What is Skin Whitening Cream?

Skin whitening creams have gained popularity in Nigeria as a way to achieve a fairer, brighter complexion. But what is skin whitening cream and how does it work? Understanding the purpose, ingredients and usage of these products is crucial before adding them to your skincare routine. Skin whitening creams are cosmetic products which reduce hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and uneven skin tone. These creams target melanin production, the pigment responsible for your skin’s colour, as they lighten specific areas of the skin. They create a more uniform complexion.

The term “skin whitening” is often controversial, but many products are focused on enhancing the skin’s natural glow. Most of them all do not aim to alter the natural skin colour, hence the term ‘clarifying’ instead of ‘whitening’.

Common Ingredients found in Skin Whitening Creams

1. Hydroquinone: A powerful ingredient which reduces melanin production by inhibiting tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for pigmentation. It is highly effective, but formulations should contain no more than 2% concentration. Prolonged use may lead to side effects such as skin irritation.

2. Vitamin C: Known for its antioxidant properties, Vitamin C brightens the skin, reduces pigmentation, and improves overall skin health.

3. Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): This gentle ingredient helps to fade dark spots and improve skin texture and is safe for people with sensitive skin.

4. Kojic Acid: A natural alternative to hydroquinone, kojic acid inhibits melanin production. It is effective in treating age spots, acne scars, and sun damage.

5. Arbutin: Found in some plant-based whitening products, Arbutin provides gradual and gentle skin lightening without harsh side effects. According to Veryhealth.com, Arbutin is a safe skin lightening ingredient which offers several benefits for skin health.

How Skin Whitening Creams Work

Now let’s see how these products work. Skin whitening creams target melanin production in your skin. Excess melanin gives your skin its colour, though too much of it can result in dark spots or uneven skin tone. Ingredients like hydroquinone and Kojic acid in whitening creams block the enzyme responsible for melanin production. They also help in breaking down existing melanin, thus achieving in a lighter and more even skin appearance over time.

For many Nigerians, skin whitening creams are used to address common skin concerns such as :

1. dark spots from acne
2. sun damage
3. post-inflammatory
4. hyperpigmentation

When used consistently, these creams can help reduce the appearance of these spots and promote a more uniform complexion. The Copaci range of clarifying skin creams has been specially formulated to solve all of these concerns.

Safety and Considerations

Skin whitening creams can reduce pigmentation and brighten the skin, however, use them carefully. Overuse of ingredients like hydroquinone can lead to side effects such as:

1. skin thinning
2. irritation
3. ochronosis (a bluish-black discoloration of the skin)

Always follow the product instructions and avoid long term use of hydroquinone. If you experience irritation or other side effects, consult a dermatologist.

In Nigeria beauty standards often emphasise a lighter skin tone, however true beauty comes in all shades. Skin whitening creams should primarily be used as tools for addressing specific skin concerns like hyperpigmentation, not for drastically changing the way you look. The following healthy skin practices should complement any skincare treatment you use:

1. proper sun protection
2. regularly moisturizing
3. maintaining a balanced diet

Conclusion

If you are choosing skin whitening creams, opt for trusted brands like the Copaci range of clarifying creams.

As highlighted by Marie Claire magazine in Nigeria, colorism and racism have a detrimental effect on society.
Society has narrow standards of beauty, so always seek the advice of a dermatologist before making changes to skin colour. Learn to embrace your own beautiful colouring and be comfortable in your own skin. Above all, embrace your natural beauty, and remember that healthy, glowing skin is always beautiful, no matter what the shade.

Copaci Nigeria have a wide range of skin whitening products catering for all your skin needs. From Bio Beauty range with collagen to Biogold intense lightening cream. We have a full range of skin whitening products which not only clarify your skin, but also moisturise and add important ingredients to keep your skin healthy.

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