LIGHTNING OR WHITENING CREAM

 What are the common ingredients in skin lightning cream?

For a cream to be considered lightening cream, it must contain moisturizing and antioxidant components. The first is used to moisturize the skin, while the second has the role of promoting cell renewal and reducing the synthesis of melanin. Their combined action gives a smooth texture, an even complexion and a younger appearance of the skin.

It is important to note that products sold over the counter without a prescription should not contain hydroquinone. If their effectiveness is indisputable, their side effects are dangerous. Studies have claimed that this molecule could increase the risk of cancer. This is also why the marketing of a cream formulated with hydroquinone remains prohibited in France.

However, other less dangerous or even harmless active ingredients also provide a lightening effect. These include lemon, lactic acid, glycolic acid, kojic acid, arbutin , niacinamide, retinol, bearberry extract, aloe vera , licorice root, blackberry, and more.

• Lemon

Lemon is a very powerful antioxidant. It is rich in vitamin C which is a molecule capable of neutralizing free radicals. Its integration into a beauty treatment promotes cell renewal, which allows the tissues of the skin to keep their elasticity.

In addition, this ingredient provides a pleasant natural fragrance. It also contains citric acid whose whitening effect is well known. Besides, if you want to make your homemade whitening cream, lemon is an ingredient you should not forget.

However, be sure to apply the correct dose, as too much could unbalance the skin's ph.

• Glycolic acid

This acid classified in the category of AHA (alpha hydroxy acids) acts on different layers of the epidermis depending on its concentration. This is an exfoliant to remove blemishes. This component therefore makes the skin smoother free from uneven skin tone.

• Lactic acid

Also present in facial peels, this acid ensures the elimination of the layers that carry dead cells. Thus, a cream with lactic acid helps fight age spots. It is particularly suitable for sensitive skin, as it acts on the superficial layer of the skin.

• Kojic acid

This acid from the fermentation of fungi of the genus Aspergillus is among the most effective in treating melasma. It provides depigmenting and lightening effects, which makes this product also suitable for making even skin with freckles.

• Arbutin

It's a derivative of hydroquinone, but you won't have to worry if you find a cream that contains it. The skin tolerates their effects better. It also inhibits melanogenesis, i.e. the synthesis of melanin.

• Niacinamide

It is a B vitamin. This antioxidant promotes the production of collagen, which has the main role of ensuring the elasticity of skin tissues. If you apply a cream formulated from niacinamide, your skin would be smoother with a stable level of hydration. This ingredient therefore slows down the signs of skin aging.

• Retinol

This group A vitamin is widely used in cosmetic care products, especially in anti-wrinkle creams. It also plays a role in unifying pigmentation, as it intervenes in the regulation of melanin synthesis. It is also a powerful anti-inflammatory.

• Bearberry extract

It is a lightening ingredient since we can extract arbutin from it. We have already seen a little above the benefits of this compound on our skin. Bearberry extract inhibits the production of melanin. By introducing it into a cream, not only will the skin become clearer, but it will also be devoid of hyperpigmentation. Its advantage over synthetic arbutin is that it does not induce any significant side effects.

• aloe vera

You certainly already know the moisturizing effect of the oil extracted from this plant on the hair. Know that aloe vera is also introduced in some lightening creams to maintain the hydration of the skin. In addition, as it is rich in vitamin E, A and B, its application also helps nourish the skin.

• licorice root

If you find licorice root in the ingredients of your cream, it means that it can be a solution to put an end to uneven pigmentations. This ingredient also brightens and refreshes the skin.

Apart from that, since it is an anti-inflammatory, it helps to reduce the sensations of itching and redness. It is therefore the perfect component for people classified among those who have fragile skin.

• Mulberry extract

It is also an ingredient widely used by manufacturers of lightening creams. As for its effect, the visible results may appear more slowly compared to chemical creams. But what is certain is that repeated application can achieve a remarkable lightening effect.

Besides that, mulberry has powerful anti-wrinkle property. Its use therefore only brings benefits to dry skin with a lot of wrinkles and fine lines.

Creams formulated with mulberry extract are suitable in most cases for sensitive skin. Indeed, this plant also has healing properties.