Skin Lighteners

Skin pigmentation is such a problem that most of the people suffers. Irrespective of your background, skin might suffer from different kinds of pigmentation problems. Some of the common skin pigmentation problem includes skin becoming darker than the normal tone, blotches, uneven patches, freckles, dis-coloration. Skin pigmentation also occurs due to age and thus referred as age spots. Doctors say that when body produces too much melanin, it contributes to skin pigmentation problem. But all these problem can be taken care of skin lighteners. The active ingredients used helps in smoothing out the skin discoloration and provide an even skin tone.

A skin lightener not only helps in lightening the skin tone, but also performs some other functions also like reducing brown or age spots. It helps in reducing the blemishes contributed by skin disorders and acne. The other functions include reducing freckles, dark patches and lightening sun damaged skin. There are some skin lighteners that reduces birthmarks or scar marks.

What to look for before buying skin lighteners?

Before you pick any skin lighteners, it is extremely important that you must read the ingredients used in the cream. Locate whether any harmful ingredient like harsh bleaching agents, mercury etc. are there or not. This is because there are instances where concerned health departments found that certain skin lighteners contained mercury or other similar products that are not listed in the products to be used in skin products. Mercury was used in skin lighteners because it helps the skin in lightening within a very small span of time. But mercury is extremely poisonous that can damage the brain, kidneys and nervous system. In fact, it is seen that are soaps and creams that contain mercury are available in market.

Active ingredients used in skin lighteners

As it is already discussed that skin lighteners might contain harmful ingredients, thus it is important to know about the proper active ingredients used in skin lighteners that are safe for skin and provides you with effective results.

Licorice Extract:

This extract contains glabridin, which is considered as safe herbal lighteners. Glabridin curbs skin pigmentation by preventing the activation of tyrosinase. It is a kind of enzyme that acts like catalyst in synthesizing melanin, thereby causing discoloration of skin. Licorice extract is also enriched with anti-inflammatory properties.

Glycolic Acid:

This acid belongs to AHA or Alpha hydroxy acid group is known for powerful exfoliants. The acid produces a natural brightening substance of the skin. Glycolic acid helps in collagen synthesis and also helps in moisturizing the skin. This results in reduction of wrinkles and fine lines.

Vitamin C:

This is another active ingredient used in skin lighteners that helps in collagen production. Some of the forms of vitamin C like sodium ascorbyl phosphate, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate and L-ascorbic acid have shown in reducing melanin formation , when used in combination or group. It also provides the skin with desired whitening effects if used in topical form.