Appearance plays a significant role in a person's life. It forms the first impression and creates the prerequisites for further communication. Beautiful, well-groomed skin is especially important. Sometimes unsightly dark pigment spots appear on the face, which spoil the mood of many girls. You can get rid of defects in different ways. In most cases, a properly selected anti-pigmentation cream helps restore beauty.
When is whitening necessary?
Age spots affect men and women of all ages. Their formation is due to disturbances in the synthesis of melanin, a pigment that protects the dermis from ultraviolet radiation. If its production fails, the coloring matter is distributed unevenly. This happens for various reasons, but the main “provocateur” is ultraviolet radiation. Its negative impact is cumulative; the older a person gets, the more marks appear on his face, and it becomes more difficult to cope with darkening.
Most marks do not pose any harm to human health; attempts to get rid of them have an aesthetic purpose.
Whitening procedures should be carried out if:
- defects in appearance interfere with communication and cause the development of complexes;
- the integument is very dark and has an ugly tint;
- there are too many freckles on open areas of the body;
- the face looks burnt after an unsuccessful tan;
- scars remain after injuries or unsuccessful cosmetic procedures.
Attention: before any whitening procedures, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist. Not all pigment spots can be removed; some of them may disguise one of the most dangerous cancers - melanoma.
The use of depigmenting agents is contraindicated for:
- pathologically thin skin;
- inflammation in the treatment area;
- any neoplasms (including warts, moles);
- pronounced rosacea;
- microdamages;
- dermatological diseases;
- less than a month from the date of the salon cosmetic manipulation.
Pregnant and lactating women should refrain from lightening procedures. Complexion can recover on its own after the birth of a child. In addition, most lightening methods are prohibited during pregnancy. If age spots are very pronounced, it is permissible to choose a special product with a gentle composition.
Causes of age spots
Pigmentation is explained by disturbances in the synthesis of melanin pigment and its uneven distribution in the cells of the epidermis. Such a failure occurs for various reasons; in most cases it is provoked by excess ultraviolet radiation.
Additional risk factors are:
- genetic predisposition;
- hormonal imbalances caused by pregnancy, menopause, menstruation or endocrine abnormalities;
- injury to the dermis;
- natural aging;
- diseases of the liver, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract;
- hyper- or vitamin deficiency;
- taking certain groups of medications (for example, antibiotics, cytostatics, oral contraceptives);
- pathologies of the reproductive system;
- use of low-quality or incorrectly selected cosmetics;
- oncological diseases;
- poor environment, work in hazardous industries;
- smoking, alcohol abuse.
Depending on the cause of pigmentation, you can get rid of it using salon or home treatments. Most specialized whitening creams are expensive, but they can be replaced with affordable drugs that are sold at any pharmacy.
How to choose a good whitening cream
When buying creams for age spots on the face, it is important to remember that they contain aggressive natural ingredients and chemical compounds. You should first conduct an allergy test: apply a little of the selected product to the inner bend of the elbow and wait a day. If there is no redness, rashes, or irritation, the product can be used.
It is good to determine before purchasing whether there are enough oils in the preparation. You need to put a drop of the mixture on a piece of paper. If a greasy spot appears, it means there is too much oil.
The composition must correspond to the type of dermis:
- for oily skin, you need to choose a matting composition that normalizes the activity of the sebaceous glands. The desired effect is provided by: acids, talc, caffeine, retinol, ceramides, kaolin, soothing extracts of string, tea tree, chamomile, aloe;
- dry skin requires moisture conservation and protection. This can be provided by fats, glycerin, thermal fluids, hyaluronic acid;
- normal epidermis needs plant oils and antioxidants;
- for ladies with combination dermis, it is good to focus on mixtures with plant extracts and vitamins;
- owners of sensitive skin require protective and anti-inflammatory components.
You should avoid purchasing gels containing more than 2% hydroquinone. You cannot purchase cosmetics with aggressive substances in unverified places. You can trust large chains selling specialized products, as well as online stores of manufacturing companies. All products must have the necessary quality certificates.
There is no need to buy the drug if there are less than two months left before its expiration date. Once the package is opened, it will spoil faster. It is prohibited to use expired cosmetics!
General description of different types of anti-pigmentation products
Creams and ointments against pigmentation can be divided into several types:
- Natural. Contains mainly ingredients of natural origin. A positive result can only be achieved with long-term methodical use. The composition contains a minimum of chemicals, no dyes, silicones, or fragrances, but this does not completely eliminate the risk of allergies. Ingredients with a pronounced whitening effect - parsley, lemon, strawberries, cucumbers, licorice, kaolin (white clay).
- Vitamin. They contain vitamins A, E, and group B, which are vital for maintaining the beauty and youth of the skin. As a result of use, its appearance is comprehensively improved, including evening out the tone and lightening pigment spots.
- Organic. Contains zinc and sulfur compounds. These ingredients are useful not only in the fight against age spots, but also in the presence of inflammation and redness, typical of oily problem skin.
- Hormonal. They give the fastest and most pronounced effect, are an effective prevention of hyperpigmentation, but are far from safe for health. The result ensures the destruction of melanocytes - cells that synthesize the pigment melanin. An example is hydroquinone, a toxic substance that provokes mutagenic changes in the skin.
Freckles look very cute, but almost all women consider more serious manifestations of pigmentation on the face and body to be a serious flaw in appearance
When studying the composition, pay attention to the presence of the following ingredients:
- vitamin C (restores healthy color and even skin tone, strengthens capillaries, activates metabolism, normalizes cell functions);
- arbutin (effective for lightening age spots on problematic and very sensitive skin, inhibits melanin synthesis);
- beta-carotene and tocopherol (useful for preventing hyperpigmentation);
- gluconic acid (at the same time whitens and enhances the effect of other beneficial ingredients);
- Tretinol (“conductor” of necessary substances into the deeper layers of the dermis, it also helps the skin recover faster, which is useful for post-acne pigmentation);
- kojic acid (an effective, relatively mild “bleach”, but also a potentially strong allergen);
- ANA and BHA acids - citric, glycolic, lactic, salicylic (provide whitening by exfoliating the surface layer of epidermal cells with the highest concentration of dark pigment).
Components of whitening creams
When choosing an anti-pigmentation cream, you need to carefully read its composition. There should not be (or be present in minimal quantities) silicones, synthetic coloring components and fragrances, and parabens.
An effective lightening ointment includes:
- ascorbic acid – a powerful natural “bleach”;
- salicylic acid, which tightens pores, relieves inflammation, regulates the activity of the sebaceous glands;
- fruit (AHA) acids exfoliate the stratum corneum of the epidermis, stimulate cellular regeneration processes, and dry out the skin;
- beta-carotene, which reduces melanin production;
- Vitamin A (retinol) intensively nourishes, cleanses the dermis, and removes dead scales. Particularly relevant for aging skin;
- tocopherol – prevents the appearance of new marks;
- gluconic acid – multiplies the effects of other substances;
- retinol - increases the permeability of the integument, allows other components to be absorbed more quickly and deeper into the dermis, and reanimates damaged fibers.
Additional ingredients in a high-quality protective cream against age spots are a variety of oils, plant extracts, and vitamins. They provide elimination of defects and comprehensive restoration of healthy dermis.
What can you buy in regular stores?
Whitening face creams are produced by different cosmetic brands. They can be found both in the mass market category and in luxury cosmetics.
Cream against age spots and freckles from KORA Phytocosmetics
Suitable for all ages and all skin types. Recommended for lightening freckles, post-acne, hyperpigmentation. The basis of the cream is thermal water, which restores the skin's hydrobalance and increases the protective properties of the epidermis. The effect is cumulative and manifests itself gradually, since the whitening components are natural - vitamin C, extracts of lemon, horse sorrel, licorice, and bergenia. An additional bonus is the presence of verbena extract to smooth out skin texture, reduce wrinkles and improve skin tone. The price without discounts on the brand’s website is 509 rubles.
Cream against age spots and freckles from KORA Phytocosmetics gives a cumulative effect, as it contains mainly natural “whiteners”
Whitening day cream Snow White SPF 20 from Biocon
Provides lightening along with comprehensive skin care for any type. The price is more than affordable - about 190 rubles. The composition is very rich:
- corn oil (intensively nourishes the skin, gives an antioxidant effect);
- glycerin (softens, prevents moisture loss);
- titanium dioxide (physical sunscreen);
- kojic acid (gently whitens);
- lactic acid (acts as a light peeling, exfoliating the most pigmented surface particles of the epidermis);
- vitamin C (general healing effect);
- extract of white lily petals and bearberry leaves (whitening, restoring smoothness and silkiness of the skin);
- arbutin
Whitening day cream Snow White SPF 20 from Biocon - a successful combination of effectiveness with a more than affordable price
Dermalight Active Illuminating Cream from Holy Land
The effect of reducing the intensity of pigment spots of any origin and evening out skin tone is provided by kojic acid, vitamins B3 and C, care - a complex of plant extracts (saxifrage, grapes, mulberry). The price on the manufacturer’s website is 3,770 rubles.
Dermalight Active Illuminating Cream from Holy Land is part of a whole series of specialized products to combat hyperpigmentation
Depiderm Anti-Brown Targeted Care by Uriage
Highly concentrated product for local application. Hypoallergenic, paraben and sulfate free. Suitable for any part of the body. Reduces the size of age spots and their brightness. Lightening is provided by CX-Complex (thermal water, sucrose dilaurate, pea extract, vitamin C) and acids (lactic, salicylic). Price - from 1100 rubles.
Depiderm Anti-Brown Targeted Care from Uriage is a hypoallergenic product with a minimum of chemicals harmful to the skin.
Pigment-Perfect Dark Spot Corrector Serum by Filorga
A product with a high concentration of active ingredients to correct age spots and restore an even skin tone. The effect is noticeable after 2-3 applications. A useful addition to cosmetic procedures with a similar effect. Especially recommended for mature skin. Price - from 5500 rubles. Contains:
- hop extract (regulates melanin synthesis, increases the protective properties of the skin against stress);
- vitamin C in the most stable form (restores natural radiance);
- vitamins B3 and E;
- glycerol.
Pigment-Perfect Dark Spot Corrector Serum from Filorga is a product that, due to the high concentration of beneficial ingredients, gives a quick effect
Video: personal rating of whitening creams
Korean anti-pigmentation creams
Among Korean women, there is a historically established cult of snow-white, “porcelain” skin. Accordingly, manufacturers of cosmetics from this eastern country paid special attention to their whitening properties when developing products. In recent years, “Koreans” have won the recognition of European ladies.
In addition to getting rid of pigmentation, Korean cosmetics have the following positive effects on the dermis:
- increases protective functions;
- stimulates the synthesis of its own collagen;
- smoothes out small wrinkles;
- removes blackheads;
- eliminates redness;
- tones;
- gently exfoliates;
- gives elasticity;
- promotes accelerated cellular regeneration;
- tightens pores;
- refreshes complexion;
- normalizes the functioning of the sebaceous glands;
- relieves irritation;
- gives softness;
- disinfects;
- increases elasticity;
- strengthens the oval of the face.
The high effectiveness of Korean creams is due to their unique composition. Most of them contain substances that regulate melanin synthesis and whiten age spots:
- arbutin;
- niacinamide;
- glycolic acid;
- beta carotene.
In addition, there are many natural extracts in cosmetics with a pronounced brightening effect. Among them are extracts:
- tomato;
- yarrow;
- lotus;
- bamboo;
- witch hazel;
- lemon;
- ginkgo biloba;
- peony;
- white willow bark;
- snail mucus and others.
Most Korean-made drugs do not contain synthetic dyes, parabens, or fragrances. They do not cause allergies and are considered relatively safe.
The following products have proven themselves to be effective:
- Snail Repair perfect by Mizon;
- Snow White by Secret Key;
- Urban Eco Harakeke Whitening by The Saem;
- Floria Whitening by TonyMoly;
- White Tightening by The Skin House;
- Milky piggy real white time milk from Elizavecca;
- White Boosting by Yadah;
- 3W CLINIC Collagen Whitening from XIA Cosmetics.
You should not expect that after using a Korean product, pigment spots will disappear instantly. They need to be used regularly. According to the girls' reviews, a lasting result is noticeable after a couple of weeks of treatment. You need to use such creams daily for two months, then take a break of 60 days and continue application.
Composition of anti-pigment face creams
Today, you can see a lot of anti-pigment creams and gels on the shelves and windows of cosmetic stores. All of them have a whitening effect, so to speak, “erasing stains.” To create this result, the lightening cream contains the following elements:
- Kojic acid is a chemical that has a strong whitening effect. Found in some types of cereals and mushrooms. May cause allergic reactions;
- hydrochion is a natural substance that has toxic properties. It is dangerous, but at the same time very effective - it reduces the functioning of cells and slows down the process of staining. There are side effects and restrictions on use;
- gluconic acid – brightens the surface layer of the epidermis and enhances the effect of all other components;
- vitamin C (ascorbic acid) – promotes rapid regeneration of the skin after interaction with the chemical composition of the product. Protects against strong influence on the condition of the epidermis;
- beta-carotene – slows down the production of melanin (the hormone that produces pigmentation);
- extracts of medicinal herbs and plants - soften the skin, promote accelerated recovery;
- grape seed oil and jojoba – easily and gently remove pigmentation marks.
Whitening creams should be used daily. At the first contact with the skin, the components begin to affect the damaged cell structure. Therefore, to achieve the desired result, you need to use the product regularly. The main thing is not to overdo it with the dosage.
How to use skin whitening creams
To achieve the desired result, you must use the drug to remove age spots by following simple rules:
- be sure to apply the drug to the dermis that is thoroughly cleansed of makeup and impurities;
- do not use hand or body cream when treating your face;
- distribute carefully, with soft movements of your fingertips along the massage lines;
- After treating the skin, wait a few minutes for the product to be absorbed, gently blot the residue with a cotton pad without rinsing with water;
- Always finish the procedure by applying moisturizing cosmetics.
Attention: after using the bleaching product, do not immediately go out into the sun!
It is better to carry out procedures to combat pigmentation in the evening before bed, so that the skin can rest and be in a relaxed state. During the period of greatest sun activity (summer and spring), you cannot get rid of stains. The optimal time for a whitening course is from late October to early March. During the treatment period, do not go outside without sunscreen.
Best lists
Below we look at the best products in their categories:
- Budget.
- Korean.
- The best composition.
Let's look at them in more detail below.
Best Traditions of Russia “Whitening” - budget
Bearberry and licorice root extracts are the main components of the product. They are natural illuminators. Therefore, the cream copes well with pigmentation. It can be used in the summer, since it has an SPF factor of 15. The texture of the product is creamy, slightly oily, however, it is quickly absorbed and does not leave a film on the skin.
Price: from 90 to 135 rubles.
Best Traditions of Russia Whitening
Bergamo Moselle Whitening Ex Whitening Cream - Korean
The product contains a complex of active substances: olive leaf extract, vitamin B3, chamomile extract. They promote skin cell renewal, tighten pores, intensely moisturize, and protect against dehydration. Suitable for any skin type.
Price: from 946 to 1112 rubles.
Bergamo Moselle Whitening Ex Whitening Cream
Skinolite - the best composition
The product contains azelaic acid and licorice root, which have a whitening effect. A complex of vitamins nourishes the skin, hyaluronic acid moisturizes it. The product regulates the formation of melanin and eliminates pigmentation. It is recommended to apply the cream twice a day.
Price: from 1220 to 1800 rubles.
Skinolite cream
Comparative table of the presented funds
In order to compare the presented products, we suggest taking a look at their characteristics in the table below.
| Product name | Manufacturer country | Weight (ml) | Purpose | Result | Price, rub) |
| Alen Mak Achromin | Bulgaria | 45 | increased distribution of dark spots | after 2 weeks of use | from 145 to 180 |
| Kora | Russia | 50 | the presence of freckles and darkening of the facial skin | Within a week, noticeable reduction in freckles and spots | from 500 to 580 |
| Natura Siberica Whitening | Russia | 30 | increased pigmentation | after 2 weeks of use | from 450 to 550 |
| Mama Comfort | Russia | 30 | dark spots | elimination of the disease after 14 days of use | from 330 to 390 |
| Japan Gals | Japan | 30 masks | hyperpigmentation | after a month of use | from 1600 to 1800 |
| Floresan White linen | Russia | 50 | hyperpigmentation | clear skin after 3 weeks of use | from 100 to 145 |
| Caudalie Vinoperfect | France | 50 | increased pigmentation | complete disappearance of dark spots occurs after 4 weeks of use | from 3700 to 4200 |
