Bleaching skin creams are topical solutions that lighten the skin. They typically contain the active ingredient of hydroquinone, which is the only skin bleaching agent currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). While bleaching skin creams are often used to fade areas of hyperpigmentation, they may benefit other skin conditions as well. Discuss with your doctor or dermatologist to determine whether or not a bleaching skin cream would be helpful on your skin.
Function
Hydroquinone works by reducing the amount of melanin in the epidermis, explains Drugs.com. The National Institutes of Health characterizes melanin as a compound that provides pigmentation to the skin. It's naturally produced by the body, but it increase in production with sun exposure, helping to protect your skin from the harmful effects of UV light.
Features
Hydroquinone is often combined with other ingredients to increase its efficacy. Some of the more common are retinoids, such as tretinoin, adapalene or tazarotene, and steroids, such as fluocinolone acetonide. It may also be used in conjunction with skin lighteners, including glycolic acid, kojic acid, azelaic acid and retinol.
Dosages
Bleaching skin creams are available in either nonprescription or prescription strength. The over-the-counter creams come in a 2 percent concentration, while the prescription version ranges anywhere from 3 to 4 percent concentration, according to DermaDoctor.com. Regardless of the concentration, application should only be isolated to areas of hyperpigmentation. It could cause hypopigmentation when applied to other areas of the skin.
Time Frame
It can take anywhere between 4 to 6 months to see an improvement in your skin tone. If results aren't seen within this time frame, you should cease use and consider seeking out other forms of treatment to lighten areas of the skin.
Uses
Bleaching creams are frequently used on age spots because these darkened areas on the skin are essentially clusters of melanin. However, it can also be used on freckles, melasma, chloasma, post inflammatory hyperpigmentation, skin trauma and acne spots.
Other Products
Although not considered true bleaching agents, dithiaoctanediol, licorice extract, glycolic acid, kojic acid, azelaic acid, melatonin, mitracarpus scaber extract, bearberry extract beta carotene and vitamin C may all help to lighten the skin, according to DermaDoctor.com.
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