Today, there are literally hundreds of skin whitening products on the market. These include whitening lotions, skin whitening soaps, and skin whitening creams. If you’re someone who has never researched skin whitening products, it can be quite confusing where to start. When shopping for skin whitening creams, you’ll want to make sure you look for some vital ingredients. But first, what is skin whitening and what does it do?

Skin lighteners are also called bleaching creams, whiteners, or brighteners. They work by reducing the melanin pigment in the skin. People use skin whitening products to treat acne scars, age (liver) spots, or the skin discoloration condition known as melasma. Melasma is a disease which causes dark spots on the skin, specifically on the face. Skin lightening products will also lighten naturally dark skin.

Skin lightening products do come with some risks. As with any new product, be sure to read the label and know the facts before you buy and apply a skin lightener.

When you’re ready to purchase a skin whitening cream, look for these ingredients:

Kojic Acid 

Kojic acid is a natural substance found in mushrooms; it is also the byproduct of fermented rice. The acid has antibacterial and antifungal properties and is used in skin creams because it has lightening properties. Kojic acid works by preventing the production of melanin, a skin pigment that causes age spots, but is also the natural pigment that gives color to our skin. The acid stops the production of melanin in the top layers of the epidermis. The result is lighter skin. Although the skin remains discolored in the lower layers, a cream containing kojic acid helps improve surface-level discoloration. 

Kojic acid has other health benefits as well. It is known for its antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Oddly enough, it also helps food stay fresh longer when stored properly. Some dermatologists prescribe creams with kojic acid for treating acne and breakouts because it diminishes acne causing bacteria. 

Alpha Arbutin

Arbutin is a natural form of hydroquinone and is commonly found in bearberry, blueberry, and cranberry plants. Hydroquinone inhibits the production of melanin, a dark pigment found in the upper layers of the skin. However, hydroquinone is also known to have harsh side effects. Arbutin is present in two forms, alpha and beta arbutin, but alpha arbutin is more stable and effective than the beta form. Skin whitening creams containing alpha arbutin produce desirable lightening results on your skin by decreasing melanin production. Arbutin is a natural, safe, and powerful age spot treatment and is often used in skin whitening products. It is considered one of the safest dark spot lightening cream ingredients and recommended by dermatologists for its relatively quick results and lack of side effects.

Retinol

Retinol is a form of vitamin A found in humans and animals. Vitamin A is beneficial to the body because it helps with vision, reduces the appearance of acne, improves human growth hormone function, helps the immune system and cell reproduction, and repairs wounds. Retinol is a wonder vitamin and an excellent choice for an ingredient in skin whitening creams.

Retinol is found in liver and eggs. In vegetables, vitamin A naturally occurs in carrots, spinach, and bell peppers. The yellow, orange, and dark green pigments that color these foods are called beta-carotene. The body converts beta-carotene into retinol when it’s metabolized. Retinol is stored in the liver and distributed to the rest of the body when needed.

Retinol helps to prevent the appearance of early aging by aiding the natural turnover of cells on the skin. Skin cells die and are replaced regularly throughout your life but this process slows as you age. Researchers say cells turnover in daily periods that roughly correspond to your age. For instance, someone who is 20 years old would have skin cells renewed every 20 days. Conversely, someone 50 years old would see cell renewal every 50 days. You can accelerate this process by using retinol based creams. Researchers also claim retinol increases collagen production, shrinks the size of pores and diminishes age spots.

Licorice Extract

There are several types of licorice extracts used in skin care. One of the most important licorice derivatives used in extracts is liquirtin. This ingredient is available in several over the counter lotions and creams. Liquiritin causes skin to lighten by the way of melanin dispersion and removal. Studies show that a cream with at least 20% liquiritin successfully reduces the appearance of dark spots caused by melasma.

We Have the Products You Need:

These ingredients offer a natural way to lighten your skin, reduce pigmentation, and improve the overall look and feel of your skin. When you’re ready to try skin whitening products, Flawless Beauty and Skin takes the guesswork out of which products to choose. Some of our most reliable products include:

Relumins Advance Whitening Soap is an excellent choice to add to your skin care regimen. It contains alpha arbutin and kojic acid to help reduce age spots and rejuvenate your skin. 

Hollywood Style skin whitening products are another popular choice. These products are made in California and use all natural ingredients. 

If you have sensitive skin and unsure of what products to use for skin whitening, try our Authentic Dalfour Beauty Gold Seal Whitening Steamed Cream. This cream is specifically formulated to help lighten acne prone and sensitive skin. 

Tatiomax Gold Glutathione Whitening Gel Capsules with Alpha Lipoic Acid are actually dietary supplements that have been shown to restore intracellular glutathione. Glutathione inhibits melanin synthesis by interrupting L-DOPA’s ability to bind tyrosinase.

Yet another product we offer is Ivory Caps. Ivory Caps are dietary supplements which can be taken up to six times daily, preferably with water and a meal. 

To help you decide whether to purchase our products, Flawless Beauty and Skin offers a discount to first time buyers. Contact us to find out how to get a discount on your first order.