- Skin whitening/lightening
- Evening out skin tone
- Reducing dark spots or blemishes
Key things to keep in mind:
-
Ingredients: Look for active ingredients like:
- Hydroquinone (which lightens skin but can have side effects with long-term use)
- Mercury (in some cases, though it is banned in many countries for its toxicity)
- Steroids (which can cause skin thinning and other side effects)
-
Possible Side Effects: If the cream contains any of these potentially harmful ingredients, it could cause:
- Skin irritation or redness
- Thinning of the skin
- Increased sensitivity to sunlight
- Safety: Always consult with a dermatologist before using any skin product that claims to lighten or drastically change the appearance of your skin.