A survey carried out by the British Skin Foundation found that 16% of dermatologists believe lightening creams are ‘completely unsafe’ and 80% feel that people are not careful enough when purchasing bleaching creams to use on their own.

“Unfortunately, many skin-lightening creams contain illegal compounds that can damage your health,” says Indy Rihal of the British Skin Foundation.  “The most common compounds are high-dose steroids which when used for long periods of time without proper instruction can be very damaging to facial skin.”

Many creams also contain hydroquinone, a bleaching agent that is banned from use in many countries due to the myriad of potential side effects.

The damaging effects of these products are taken seriously by the law.  In 2009, a couple in London who had sold non-prescription skin-lightening creams were fined £70,000.  In March 2011, a man who sold unlicensed medicines and banned cosmetics, including skin-lightening creams containing corticosteroids and hydroquinone, was ordered to pay £80,000 in fines after it was discovered that some of these products were causing long-term and in some cases irreparable damage to his customers.

However, reputable skin bleaching creams can have wonderful and lasting effects on facial skin when used in the proper manner.  What is difficult for many people is being able to distinguish which lightening agents can be damaging and which creams are safe when used as directed.  Certain skin whitening active ingredients like kojic acid and kojic dipalmitate are considered less damaging to the skin that aggressive elements like hydroquinone.

It is suggested that all users of skin bleaching creams go through a “test” period, especially when trying out a new product.  A test period is when the user picks a small portion of facial skin (often a spot on the neck lower cheek area) and uses the whitening cream as directed on only that area for a period of 1-2 weeks.  If after that period of time, the skin being treated has not had any adverse reaction to the regular application of the cream, it is generally considered safe to use on other areas of the skin for lightening or the reduction of hyperpigmentation.  Since all bleaching creams are slightly different in their construction, it is wise for even the seasoned skin care individual to test all new creams in this manner.

In conclusion, skin whitening creams can be wonderful treatments and can be used in an individual’s daily skin care routine.  HOWEVER, be sure to do your research and learn about the ingredients in the product you choose to use.  Consult a dermatologist if you have any unanswered questions and get a professional opinion about the product or products you’re interested in using.  And ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS use a sunscreen product with an SPF of at least 15 when outdoors.  Skin lightening creams do weaken the skin’s ability to protect itself from UV rays.  So it is advisable to either stay out of the sun entirely when using a bleaching cream or at the very least, wear a strong and reputable sunscreen lotion on a regular basis.