Posts Tagged ‘Hydroquinone’



More specifically Melasma or Lentigos

The brown spots we get on our skin happen from an irregular distribution of melanin. Either this can result in melasma, which is an uneven production of melanocytes causing light brown spots; or in lentigos (age spots) which are an uneven accumulation of melanocytes in the epidermis resulting in brown spots.

The melanocyte cells are located in the basal cell skin layer. These cells control the making of melanin, which gives each person their coloring. The rate of melanin production differs between each person being greater in dark skinned individuals.

Outside factors also affect the production of melanin, which may cause brown spots:

Sun exposure Certain medications & chemicals Hormones – pregnancy, menopause, birth control pills Underlying health problems – nervous disorders Acne

Melasma produces irregular, pale brown blotches that usually appear on the nose, cheeks, forehead, and upper chest. On darker skin, the blotches show up lighter than the surrounding skin. Melasma is common during pregnancy, menopause and in woman taking oral contraceptives. Sun exposure will make the brown spots worse.

Lentigos, also known as age or liver spots, are flat, light reddish-brown spots that appear on the face, throat, chest, back of hands, upper back and shoulders. Lentigos typically show up on skin, which is repeatedly exposed to sunlight. The ultraviolet sunlight causes overstimulation of the melanocyte cells in the skin. The cells clump together and show up as age spots.

Lentigos spots can vary in size from small to a couple of inches in width. They happen more often on light-skinned people and can start to be noticeable as early as the age of 30.

Even though both of these melanin-produced spots are harmless, they are unattractive to most people. So what gets rid of them?

Over the counter products that can be used to erase brown spots on skin are:

Bleaching (depigmenting) products which include- Hydroquinone (use only on fair to light skin tones – possibly irritating) Kojic Acid (an alternative for darker skin tones) Azelaic Acid Arbutin Ellagic Acid Retinoids (Retinoic Acid) Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) Alpha Hydroxy Acids

Bleaching products work by inhibiting the production of the enzyme tyrosinase, which in turn reduces melanin. Over time, the brown spots will fade. Bleaching products will not lighten skin beyond its’ own natural color, so do not worry about going to light.

Retinoids, Vitamin C, and Alpha Hydroxy Acids can slowly fade brown spots on their own. However, they are best used in conjunction with bleaching products since they will boost the overall effectiveness of the treatment.

Always use adequate sun protection when using any of these ingredients. Your skin will be extra sensitive to the sun. In addition, hydroquinone will be rendered useless if you do not use sunscreen.

Options that are available through a skin care professional are:

Laser Treatments (less damaging to skin) Chemical Face Peels Freezing the area with liquid nitrogen (may cause white spots)

By: Julie Roberts

 

The thing everybody find most thought-provoking about skin whitening products is choosing the right product for their skin type. When choosing these types of treatments, concern regarding the effectiveness of the whitening process and personal safety should weigh heavily. An uneven skin tone, blotches, peeling and skin cancer are not what we hope to achieve with the products; what we really desire to see is a lighter and healthy-looking complexion, that’s all.

So, when you are buying a skin whitening product, you need to check the product information, ingredients and manufacturer first. By doing this, you can do some research on the ingredients since there are some ingredients that just don’t belong in skin products because they may cause injury to the skin or even cancer. There are also some ingredients like hydroquinone that can only be contained in a specific and limited amount. After convincing yourself completely, you should buy the product according to your skin type, condition and needs. It is crucial to check whether your skin is allergic to any of the ingredients. Then after buying, follow the usage instructions carefully. Skin whitening products that have been carefully manufactured come with ingredients in a specific, standard quantity. If the ingredients are particularly potent or reactive, you may hurt your skin by using these products excessively. Make sure that the product of your choice has clear indications on how to use it as well as any warnings on how not to use it.

You can visit this website for an effective skin whitening range that consists of a skin lightening serum, sunscreen products and dark circles removal cream etc. http://www.skinwhite.com/home.htm

One of their star products is Skin White Serum which is a potent skin whitening formulation containing highly effective skin lightening complex of Kojic Acid, Mulberry Extract and Licorice Extract. Additional inclusion of antioxidant Vitamin C and Lactic Acid creates a special combination that allows a deeper penetration of active ingredients into the skin for effective whitening results.

SkinWhite Research Labs has provided information on the whole process behind the formulation of Skin White Serum along with the method of choosing the right and best ingredients. They have also undertaken some extensive clinical tests which assures consumers that Skin White Serum is clinically safe and causes no harm to the skin.

We hope that the above information can help you to achieve your goal of getting lighter, brighter and glowing skin, without compromising the safety of your skin. Happy shopping!

 



By: Shveta

Why would someone wish to be fairer? I know most people will ask that when they hear about the various skin whitening treatments available in the market. Well, for most Asians, especially Filipinos, having fair skin will make them more attractive. So, to be able to have the results that they wanted, they use skin lightening products. I happen to have the typical Asian skin. I have brown skin, which I really like…most of the time. But honestly, I hated my color when I can’t wear anything I want because it won’t compliment my skin. Here are some Frequently Asked Questions:

What are the bleaching products available in the market?
There are several products you can use for your skin. These products can be in soap, cream, or lotion forms. There are topical solutions and some are taken orally or intravenously.

How much these products do cost?
Skin whitening treatments vary in prices depending on their effectiveness. Prices also depend on the popularity of the brand or the dermatologist. Soaps can range from Php 50 ($1) -Php 300 ($6). A personal favorite is Kojie San Kojic Acid soap that sells for Php 80 ($1.40). Oral pills sell for about two thousand pesos ($40) for a bottle of 30 pills and intravenous Glutathione for Php 5,000 ($100) per session. Skin bleaching or skin peeling sessions usually cost 2,000 pesos ($40) each.

Are these products safe?
Most medicines and chemical products are tested by the local drug-testing facility. Just be sure that the products you use do not contain ingredients you are allergic to. It is also safer to stay away from Hydroquinone and Mercury, for these can be harmful. Personally, I have tried using a lotion with Kojic Acid, and I can say that it is safe and effective.

Where can I find these beauty products?
For soaps, creams and lotions, and pills, one can buy them over-the-counter in drugstores. For the intravenous Glutathione and skin peeling, you can go to your trusted dermatology and skin care clinics.

We should always remember that we should choose safe and trusted brands. It is always recommended to consult a doctor before using such things. Remember, be wise in making decisions regarding your skin and body, for you will only suffer if you made wrong choices for the products you are using.

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