There are several reasons why you should need a skin bleaching cream: age spots, uneven skin ton, melasma, sun damage, freckles, discolorations, acne marks, or old scars.

A skin bleaching cream is not a product you should buy in a rush. You need to choose wisely and carefully, because some skin bleaching creams may contain ingredients with serious side effects. The first thing to do before buying a skin bleaching cream is to check the ingredients it contains. Doing this you will be in a better position to discard creams that cointain chemicals or the ones that are banned.

Some ingredients used in cosmetics are classified as drugs because they are used to treat specific medical conditions. As an example of this type of ingredients we can name hydroquinone, oxidizing agents, and steroids. Do not use a product containing these ingredients unless a doctor has prescribed it. If you are not in this situation then look for skin bleaching creams that only contain natural ingredients. Buy a bleaching cream that has been certified and belongs to a trusted brand.

We import some dangerous bleaching creams from countries like Africa and Asia. In these countries bleaching creams are widely used. However, these countries do not have the same legal regulations that countries like the United States or Europe applied rigorously.

Mercury is one of the most dangerous ingredients found in these imported products. Even though its use is illegal and not allowed in the United States, some bleaching creams have mercury.

Topical steroids are also found in some imported skin bleaching creams. A doctor should always supervise the use of topical steroids. Using them without medical supervision can cause serious side effects like infection, stretch marks, and the thinning of the treated skin.

In the past, one of the basic ingredients used in bleaching creams was hydroquinone. It was considered an effective and safe treatment. Recent research suggests that the long term use of hydroquinone can cause serious side effects. Its use should be supervised by a professional.

Hydroquinone is efficacious reducing hyperpigmentation. It prevents the production of melanin by inhibiting the tyrosinase enzyme. Up to six months are needed before seeing any significant improvement in the hyperpigmentation when using a hydroquinone treatment. Most dermatologists recommend 4% hydroquinone products, only available by prescription. Hidroquinone with up to 2% concentration is available over-the-counter. It has some potential side effects, such as irritation, allergy, and nail discoloration.

Ochronosis, a bluish black discoloration of tissue, can occur in some cases when using hydroquinone. This side effect is relatively rare with short-term use of low-to-medium concentrations. In dark skinned people that use hydroquinone for long periods of time and in high concentration (5% or more), it can appear frequently.

There are studies using mice showing that high dosis of hydroquinone can cause cancer. It is not conclusive and more research is needed to evaluate the results.

Manufacturers are providing now alternatives that are more natural and have the same properties as hydroquinone, but no side effects.

If you have a severe hyperpigmentation problem, it is better to visit a dermatologist before buying a skin bleaching cream. A dermatologist will give you the right treatment in case your problem is severe.