Women have many different reasons for using face whitening cream. Some people may use the creams to even their skin tone by lightening dark spots from acne breakouts or excessive sun exposure. Others use whitening creams to address skin discolorations caused by hormones or certain medications. These creams may slow or reverse the effects of hyperpigmentation. Types of face whitening cream vary depending on their active ingredients, skin type, and when they are used.
One of the most common active ingredients in whitening creams is hydroquinone. Hydroquinone inhibits the formation of melanin, the pigment which darkens the skin's color. The use of this compound in whitening creams is controversial, however, and it is banned in some countries. In the US, hydroquinone is not available in over-the-counter face whitening cream because it is considered a potential carcinogen.
Some brands offer whitening creams with alternative ingredients, such as arbutin and licorice extract. Arbutin, an extract of the bearberry plant, inhibits the formation of melanin and has shown some anti-aging effects for mature skin. Licorice extract contains glabridin, which studies have indicated may also lighten pigmented skin.
Different types of face whitening cream are available for many skin types. It's important to consider if the user has oily, dry sensitive, combination, or mature skin, and to choose the appropriate cream. Some creams contain extra moisturizing ingredients to counter the drying and irritating effects of lightening ingredients.
Some whitening creams are specially formulated for mature skin. The formulas of these anti-aging creams may include antioxidants like vitamins A or C, which may help repair free-radical oxygen damage. Some forms of vitamin C also suppress melanin formation. These antioxidants may improve the appearance of mature skin.
Some formulas contain glycolic acid. This acid helps to exfoliate the skin and brighten skin tone. Glycolic acid may also minimizes the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines caused by aging.
Other brands offer face whitening cream for day and nighttime use. The day creams can be worn under makeup, and some of them may include sunscreen. Many skin lightening products make the skin more sensitive to sunlight and ultraviolet rays, so it is a good idea to choose a face whitening cream that helps protect skin from sun damage. Night creams are usually richer, containing ingredients which moisturize skin or reduce acne blemishes overnight.
The face is not the only place some people choose to use a lightening cream. Some whitening creams also reduce the appearance of freckles or liver spots on hands or other areas of the body that are often exposed to the sun. Other creams are created for the specific purpose of reducing the dark spots on underarm skin.