Products used for skin lightening are also called bleaching creams, skin brighteners, skin whiteners, or fading creams. They help to whiten the skin by reducing melanin, which is a pigment in the skin. Lighteners are mostly used for treating skin problems like acne scars, age spots, freckles, or discoloration on the skin. Naturally, dark skin can also be lightened by this technique.
How does a Skin Fade Cream work?
The amount of melanin in the skin is what determines the skin color. Melanin pigment is produced by special cells which are called melanocytes and are more for dark-skinned people. Our genetic structure is what decides the quantity of melanin in our skin. Factors that can affect melanin production are exposure to sunlight, hormonal changes, skin damage, as well as exposure to particular chemicals.
Applying skin lighteners to the entire body to change complexion is also practiced by some people. This is very risky since you need to make sure whether mercury, which is a toxic substance capable of causing serious health issues, is an active ingredient of the product.
#1, Dermisa Skin Fade Cream
A popular best-seller in Dermisa’s product line over the years, the Dermisa Skin Fade Cream is a proven original skincare formula. The Dermis Skin Fade Cream is non-greasy, light, and gets absorbed quickly into the skin. It helps to lighten gradually the dark spots on the skin caused due to sunlight overexposure, acne, pregnancy, aging, and usage of birth control measures. The cream comes in a tube of 1.78oz net weight which is equivalent to 50 grams.
#2, Features of Dermisa Skin Fade Cream
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- Dark spots, freckles, skin discolorations, etc. get gradually lightened
- It is infused with Vitamin C antioxidant
- It contains sunscreen and moisturizers
- It helps in evening out discolorations as well as skin tone
- Helps in diminishing age spots with regular application.
- The scent is fresh and invigorating
#3, What do Skin Lighteners contain?
Skin lighteners usually consist of one active ingredient or a mix of ingredients that help in reducing the level of melanin on the applied skin part. Hydroquinone is the most widely used active ingredient in skin brightening creams in the United States. FDA regulations allow the use of hydroquinone in over-the-counter creams up to 2%. Prescriptions from dermatologists can go up to 4% to 6% hydroquinone.
Some skin lighteners are known to use drugs like retinoic acid and steroids as active ingredients. Some use a natural ingredient called kojic acid, a compound derived from a fungus. Still, others use arbutin, which is a compound found in certain plants. So it is most important to consult your doctor before using a product with hydroquinone.
#3, What do Skin Lighteners contain?
Dermis Skin Fade Cream contains the active ingredient Hydroquinone 2% as specified by FDA regulations. The other inactive ingredients are water, Glycerine, mineral oil, Stearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Petrolatum, Stealth-10, Stealth-2, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Sulfite, Sodium Metabisulphite, Citric Acid, Diazolidinyl Urea, Ceteth-10 Phosphate, Diacetyl Phosphate, Methylparaben, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Propylparaben, Limonene, Vitamin C, Hydroxycitronellol, and Fragrance.
#5, How is Dermisa Skin Fade Cream used?
The skin has to be cleaned well before applying the Dermisa Skin Fade Cream lightly to the affected area. It can be used even under makeup.
Apply twice a day – in the morning and before bedtime. When you are being exposed to sunlight, always make sure to use a sunblock cream with a minimum SPF of 30 along with a hat and long sleeve dress. Results can be seen within four to six weeks of starting treatment.
The constituent Vitamin C which is an antioxidant helps in rejuvenating the skin and the moisturizers contained helps the skin to feel smooth and look young as well. It also contains sunscreen which helps to prevent recurring darkening.
Pros
- Works great on dark spots
- Reasonable price
- Prompt delivery
Cons
- Some people don’t like the smell
- Doesn’t give good results for some people
- Not good for people with very sensitive skin
#6, Final Verdict
Some of the skin colors changes often get resolved by themselves – like tans which fade when direct exposure to the sun is reduced. But certain discolorations such as liver spots or age spots get almost permanent over time. Skin lightening or brightening products are certainly associated with some risk factors and so, be sure to go through the label thoroughly and know the facts well before you apply any new product to your skin.
Usage of mercury as an active ingredient in skin fade creams is banned in the United States, but may still be used in other countries. Steroids in some skin fade creams might increase skin infection risk, skin cancer risk, acne, and poor healing. Some bleaching agents cause can cause skin allergy. Always consult a dermatologist before you start using any skin lightener product.