10 things to keep in mind before buying whitening cream – Does whitening creams really work?

Every girl has experienced the trauma of darker complexion in her lifetime starting from the scorching PT sessions at school or running errands. Nothing hits a girl harder than losing her complexion to the mighty wrath of the Sun. Once in her lifetime, she wants to turn into a diva from that “Fair & lovely advertisement” and be the tube light dazzling in the night. Dark complexion and tanned skin have proved to be elements driving the business of whitening creams. You witness advertisements flaunting about the visible changes seen in a dusky complexion woman. Well, ideally that is not true in most of the cases. The natural tone of the skin cannot be altered with the use of whitening creams. However, it can help in maintaining a balance of skin tone in its natural form.

The tantrums of teenage subside, as we grow old, where girls begin to believe less in fair creams. The detoxifying diet and skin peel-off masks took over the madness of fairer skin. The lack of awareness about skin care over the past decade helped the skin lightening and whitening creams to flourish in India.

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Be aware of the side effects before buying whitening cream

Today, most of the people are aware of the side effects of fairness cream. They wish to engage and invest in trusted fairness cream brands. Many whitening creams in the market are of poor quality and leave a white cast for few hours. Yami Gautam failed to impress many girls and now the hunt for a highly effective product is on to cure problems of dark skin tone. These creams usually bleach the skin layer and leave a whitened skin behind. In reality, if you stop using them, then you could see that there is no noticeable difference in the skin shade.

Does whitening creams really work?

A whitening cream or a skin lightening cream is used to reduce a pigment called MELANIN in the skin. It is a polymer and its amount determines the skin color. If there is no melanin, then you would be very fairer. Many people also use it to reduce acne scars, spots, wrinkles and freckles on the skin.

The skin whitening creams work efficiently if your cream contains certain vitamins and acids. There are certain chemicals, which might be harmful to the skin. You can see the price tag and avoid buying the Dior bag. However, when it comes to skincare, it is advisable not to see the price tag. If you opt for lower-priced creams, then it might have some dangerous chemicals. It is necessary to choose skin care products wisely.

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Here are the ten things to keep in mind before buying whitening cream

1. Creams having UV filters

The main reason for skin darkening is the exposure to the sun. It is better to use a skin whitening cream with UV filters. These creams not only prevent UV rays but also the darkening due to its exposure. You could see the visible results if you use a sunscreen blocks that your skin might seem fairer, due to its blockage from harmful rays. Similarly, a whitening cream with UV filters helps in reducing and preventing further darkening. The two main components of UV rays affecting are mostly UVA and UVB.

UVA rays

These rays are the ones which account for 95% that reach the earth’s surface. It can cause skin cancer, skin aging, and wrinkling. These rays are even capable of penetrating through the glass.

UVB rays

They can cause skin reddening and rashes. It is the important cause of tanning. However, it cannot penetrate through glass

2. Vitamins for whitening

Make sure the skin whitening product you buy has vitamins C, B3, E, A and Niacin. These vitamins have the tendency to lighten your skin tone.

Vitamin A

It is the important source of retinol and beta carotenes that protect free radical change.

Vitamin C

It is responsible for maintaining the body as well as the skin’s immunity. If your skin is healthy then it has the tendency to resolve hyperpigmentation and dark spots by itself.

Vitamin E

It acts both in moisturizing and reducing scars.

3. Salicylic acid

If you are going to buy a skin whitening product, then check the ingredients, whether it has Salicylic acid or not. Salicylic acid helps in skin lightening and scar removal to a greater extent.

Salicylic acid for Acne and scar removal

It has the ability to chuck all the dead cells and preventing acne. It is also responsible for mild lightening of scars.

Salicylic acid for anti-aging

If you have a fair skin but with wrinkles, it will not look good. Yes. Salicylic acid prevents aging.

Salicylic acid for skin lightening

It has hydroquinone in smaller amounts and is responsible for reversing sun damage.

4. No Chemicals

Few skin whitening products are flooded with the lot of chemicals that paves way for various skin diseases. Harmful chemicals can show results earlier and diseases also haunt the body earlier. While buying a skin whitening product, make sure the following chemicals are NOT LISTED.

Mercury

It shows visible results of lightning and many products are out there with Mercury as an active ingredient. Avoid product with ingredient names like calomel, mercuric and mercurous. These are the different forms of mercury.

Hydroquinone

It can be taken naturally if it is available in some other acids like Salicylic acid. But taking a pure and concentrated on the skin might cause harmful effects for the skin.

5. Sebum secretion

This must be taken into account while buying the skin whitening cream. Because many products have active ingredients that help to moisturize skin. This can cause adverse effects on those who already have a moisturized and oily skin.

Camellia oil

This oil helps in reducing sebum production that prevents acne breakouts.

Tea tree oil

This oil containing skin whitening cream can prevent antibacterial activities, reduces sebum production and prevents acne.

6. Not producing the white cast

Some whitening creams may produce white cast on the skin, once you apply it. While buying a skin lightening cream, make sure that it matches your shade and not leaves a white cast behind. The ingredients like Zinc oxide and Titanium oxide are found in these products that leave a white cast behind.

7. Anti-aging properties

While buying a skin whitening cream, look for the ingredients that suppresses and delays aging. Aging usually starts at 30 + and it is important to give supplements to the skin.

Collagen

Natural collagen gets reduced on the face and this leads to aging of the skin. It produces fine wrinkles.

Pro-Retinol A

Many whitening products are in the market that contains Pro-retinol A. It helps in reducing fine lines, wrinkles and also prevents aging.

8. Moisturizing agents

It is important that the skin whitening cream you chose contains moisturizing agents in it. Because the more your skin dries, the sooner your skin shows aging.

Retinol, Benzene-1 and Glycolic acids

All these ingredients are very good moisturizers and provide a good, hydrating skin.

Soy, Licorice extracts and arbutin

These plant-based botanicals also help in moisturizing the skin.

9. Natural Oils

Most brands manufacture using natural oils like Almond oil, Vitamin E oil and mulberry oil in their skin whitening creams. Selecting such brands prevents your skin from harmful chemicals and their side effects.

Almond oil

This oil is rich in nutrients such that when applied fives you brightening and whitening effect.

Mulberry oil

It is considered as an alternative to Hydroquinone as it is more effective in lightening skin and provide nourishment to the skin.

10. Consulting doctor

It is the most important step because some may find allergic to certain ingredients and some products are even banned in the United States due to the illegal use of certain cancer-causing chemicals. High usage of Hydroquinone can seriously cause damage to your skin. So make sure to check the number of chemicals used in Skin whitening creams.

Before buying skin whitening creams, make sure you check all the above said suggestions for better skin health. Do not fall for the dishonest products, keeping in mind only about the price. Many trustworthy products are available in the market and you can research it well before buying. Wishing you all glow with gorgeous skin.