What Are Whitening Creams And How Are They Used?
Skin blemishes are one of the most feared aesthetic problems. Unfortunately, sun exposure, age, hormonal imbalances and many other factors increase the risk of blemishes. Because of this, more and more people want to know how to use whitening creams.
These products have components that help reduce skin hyperpigmentation and make the skin look younger and more even. However, to get good results, you need to know how to use them correctly.
Don’t worry: we’ll tell you what whitening creams are and how to use them in this article!
What are whitening creams?
According to an article in the NHS Foundation Trust, they may contain a combination of various medicinal substances. Some of the best known are hydroquinone, retinoids and corticosteroids. Each of these substances has a different effect on the skin.
Let’s take a closer look:
- Hydroquinone or monobenzyl ether of hydroquinone: This is a substance that helps to inhibit the overproduction of melanocytes or pigment cells.
- Retinoids, such as tretinoin or retinoic acid, help stimulate the regeneration of skin cells. In addition, it helps hydroquinone to penetrate the skin.
- Corticosteroids can reduce and prevent inflammation of the skin. The most common example is hydrocortisone.
How are whitening creams used?
An important factor in getting good results with these products is to use them consistently. Therefore, you should start noticing the effects 6 to 12 months after the first use. In addition, you should use the products once or twice a day.
How to use them
- For starters, apply a thin layer of whitening cream on the stain. As I said, you should do this up to twice a day, according to the instructions of the dermatologist.
- Before and after use of the product, you should wash your hands thoroughly and avoid contact with other people’s skin for at least one hour after application.
- You should avoid using the product in the area around the eyes or around the eyelids. There are specific products that you can use for these sensitive areas.
- You should also not use whitening creams if you have scratches, burns or rashes on the skin.
Sunscreen lotion: a reliable ally
If you want to prevent skin blemishes, you must always have a product at your fingertips: sunscreen lotion. According to information provided by the American Academy of Dermatology, sunscreen is essential when sitting outside, even when it is raining or snowing.
Ideally, you should use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. In addition, the product should contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. If you have oily skin, “non-comedogenic” alternatives can help keep your pores clean and prevent rashes.
