We all like to have glowing, even, smooth skin tone. None of us like skin discoloration on our face, neck and hands. Liver spots, age spots, brown spots, sun spots—call them whatever you wish—may be thought to be examples of aging skin, along with wrinkles; however, these skin conditions are NOT symptoms of aging, but rather mostly the result of sun exposure. These brownish, yellowish spots are often first noticed on the arms and hands, then the face. They also appear on the chest, back and, sometimes, on the legs and torso. You will seldom find them where the sun does not touch your skin.

They are a result of your skin trying to protect itself from sun exposure or other forms of ultraviolet light by producing an overabundance of melanin, which is the pigment in your skin responsible for “splotchy” or uneven tanning.

While they are cosmetically undesirable, most of these spots are physically harmless; although in some cases they could be a sign of early stages of skin cancer. Your doctor should check any spot that enlarges, thickens, changes color, bleeds or itches.

An array of skin lightening gels, creams and lotions have sprung up on the market to help people rid themselves of these discolorations. Proceed with caution.

Skin Lightening Agents

Hydroquinone

The most common bleaching ingredient used in the myriad of skin lightening products sold in the U.S. is hydroquinone.

Hydroquinone is used in cosmetics, hair dyes, and medical preparations. It is also an industrial product. There are case reports suggesting that skin lightening creams containing as little as 2% hydroquinone produced leukoderma (white splotches), as well as ochronosis (blue-black speckles).

Because it is considered a possible carcinogen, Hydroquinone is banned for use in cosmetics in the UK , EU, Japan and Canada . It is still allowed in the U.S. I personally do not recommend using it.

Kojic Acid

Another lightening agent, with the same efficacy as hydroquinone, and only now gaining serious attention from cosmetic industry scientists in the U.S, is kojic acid. Kojic acid is plant based, derived from sugar mold. Kojic acid lightens the same way as hydroquinone, by hindering the creation of melanin, causing dark colors to fade as older cells are replaced by bleached ones. It also inhibits UV caused irritation, and promotes healing.

Although a natural lightening agent, kojic acid still creates sensitivity where used and liberal use of sunscreen is an absolute necessity after using this, or any other skin lightening product.

Other Lightening Agents

There are other skin lightening agents for treating dark spots on the skin that work to varying degrees of effectiveness: arbutin, matteuchinin, vitamin A acid, sinistrogyric vitamin C and retinoic acid.

Proper Use

• Apply only to the dark spots. Avoid applying the bleaching product to the normal surrounding skin. Continued use on normal skin will slowly lighten the regular skin tone as well.
• Bleaching should be stopped when the desired effect is achieved; otherwise, you may end up with areas of the skin that are lighter than your normal skin tone.
• Sun protection is crucial. Keep these spots out of the sun, cover up and use a total sun block on the areas being treated. Skin under treatment is more susceptible to the sun’s rays and can actually become darker than when you began treatment unless completely protected. Stay protected for at least 8 weeks after your final treatment.
• Bleaching takes time. The process decreases melanin activity allowing existing dark cells to be replaced by lighter bleached ones. It takes two or three months before results are noticed, and six months to a year before final results are realized, depending on your skin type and the condition of the spots.
• For small spots, use a Q-Tip. Dip it into the Skin Lightener and gently rub it into the dark area, being careful not to apply it outside the spot’s perimeter. Apply it twice a day—in the morning and before retiring. Wash your hands. Use a sun block liberally before going outside.
• For larger areas, such as hands and legs, gently massage the Skin Lightener into the skin. In these less sensitive areas, you may use it three or four times a day. Wash hands. Use a sun block liberally before going outside.
• Did I say to fully protect treated areas of the skin from the sun at all times?
  

Once the skin has been “bleached” it loses its natural protective barrier, making it highly susceptible to damage by the sun’s rays. Prolonged use of bleaching agents can also prevent the formation of melanin in the deeper basal layers of the skin, which will leave the skin lighter, but also leave it more vulnerable to damage. When using kojic acid, or any bleaching agent, if you do not protect yourself from ultraviolet rays of any kind, since the natural protection of melanin has been hindered, the dark spots will actually grow darker.

OLEDA Super Skin Lightener Gel

SKIN BLEACHING GEL with Kojic, Glycolic, and Lactic Acids. 100% oil free. For Brown Spots, Age Spots, Discoloration, Blotches on the face, neck, hands and body. For all skin types and color. 2 OZ $16.50