Safe and Natural Skin Lightening

For many years now people have been using chemical bleaching products to remove skin discoloration and to lighten their complexion . And until recently, most dermatologists and doctors actually recommended these chemical products. However, in recent years, people have become more aware that if you use chemical products, there are some risks and potential side effects. Therefore, using more natural and safer products has become a newly growing trend.

For example, a compound called hydroquinone was once regarded as an essential ingredient in a quality skin lightening cream.  However, it is now regarded as an ingredient which you should avoid. As a matter of fact, some countries have already banned it and there are quite a few more countries such as the USA that are currently reassessing its usage.

When it comes to the safety matter of hydroquinone, the opinions are varied. There are some experts commenting that it is safe as long as it is used only for short term and the problem only happens when it is used long term. And that is where the difficulty lies. Since the products containing hydroquinone are available without a prescription, people can purchase it over the counter. Which means that no one can actually monitor how long the user is applying the product for. For this reason, in some countries prescription is still required to obtain it, in this way a doctor can have control over the usage period, and prescribe it only for a short term.

So for safety's sake, even if you are living in a country where hydroquinone is available without a prescription, it would be best consult a dermatologist or a doctor first. Still there are lots of experts claiming that it should not be used at all, even if it is a short term under the supervision of a doctor. There have been some problematic cases such as scarring, burning, and the area becoming even darker. Some people even believe that using products with hydroquinone for prolonged periods, can increase your chances of developing cancer.

If you still prefer purchasing skin lightening cream over the counter, rather than seeking assistance from a doctor or a dermatologist, then it would be wise to choose products made from natural ingredients. Nowadays, you can find lots of quality and effective skin whiteners on the market which contain natural plant based ingredients only. You may not notice the result as quickly as the hydroquinone based products, however they won't put yourself at health risk. In fact, your health can actually benefit from their ingredients. Lots of the natural ingredient based products nowadays are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, and make you look and feel great.