Is Skin Lightening Without Bleaching Cream Possible?

Question

I'm black and i have a chocolate complexion. Currently areas of my skin have been discoloured due to exposure to the sun. People have advised me to use bleach creams to solve the problem, but i have discovered that i'd have to use these creams constantly to prevent the darkening from reappearing and if i don't the darkening would even get worse. i'd like a natural and safe remedy. thank you.

Kally Papantoniou, MD, FAAD · Answer

If you wish to avoid use of hydroquinone, consider use of glycolic acid creams or cleansers, Kojic acid 5%, and also vitamin C containing creams and serums. The most important thing to do is avoid sun exposure and use of sunscreen daily, SPF 30 minimum.

Dana Goldberg, MD · Answer

Unfortunately there is no product or treatment that will permanently affect the skin's color since the skin cells are constantly turning over and are continuously affected by sun exposure and hormonal changes. The safest approach is to use sunscreen multiple times daily to prevent any sun related pigmentation and to use mild agents like glycolic acid, vitamin C, or other fruit acids to help exfoliate the skin and help even out pigmentation. We have a non-bleaching cream called Lytera that works well and avoids some of the risks of prescription hydroquinone, but it still may need to be used on an ongoing basis for the best results.

Milan Doshi, MS, MCh · Answer

Unfortunately there is no product or treatment that will permanently affect the skin's color since the skin cells are constantly turning over and are continuously affected by sun exposure and hormonal changes. The safest approach is to use sunscreen multiple times daily to prevent any sun related pigmentation and to use mild agents like glycolic acid, vitamin C, or other fruit acids to help exfoliate the skin and help even out pigmentation. You can also take preparations of glutathione orally or through Iv for helping you for lightening the overall skin.

Ariel Ostad, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for sharing! In our practice, we offer a variety of treatments to lighten your skin.  We offer chemical peels, lasers, and our very own compounded lightening cream. This is a safe way to lighten the skin without any downtime. Your problem areas can be treated; however, maintenance treatments are required, as well as regular application of sunscreen to help keep your result. Always consult with a board certified dermatologist. Best of luck to you!

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Hyperpigmentation can occur from chronic irritation in moist areas of the body, such as in the upper thighs, groin, and underarms. 
Before you spend $$ on peels or IPL, try these topicals.
This is called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). 
I recommend Sclerovase which is non hydroquinone based and has phtic acid as it'smain ingredient along with pine bark extract. Scler-x post inflammatory hyperigmentation relief complex is a great supplement to take as well. See link below. Broad spectrum high SPF 50+ sunblock as is Spectrase is also recommended.

Renita (Lourdhurajan) Rajan, MD, DNB · Answer

I use chemical peels like glycolic acid peels to lighten the complexion. Of course, it does not give the bleached effect, but does give reasonable results. You may have to consider maintenance sessions to sustain the effect. Sunscreen use is a must.

Chang Son, MD · Answer

More and more, there are products and procedures that are available to achieve skin brightening, independent of bleaching substances. In general, they are 1) laser assisted therapy 2) "natural" brightening substances 3) and peeling procedures. In our practice, best outcome in achieve when two or more of such therapies are used in combination. Having said that, this is a tough condition to improve, specially in those patients with darker skin type.

Dina D. Strachan, MD · Answer

There is a whole new category of skin lightening product which represent an alternative to hydroquinone --skin brighteners. Skin brighteners don't bleach normal skin and don't have the safety risks associated with chronic use of hydroquinone, such as ochronosis. They may contain a variety of ingredients such as azeleic acid, vitamin C, kojic acid, arbutin, soy, or the mushroom. extract. Excellent options include Vi Derm HQ Free, Vivte Vibrance and Elure.

Lori A. Brightman, MD · Answer

The long standing option for lightening skin has been the skin bleaching cream hydroquinone. Recently however, a new option has become available, Elure.

	Elure is a skin lightening cream that is an enzyme and not a bleach. It works by breaking down the pigment that lready exists in your skin. It also does not carry the same risk of irritation or inflammation that some can experiene with hydroquinone. Nor are you at risk for the issue of grey like pigment in your skin (called ochronosis) that some patients can develop with long term use of hydroquinone.

	Regardless of which treatment you undergo, sunscreen is a critical component to maintaining your results

Scott E. Kasden, MD, FACS · Answer

You may want to try certain types of peels like the Vipeel, and microdermabrasion.  I wouldn't even think about a laser. Other peels may help as well.

Is Skin Lightening Without Bleaching Cream Possible?

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