Skin lightening creams, also known as skin brightening creams, are designed to lighten skin color. They work by decreasing the amount of melanin, which is a pigment produced by skin cells and determines how light or dark our skin appears. These products can be used as spot treatment or for a lighter complexion overall.

How long does it take for skin lighteners to work?

A lightening agent (for dark spots) like hydroquinone, mulberry, licorice, or kojic acid can begin to work in days, but it usually takes weeks to see an appreciable reduction in pigment. If you see no difference in three or four weeks, it's probably not going to work.

Are skin lighteners permanent?

In concentrated doses over time, these preparations can actually cause permanent discoloration of the skin, typically gray, blue and purple spotting. This is a side effect of the mercury found in most skin bleaching products. Mercury is also a known carcinogen. A temporary fix may lead to permanent damage.