What is the difference between a bleaching cream vs lightening cream vs brightening cream? This is a question that is commonly asked by persons with post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), melasma and other skin conditions.
Bleaching Cream vs Lightening Cream vs Brightening Cream
Skin Bleaching Creams
Skin bleaching creams change the natural color of the skin and give it a lighter skin tone. They are also known as skin whitening creams. These usually contain ingredients like hydroquinone, steroids, tretinoin, cysteamine, mequinol, arbutin, niacinamide, soy proteins, kojic acid, glabridin (licorice extract). Some even contain mercury which causes nerve and kidney damage. Hydroquinone can cause ochronosis which is blue-black discoloration of the skin. Steroids applied on the skin for a long duration cause skin thinning and stretch marks.
Bleaching Cream vs Lightening Cream vs Brightening Cream
Skin Lightening Creams
Skin lightening creams reduce hyperpigmentation or dark patches on the skin and help them become the natural skin color. They even the skin tone and they can be used to treat conditions like post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), melasma and age spots. These best skin lightening creams contain ingredient like arbutin, kojic acid, vitamin C and retinol.
A good example of a skin lightening cream is Hyglow Cream because it contains glutathione which is a proven skin lightening agent which reduces melanin production and decreases hyperpigmentation. It also containsvi8tamin C which reduces hyperpigmentation and has a skin brightening effect. Hyglow cream also contains kojic acid which reduces hyperpigmentation. Hyglow Cream does not contain hydroquinone and it does not contain steroids.
Skin Brightening Creams
Skin brightening creams increase the skin’s radiance and give it a healthy, youthful glow. The best skin brightening creams contain ingredients like vitamin C, retinol, alpha hydroxy acids like glycolic acid and beta hydroxy acids like salicylic acid.
A good example of a skin brightening cream is Neutrogena Dark Spot Corrector which contains vitamin C and retinol. Neutrogena Dark Spot Corrector is also an excellent product to treat hyperpigmentation (PIH), melasma and acne marks (post acne hyperpigmentation). It does not contain hydroquinone or steroids.
FAQ
What Are The Disadvantages Of Using Bleaching Creams?
Side effects of using bleaching creams include ochronosis which is a blue-black skin discoloration that is very difficult to treat. Stretch marks may also develop from the use of products with steroids. Nerve and kidney damage can also develop from the use of mercury-containing bleaching creams. Other side effects include skin irritation, redness, dryness, a stinging sensation and allergic contact dermatitis.
Share your thoughts on bleaching creams and lightening creams and brightening creams.