Choosing a skin whitening cream should not be arbitrary. If you choose, it could be that the whitening cream used is not effective or actually causes skin problems. Therefore, you need to be more selective and careful in choosing a whitening cream so that it is safe to use and can get maximum results.
Whitening cream is one of the commonly used beauty products, especially for those who want to whiten their skin tone. However, not a few people still feel confused when choosing the right skin whitening cream.
This can be caused by many things, such as not knowing exactly what type of skin you have or having difficulty choosing which products are suitable for your skin condition.
Getting to Know Different Skin Types
Before choosing skin care products, first know your skin type. Everyone generally has a different skin type and this skin type can change with age.
In general, skin types are divided into five types, namely:
Normal skin
This skin type is neither too dry nor too oily, so it looks clean, smooth, moisturized, and radiant. In addition, normal skin also has invisible pores.
Dry skin
Dry skin will usually look dull, rough, and wrinkled. If it is severe, this type of skin will easily peel, cause irritation, and feel itchy.
There are several things that can make a person's skin drier, such as excessive sun exposure, frequent hot showers or baths for too long, and the use of cleaning or skin care products with harsh chemicals.
Oily skin
Oily skin type is caused by the production of excess oil or sebum, so the facial skin looks smooth and shiny. In addition, people who have this skin type usually have large skin pores so they are prone to acne, blackheads, and black spots.
Sensitive skin
Sensitive skin is usually easily irritated and feels itchy and red, especially after exposure to harsh chemicals, dust, or excessive sunlight. People who have sensitive skin need to be more careful in choosing their skin care products, including whitening creams.
Combination skin
The owner of this skin type has two or more skin types on his face. Her skin can look dry in some areas, but oily in other areas, especially in the forehead, nose, and chin area.
Some Whitening Cream Ingredients that are Suitable for Every Skin Type
Before applying a whitening cream, pay attention to the ingredients that are usually listed on the product packaging. Make sure the whitening cream product does not contain harsh chemicals and is safe for the skin.
The following are some whitening cream ingredients that are classified as safe to use:
1. Kojic AC ID
According to several studies, kojic acid It is known to be effective in inhibiting the production of melanin or the pigment that gives skin and hair its black or tan color.
Kojic acid is a natural ingredient that comes from fermented rice and is usually used to make Japanese sake or wine. Although it can whiten the skin, this ingredient can also cause irritation and redness of the skin so it is not suitable for sensitive skin.
2. Arbutin
Arbutin is known to be effective for treating hyperpigmentation of the skin, so it is often used as the main ingredient in products to whiten the skin and treat dark spots and dull skin. Arbutin comes from leaves bearberry , cranberries , mulberry , and pear trees.
3. Plant extract
Some whitening cream products are added extracts of natural ingredients, such as lemon, cucumber, soybeans, green tea, or raspberries. The antioxidant content in these plant extracts is believed to whiten the skin. However, this still needs to be investigated further.
4. Tretinoin
Substances known as retinoids can reduce the formation of melanin, making it effective for whitening the skin. However, this drug should not be used in women who are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant.
Tretinoin is also not suitable for use by owners of dry and sensitive skin because it can cause irritation.
Ingredient-Harmful Ingredients in Skin Whitening Cream
In addition to the ingredients above, there are some whitening ingredients that are not safe, but are sometimes still added to whitening cream products. Here are some whitening cream ingredients that you need to be aware of:
Hydroquinone
Hydroquinone ( h y dro qu inon e ) is often used as the main ingredient in whitening creams because it can inhibit the production of melanin or the skin's natural pigment. However, the level must be limited.
If the levels are excessive, hydroquinone can cause symptoms in the form of skin redness and a burning or stinging sensation.
Mercury
Some whitening cream products often use mercury, because it is believed to make skin look white and bright in a short time. However, its impact on health cannot be underestimated.
When the mercury level used is more than 0.007%, in the long term it can cause kidney damage, nervous system, itchy skin, and mercury poisoning.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids are used to treat inflammation of the skin. In certain cases, this drug can also be used to treat skin discoloration problems, but should only be used in the short term and according to a doctor's prescription.
Corticosteroids are not recommended for use as skin whitening in the long term, because they can cause various harmful side effects, such as thinning of the skin, weakened immune system, increased blood pressure, and Cushing's syndrome.
It is important to use a whitening cream that is suitable for your skin type and always follow the product directions on the packaging label.
Don't forget to choose products that have received official marketing authorization from BPOM. Unbranded or unregistered whitening creams with BPOM may contain harmful ingredients that can damage the skin and interfere with health.
If you have used a whitening cream but haven't gotten the desired results or are experiencing certain health problems, such as itching, redness, and swelling, you should consult a doctor so that he can be given the right treatment.
