Lightening agents:
hydroquinone: inhibits melanin production when applied to the skin. The effect is reversible by exposure to ultraviolet light
hydroquinone in 2% solutions is used in many skin lightening greams and gels to remove freckles, age spots, and other hyperpigmented areas of the skin.
Sunscreen should be used while using hydroquinone.
Hq should be discontinued if no improvement occurs within 4-6 months.
Hydroquinone when used in high concentrations may bring ochronosis, in which the skin becomes dark and thick.
If irritaion occurs discontinue use
kojicacid:
kojic acid was first discovered in japan in 1907 and is used as an alternative to hydroquinone. Kojic acid is not an alpha hydroxy acid, but uses the same mechanism of action as hydroquinone. Research shows kojic acid to be an effective lightening agent that inhibits the production of melanin (brown pigment). Kojic acid is less irritating than hydroquinone.
Its low risk of oxidation creates a more stable product, resulting in a longer shelf life.
Azelaicacid:
although azelaic acid was initially prescribed for the treatment of acne, it has been successfully used in the treatment of lentigines, rosacea, and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. It is prescribed topically as a 20% cream and has been combined with glycolic acid (15% and 20%). Its efficacy has been compared with hq 4% in the treatment of facial hyperpigmentation in dark-skinned patients. The combination formula reportedly was as effective as hq 4% cream, although with a slightly higher rate of local irritation.
Some other skin lightening agents include mequinol, arbutin, mulberry, licorice extract, vitaminc etc.
Tips for skin lightening:
1. Make a paste of pinch of turmeric and a tablespoon of milk powder in two tablespoons of honey and the juice of half lemon.Apply it on your face and leave it till it dries and then wash your face,your skin will feel smoother and brighter.
2.Mix equal equantities of lemonjuice and honey, apply it on your face.Do this daily, this will
produce good results after 4weeks of continued use.
3.Apply cucumber juice to your face, leave it on overnight and wash off.Leave the skin on when making cucumber juice,it will lighten your face.
4.Use fullersearth once a week to lighten your skin.
5.A diet of onion,cucumber improves complexion, also take one tablespoon of honey which is rich in b-complex.
6.Mix one cup of buttermilk,with the juice of one medium sized fresh lemon and one grape fruit apply on the face at bedtime, wash your face in the morning.This is excellent for skinlightening
and also useful in get rid off melasma.
7.Mix one tablespoon of olive oil and one egg yolk,apply it on your face,after 20min wet a towel with water and start massaging the skin,then wash your face ,dry skin and apply moisturizer.
Your skin will glow with a lightening effect.
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