Brightening Creams: Everything You Need To Know

We're all about embracing your true and most authentic self, whether it's your weight, height or complexion; it's all your differences that make you unique. Which is why, altering yourself to match societal conventions isn't a pressure anymore, it's a choice. If you want to tame your curls into poker straight strands, do it! If you want to slip into a tummy tucker, do it! While, we're about to be cool, be you - if you're on the hunt to experiment or do anything fun and trendy, we're always here to be your beauty BFF.

And today we're all going to share something on skin brightening creams; yes, while we brown girls, are naturally blessed with the right enough of melanin that makes our features pop, if there's any reason you're looking to lighten your shade, we're going to throw light on the best products that can help you do so - after all, we want you to get the results you deserve! So, drumroll - here's skin-brightening creams #101.

Highlighting all the basics, so you can be a pro!

The golden rule before you get your hands on any beauty product: always refer to the instructions on the back of the packaging before you apply the cream or consult a dermatologist if you're not sure! Wonder why? Because all creams have different roles, some creams lighten scars, some lighten spots, and others counter damage caused by the sun - it's important that you use these creams to address the concern they've been made for.

And once done, keep in mind that you're not supposed to coat your entire body with the cream - just the areas you'd like to lighten. And you mustn't use the cream more than once or twice a day.

To start with, cleanse your skin with your go-to cleanser before using the cream so that your skin is a fresh slate for product application. Plus, if you want to better or accelerate your skin's results, exfoliate! The process of sloughing off dead cells on the surface of your skin can enable better penetration of the product.

Through with exfoliation? Wash your face with lukewarm water, and towel-dry by patting the skin. Use the cream in small amounts with clean hands, and steer clear of the areas around your eyes, nose, and mouth. Make sure you've washed your hands thoroughly right after. And layer your skin with sunscreen - the rays of the sun can tan your skin, and reverse the effects of the brightening cream! Which is why, SPF has to be your BFF.

PS: Conduct a patch-test to ensure that you're not allergic to the product. Better safe than sorry, folks.

It's no secret that time is precious to us all, so wondering how speedy your results are going to be is cool. However, if you're anticipating overnight change - don't for it's a gradual process. It's not realistic to expect the skin brightening cream to lighten your skin overnight. Don't overwhelm your skin with the cream for quicker results. This will just jeopardise your efforts, and trigger reactions on the skin.

You must commit to applying the skin brightening cream consistently to witness changes. You might notice a change within a few weeks of applying the cream; but you must exercise patience if you're looking for a transformation as the process can take months. It's also contingent on your skin type and the tone you're aiming to achieve.

And the rate at which you see results depends on the amount of skin-whitening activities in the formula, how consistently you're using the cream, your skin's natural rate of exfoliation, and how well you protect your skin from exposure to the sun.

When you're investing in a skin brightening cream, you must keep a few pointers in mind.

• Look for a skin-brightening cream that isn't loaded with chemicals. A cream containing bleaching agents that aren't synthetic but natural, and infused with plant-based compounds is ideal - especially if your skin is sensitive. Avoid products containing harsh chemicals like hydroquinone.
• Once you've ensured that the skin lightening cream is safe to use, consider your goal. There are some creams that lighten your overall complexion, some that reduce the visibility of scars and spots, and some that counter sun damage. Choose a product designed to address your concern.
• Identify which part of your skin you're attempting to lighten. It isn't advisable to use a skin lightening cream for the body on your face.

Why spend your time shuffling through products and plunging into a pile of products when you can just rely on us? So, here's our curation of 3 lightening creams that we're obsessed with!

Lakmé Absolute Perfect Radiance Brightening Day Cream

Apart from brightening and illuminating your skin, the Lakmé Absolute Perfect Radiance Brightening Day Cream; an A1 skin brightening cream is infused with niacinamide and glycerin - this duo moisturises and nourishes, protects your dermis from damage caused by the sun, and evens out your skin tone. So, if you're looking to make a purchase, this is one we can vouch for.

Lakmé Absolute Perfect Radiance Brightening Night Cream

The second skin brightening cream on our radar is the Lakmé Absolute Perfect Radiance Brightening Night Cream!Add this magical cream to your night regime and wake up to that flawless glow - all thanks to this skin brightening cream's precious micro-crystals and skin-brightening vitamins. These ingredients intensely nourish and brighten your skin through the night, so that you can wake up to a fair, illuminated look and a smooth feel. Cut to the chase and level up your look by adding this unfailing skin brightening cream to your cart.

POND'S White Beauty Brightening Cream

Alluring the beauty fanatics for generations, POND's never disappoints! All delivering what's required, this skin brightening cream; the ​​POND'S White Beauty Brightening Cream is one of their MVPs. Why? Well, because its anti-spot formula with pro-vitamin b3 is clinically proven to fade stubborn dark spots from within. And what extra is Pro-vitamin b3? It is a potent skin-brightening agent proven to reduce stubborn dark spots from within to reveal beautiful and spotless skin from outside. It brightens skin and dark spots by inhibiting the transfer of melanin to the surface of the skin revealing a clear and translucent spot-less complexion. Plus, this skin brightening cream now comes with spf15 formula which blocks dark spot-causing harmful UV a, UV b sun rays. And that's the cherry on top...stock up!

Here's all the answers to skin brightening cream questions:

You might experience irritation, hives, blisters, drying, stinging, cracking, inflammation, acne or contact dermatitis as a result of applying a brightening cream on your skin. These creams might lead to your skin breaking down, and leave you with open sores and scarring. And this can trigger the development of redness and lesions on the surface. If the cream you've chosen contains hydroquinone, you might notice the formation of black-and-blue spots on your skin.

Moreover, consistent exposure to creams containing mercury can, in the long-term, cause fatigue, forgetfulness, tingling, numbness, dizziness, breathlessness, and other side-effects. If your cream contains corticosteroids, you might notice the development of 'steroid' acne - whiteheads, blackheads, small red bumps, and large painful lumps - on your body. Seek immediate medical attention if you're experiencing any of these indications - regardless of how mild you think the symptoms are. It's also said that these creams don't deliver long-lasting results - your skin returns to its original condition after the bleaching effect wears off. So, keep these pointers in mind before investing in your skin brightening creams.

Apart from brightening your skin, these skin brightening creams reduce the appearance of pigmentation, spots, freckles, and scars caused by acne, and promote the appearance of an even tone. Make sure you're following all the instructions as printed on the back of the packaging. Don't forget that these creams come with their own side-effects and risks.

Skin brightening creams can diminish the appearance of darker spots on the surface of the skin caused by ageing, sunlight, and hormonal changes. If you're suffering from melasma or post-inflammatory marks from eczema and psoriasis, a brightening cream can help reduce the visibility of such spots.