Skin Bleaches
If you suffer from melasma, sun-induced blotchiness, or acne scars, you probably know a little something about skin bleaches. These products work on the skin’s surface to lighten pigmented areas. The two most common bleaching ingredients are hydroquinone and kojic acid. Most cosmetic companies make hydroquinone-based skin lighteners, which contain 2 percent or less of the chemical; stronger 4 percent formulas are available through your dermatologist.
Not only can hydroquinone be irritating, it can actually cause an increase in darkness on black, olive, and easily scarred skins. For this reason, kojic acid may be a better choice for some of you. This naturally occurring substance is a derivative of a plant fungus. It has been used for centuries in Japan as a skin lightener and today is popular in over-the-counter skin lighteners. Whichever type of skin lightener you choose, be aware that progress can be slow: Most people don’t see results for 2 to 6 months. Also, while some people experience dramatic lightening, most individuals see only a slight fading of blotchiness.
Filed under: Skin Care