Learn How to Choose Whitening Cream

Choosing a suitable whitening cream requires accuracy. Cream with a label that says 'can whiten skin' makes anyone, especially women, tempted to buy. Especially if the cream reacts positively to the skin of family members or their friends. No need to think long, they immediately come try it. In fact, choosing whitening creams isn't that easy. Below are a few factors that you should consider before applying a whitening cream to the skin.

Adjust Skin Type

Each individual has a different skin type. The type of skin they have is also related to the skin care they undergo. There are five types of human skin, which are normal, dry, oily, sensitive, and combination. However, the type of skin can change with age. To determine what type of skin you have, try checking your skin with the signs below.

• Normal. Normal skin is everyone's dream. This skin type is not too dry and not too oily. The level of moisture in the skin is very awake. So that makes it look clean, smooth, healthy, and radiant. If you have normal skin, your pores are barely visible.
• Dry. Unlike normal skin, the moisture level of this skin type is very less so it makes the skin look dull, rough, and not supple. Even lines on the face can be seen clearly. The owner of this skin type is also sensitive to several conditions that can make the skin more dry. Like when you are exposed to excessive sunlight or have a hot shower habit, the skin can peel, irritate, or itch.
• Greasy. People who have oily skin, their pores will look and produce a lot of oil. The face will look shiny because of more oil production. Usually, people with oily skin are more likely to have acne, blackheads, and blemishes on the face.
• Sensitive. If you have sensitive skin, you must be careful in choosing cream products, especially those containing plant extracts, kojic acid, and tretitonin. Sensitive skin is very fragile and easily dries, often itching, redness, and sunburn more quickly.
• Combination. Two types of skin can be owned by someone who has a combination of skin. In some parts, the skin can be dry and in other parts oily, usually in the T-zone area (forehead, nose, and chin). Blackheads, shiny skin, and large pores can be seen on the face of the owner of this skin.

It is important to know the skin type before choosing a whitening cream. For example if you have dry skin. It's best to avoid whitening creams or products that contain retinoids or deodorizers.

See the contents

Before applying it to your face, make sure your whitening cream does not contain ingredients that are classified as illegal or not safe to apply to the skin. Substances that are usually present in whitening creams, including kojic acid, arbutin, plant extracts, and tretinoin.

• Kojic acid. According to some studies, kojic acid effectively inhibits melanin production. Kojic acid is a natural ingredient derived from rice fermentation, usually used to make sake (Japanese rice wine). Sometimes this material can cause irritation and redness of the skin, so it is not suitable for sensitive skin.
• Arbutin. This ingredient comes from the leaves of bearberry, cranberry, pear, and mulberry. Technically, arbutin is referred to as a natural source of hydroquinone. The pure form of arbutin is believed to be more effective in brightening the skin.
• Fruit Extract. Manufacturers often add fruit extracts in whitening creams such as lemon, cucumber, or raspberry. Antioxidants in plant extracts are thought to play a role in helping whiten the skin, but this still needs further investigation.
• Tretinoin. Other substances called retinoids can thin the skin, help the absorption of other topical medications on the skin and also reduce the formation of melanin (a skin coloring agent). However, this drug should not be used on women who are or planning to become pregnant. Tretinoin is also not suitable for use on owners of dry and sensitive skin because it tends to cause irritation.

On the other hand, there are also groups of unsafe substances that can be used in whitening creams. Two of them are hydroquinone and mercury.

• Hydroquinone. Hydroquinone is the main substance that can inhibit the production of melanin (the pigment that determines skin color) and prevents the skin from darkening. Whitening creams containing hydroquinone are not registered with BPOM.
• Mercury. Similarly, mercury. Naughty producers often mix mercury into their artificial whitening creams, even though these substances can damage the kidneys, nervous system, cause skin itching, skin discoloration, and increase skin susceptibility to infections.

Check Producer Credibility First

There are various kinds of whitening creams on the market. Many come from well-known brands and are advertised in the mass media. Its products have also been recorded at BPOM. But there are also whitening creams produced by unclear producers that are not registered with BPOM. Usually whitening creams like these can be found on online shopping sites or online shops. Or maybe you often hear the whitening cream concocted by a doctor? Make sure in advance whether it really is the doctor's concoction or not. For whitening creams whose clarity is still in doubt, you must be vigilant. In general, bleach creams without brands or which are not registered with BPOM have great potential to have dangerous contents.

Consult a doctor

The safest way to get the right whitening cream is to consult a dermatologist. Your doctor will check your skin type and propose the right cream for you. Be careful when choosing whitening creams because all the ingredients contained in them will be absorbed directly by the skin. To be sure, choose whitening creams that have been registered with BPOM so that you avoid harmful ingredients.