Many people notice the appearance of hyperpigmentation as they age. These skin spots often materialize in areas that sustain frequent exposure to sunlight, such as the arms or the face. However, not all spots are harmless and you should consult your doctor for a diagnosis prior to treating your hyperpigmentation. While certain cosmetic procedures may help eliminate the dark patches, fade creams may also reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation.
Purpose
Fade creams can help lighten dark patches of skin caused by a variety of conditions. Applying a fade cream to freckles, acne spots, age spots and melasma may help reduce the areas of dark pigmentation caused by these conditions.
Ingredients
Fade creams contain a variety of ingredients, depending on the product and manufacturer. Most fade creams contain hydroquinone as the main active ingredient. Over-the-counter fade creams normally contain 2 percent hydroquinone, while prescription formulas often contain 4 percent. Other ingredients in some fade creams that may improve lightening action include tretinoin, glycolic acid and corticosteroids.
Treatment
According to DermNetNZ, you should apply the fade cream to a small area of your hyperpigmented skin to check for skin sensitivity, waiting for 24 hours to determine how your skin reacts. Follow your doctor's instructions for applying your prescription medication. Common instructions for over-the-counter fade creams recommend applying this product to clean skin twice each day.
Effectiveness
Results may take several weeks to appear, often showing some signs of lightening about four weeks after starting the treatment. If no bleaching occurs within three months of regular use, you may require a different type of treatment. Using a sunscreen or staying out of the sunlight may help contribute to the effectiveness of fade creams.
Precautions
Fade creams may cause some temporary skin irritations, such as itching, stinging and reddening. Prolonged use may lead to the development of a persistent blue-black pigmentation in some people. DermNetNZ warns against using peroxide on your skin while you are using a fade cream. This may cause a temporary staining of the skin. It also advises pregnant women should refrain from using fade creams that contain hydroquinone.
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