hair on your skin and makes it less conspicuous, leading to smoother and fairer skin.

How Skin Bleaching Creams Work

Your skin pigmentation can be uneven as a result of pregnancy, age, chronic sun exposure, or the use of medications like birth control pills.

The most common type of skin pigmentation disorder is hyperpigmentation, which occurs when part of your skin produces more melanin than the other parts.

This results in a large dark spot which can appear on your arms, chest, or face.

The best cure for hyperpigmentation is a compound called hydroquinone, which is contained in most skin bleaching creams.

This chemical compound works effectively either alone or in combination with other chemical compounds.

How does this chemical compound remove uneven pigmentation on your skin?

When you apply the skin bleaching cream, it penetrates and enters the interior of the skin.

Hydroquinone, which is one of the best chemical compounds for dealing with uneven pigmentation, has a compound called arbutin.

This compound occurs naturally in the Beta-D-glucopyranoside of the hydroquinone compound.

Arbutin is responsible for inhibiting the normal process of the formation of melanin in your skin when used at non-cytotoxic concentrations.(5)

When this compound enters the skin cell it slows down the functioning of tyrosinase (6) in melanocytes.

Tyrosinase is the enzyme that is responsible for the production of melanin in a process called melanin synthesis (7).

Biosynthesis of melanin is a complex process that involves numerous steps.

The first and most important step involves the speeding up of production of a chemical compound called L-3, 4-dihyroxyphenylalanine by tyrosinase (8).

Therefore, whenever you apply a bleaching cream it will inhibit the formation of melanin from the beginning, and this the reason bleaching creams are considered to be the best cosmetic remedy for hyperpigmentation.

Other compounds that are effective in inhibiting the formation of melanin include:

• Kojic acid – this is highly effective, and is produced by a species of fungi; it also occurs naturally.
• Azelaic acid- this is a dicarboxylic acid and is commonly used to eliminate acne, but it’s also effective in reducing the production of melanin.
• Glabridin – this is an extract of licorice.

All these chemical compounds are found in skin bleaching creams and function similarly to hydroquinone.

Given the way these creams work, it’s easy to see the danger they may pose, especially when used in higher concentrations.

Therefore, before using any skin bleaching cream, confirm the concentration of hydroquinone and consult a qualified dermatologist for the best product for your skin type.

How to Use Skin Bleaching Creams

Wrong use of skin bleaching creams can lead to damaged skin, burns, or even blisters.

To get the best out of the cream you must first learn how to apply it correctly.

Some products come with application instructions, but it is still good to learn the basic steps.

This is a general guide, and you can consult your dermatologist for a more personalized set of instructions.

Step 1 – Washing Your Skin

It’s important to start by washing the skin where you want to apply the bleaching cream.

It’s highly advisable that you use warm water because it’s more effective in removing dirt and opening your pores.

When the pores are open the nutrients, oils, and other compounds found in the cream will be able to penetrate your skin easily.

Step 2 – Exfoliating

The next step after washing your skin is exfoliating the area where the cream will be applied.

When you exfoliate your skin all the old and dead cells are removed, making it easier for the components of the cream to reach the live skin cells.

You should purchase the best exfoliating cream and ensure you follow its detailed instructions.

The most basic way to use the cream is to apply it gently on your skin, then rub it in circular motions.

Do not let sensitive areas like your eyes come into contact with the exfoliating cream.

Once you are done you should rinse your skin with warm water, then use a soft towel to dry it.

Do not rub the skin because the exposed cells are sensitive and can easily be damaged.

If possible pat the skin; this will dry it effectively, and at the same time prevent the live cells from being damaged.

Step 3 – Do a Patch Test

Once the skin is dry you should try the compatibility of the bleaching cream with your skin.

Apply just a small amount of the cream to one of your sensitive areas, like behind the ear, under your chin, or in your elbow fold.

The way these areas react to the cream will inform you about its effectiveness and suitability.

If you notice any irritation, inflammation, or redness of the skin do not proceed to the next step but continue to look for a compatible product.

However, if none of the above symptoms is noticed, then this bleaching cream is perfect for your skin type and you can continue using it.

You can now safely proceed to the next step.

Step 4 – Applying the Bleaching Cream

Follow the application steps provided with your bleaching cream.

If you fail to follow the directions provided by the manufacturer, the impact will be more negative than positive.

The most common method of application involves applying the chemical, then using your fingertips to rub it in gently in circular motions.

Continue rubbing until all the affected areas are saturated with the cream.

In case you want to apply the bleaching cream all over your body you can visit a professional parlor, because you may not be able to reach some parts of your body.

Caution must be taken to avoid applying the cream to sensitive skin such as around the nose and the eyes.

You should also ensure you use the right cream on the right part of the skin.

Some bleaching creams are made with chemical compounds that are best suited for specific parts of the body.

Step 5 – Wait

Do not expect the bleaching agent to work instantly.

Skin bleaching is a gradual process and results will occur after a period of regular use of the cream.

The length of time it will take to achieve the desired results will vary depending on your skin type, the efficacy of the cream, and the tone you are aiming to achieve.

Observe both patience and caution, because results might appear in a few weeks, but the prolonged use of these creams might cause other skin complications.

During the period you are using the bleaching cream, you should avoid exposing the treated areas to direct sunlight.

These parts of the skin will be very sensitive, and exposing them to sunlight might damage the skin.

You should also adopt a proper care routine that involves regular cleansing, toning, and moisturizing.

If you follow these instructions thoroughly you will be able to bleach your skin safely and enjoy the full efficacy of the cream.

What to Look for in Skin Bleaching Cream

There are many skin bleaching creams in the cosmetic world today.

One thing you should know is that not every product is worth buying because some products are substandard and cannot deliver as they promise.

Getting the right information will help you avoid buying a deceptive or dangerous product.

Here are some of the things to look for in a good bleaching cream when buying.

• Chemical Ingredients

The first and the very important thing is to check the chemical composition of your bleaching cream.

The most common active ingredient in these products is hydroquinone; if you choose an over the counter cream, the concentration of this compound should not exceed 2%.

The concentration might go up to 4% in the case of prescribed creams.

Other chemical compounds that are safe for use include alpha arbutin, kojic acid, and shea butter.

The most effective bleaching cream should be light on your skin and creamy in color.

Also, check for products with grapeseed oil as one of the ingredients, since such products will not only bleach your skin but also make it healthy and brighter (9).

If you have dry skin, choose a product with olive oil (10), as it provides intense moisture and is rich in essential antioxidants that protect your skin from free radicals.

In case the affected areas of your skin have scars and stretch marks, the best bleaching cream is the one with sunflower oil as one of its ingredients.

• Value

Is the product worth the cash?

Many of the products on the market are overpriced.

A good and effective bleaching cream should deliver the desired results at the most reasonable cost.

If you want to know more about the value you will get from a product it’s always good to read the reviews and testimonials provided by its previous customers.

This will give you an idea of what to expect; if you are comfortable with the experience shared, then you can consider buying that product.

An all-in-one bleaching cream is generally preferred because it offers the best value.

Such products will at the same time bleach and moisturize your skin.

Bleaching makes your skin cells very sensitive, so to counter the problems that might result from this, shop for a product with sunscreen as one the ingredients as this will save you the money you will have spent on a separate sunscreen product.

• Brand Reputation

What is the general public opinion about the manufacturer of your ideal cream?

Is it new to the cosmetics world?

Experienced manufacturers typically produce effective bleaching creams.

Check the most reputable brand on the market, as they will probably give you the best result.

Buying a new product is a gamble, so it is not recommended to risk it.

What to Avoid in Skin Bleaching Creams

When buying a skin bleaching cream avoid products that contain mercury (11).

This chemical compound is harmful and might not be listed on the label as mercury.

Check carefully for names like calomel, mercury, and mercurous, since these names refer to a mercury component in the product.

When applied on the skin mercury causes scarring, discoloration, and skin rashes.

This chemical compound can reduce the ability of your skin to fight infections; it can also enter into your body and cause brain, kidney, and nervous system problems.

Additionally, any bleaching creams sold over the counter having more than 2% hydroquinone should be avoided like the plague.

Precautions

The following are common risks of using skin bleaching creams, and the precautions that should be taken to avoid them.

• Prolonged use of hydroquinone causes untreatable skin discoloration. The best way to avoid this problem is to use products with the right concentration of hydroquinone, and avoid its prolonged use.

• The long-term use of these creams can result in skin cancer. Always use sunscreen during the time you are bleaching your skin, and if possible avoid direct exposure to sunlight.

• Steroids found in some bleaching creams may cause poor wound healing, skin thinning, acne problems, and skin infections. Avoid all products with harmful chemicals, and concentrate on using products with natural ingredients.

Conclusion

If you are wary of the harmful effects of the chemical compounds found in skin bleaching creams, there are many exciting natural remedies that you can explore.

These chemical-free remedies are easy-to-find and include topical cream (only those that contain azelaic acid), vitamin C, and Cinnamomum Subavenium (a very effective Chinese herb).

According to research, oral supplements with vitamin E and pomegranate extract may also be effective in inhibiting melanin production.

Please enjoy this beauty option!

There are many choices, and if you research extensively you will most likely find a product that suits your needs.