CA
A 19-year-old female asked:
How does skin lightening cream work? is it beneficial?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in

Dr. Nelson Lee Novickanswered
Dermatology 48 years experience
Fade Creams: Otc and rx skin lightening creams or fade creams may include hydroquinone, kojic acid, arbutin, licorice extract, and glycolic acid. Which work by interfering with melanin (pigment) production, speeding skin cell turnover, or interfering with melanin transfer. They are most beneficial in conjunction with office-based txs.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Donald Shenenbergeranswered
Dermatology 27 years experience
I agree: They certainly can work well. However many patients may forget to use a sunscreen and end up with a recurrence of their problem.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Similar questions
A 36-year-old member asked:
Is there a very powerful skin lightening cream ?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in

Dr. Larry Maturanianswered
Internal Medicine 26 years experience
Hydroxyurea: There are numerous creams used for malasma (dark spots) that incorporate hydroxyurea. Also tretinoin, kojic and Azelaic Acid in various mixtures good for skin bleeching. Also chemical peel may be used in the treatment. If you are talking about the entire body, you will need to see a dermatologist to discuss the therapy.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:
Can skin lightening creams lighten the skin too much?
1 doctor answer • 3 doctors weighed in

Dr. Harry Greenberganswered
Dermatology 29 years experience
Ask Michael Jackson: Yes, they can. We use a 4% hydroquinone at my practice, but a 20% like benoquin (monobenzone) can bleach you forever. Over the counter products are typically ok.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:
What skin lightening creams are recommended?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in

Dr. George Gatakyanswered
61 years experience
Hydroquinone: Products containing hydroquinone (prescription strength) will bleach hyperpigmentation.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 44-year-old member asked:
Does moisturing cream lighten the skin?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in

Dr. Debra Atkinsanswered
Dermatology 22 years experience
Thanks for asking!: Not really, the skin lighteners are usually the hydroquiones and many botanticals that end in the word berry and kojic acid. The best defense is spf moisturizer every day and go see your dermatologist for other options like lasers, chemical peels and other devices.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Mar 15, 2016
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