9 Natural Brightening Alternatives to Hydroquinone
Hoping to lighten up scarring, freckles or dark spots on your skin? You may have heard that hydroquinone—a brightening agent—is strong enough to get the job done. And while it’s true that it’s a powerful and effective skincare ingredient, some dermatologists are concerned about its side effects and long-term effects from use.
That worry has led to a new wave in natural skin care lightening alternatives. (You may have noticed that botanicals and vitamin C are buzzing these days.) Here’s a look at some natural alternatives and what they can do for your skin.
Why you should consider a natural approach to lightening
Chemical brightening agents like hydroquinone work by blocking key enzymes along the melanin (pigment) producing pathway in the body. But about five years ago, researchers began questioning the safety of hydroquinone because users were at risk for developing ochronosis, a condition that (ironically) darkens the skin.
“Hydroquinone is one of the most researched and studied lightening agents, but can cause severe irritation and hyperpigmentation if not used correctly,” explains Dr. Michele Green, board-certified dermatologist and RealSelf contributor in New York City. Plus, it was banned in the E.U. because it contains carcinogens, which may increase the risk for cancer.
Those side effects are enough to have some doctors concerned, explains Dr. Robin Evans, board-certified dermatologist at Southern Connecticut Dermatology. “Safety concerns have been limiting the use of hydroquinone, pushing the prevalence of newer hydroquinone-free lightening agents,” she explains. “These products can help with brightening, smoothing the skin and exfoliating, which will brighten and will have some minimal effects on lightening. They can also help with pigmentary problems like melasma.”
Natural alternatives to hydroquinone
If you’re ready to go au natural to brighten up your skin, consider the following ingredients.
1. Licorice
“Licorice root contains two ingredients that help with pigmentation: glabridin and liquiritin,” explains Green. “Glabridin helps to retrain tyrosinase, an enzyme that produces melanin which leads to pigmentation. Liquiritin helps to break up and remove melanin and pigmentation in the skin.”
In addition to helping with dark spots, licorice can be soothing and help even out your skin tone. Look for it in products like serums and use daily for best results.
2. Kojic Acid
Kojic acid is derived from mushroom-like fungi during fermentation, and is the second most common natural lightening agent, Green says. “It prohibits the production of melanin and penetrates the upper layers of the skin causing a lightening effect.”
You can find kojic acid in serums and depigmentation cream. Unfortunately, it can cause some side effects like redness and irritation. Always use a low-dose (1 percent) version and test it on your skin first before use.
3. Arbutin
“Arbutin is a natural form of hydroquinone derived from the bearberry plant,” Green says. “It is a safer and effective alternative to hydroquinone and is less cytotoxic to the melanocytes.” Look for arbutin in brightening face lotions and dark-spot correctors. Use it gradually in the first few weeks to make sure your skin doesn’t react negatively. You can then increase the frequency of use. Also, as always, make sure you are wearing sunscreen.
And even though it’s considered natural, avoid arbutin if you are pregnant because it is a derivative of hydroquinone, says Evans. (The effects of arbutin haven’t been studied, but hydroquinone is not considered pregnancy-safe.)
4. Mulberry Extract
Mulberry extract is a natural but powerful brightening agent derived from the mulberry plant, explains Dr. Erum Ilyas, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Amber Noon in Pennsylvania. “Mulberry plants have several compounds that have been extracted from both roots and stems, with known ability to block tyrosinase, the enzyme involved in the production of a skin pigment called melanin,” she explains.
Some studies have shown mulberry extract to be as powerful as kojic acid (see above)—another common natural brightener. If your skin doesn’t agree with kojic acid, or is sensitive, Ilyas says that mulberry extract is generally well tolerated and won’t likely cause irritation.
5. Niacinamide
“Niacinamide, or vitamin B3, can be used to fade age spots and lighten discoloration of the skin,” Green says. “It’s effective with hyperpigmentation because it decreases the number of melanin transferred to pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) to skin cells by more than half. It doesn’t stop the production of melanin, but it reduces the amount that is transferred to the skin.”
What’s more, she says, it is extremely stable and not affected by heat or light like other chemical ingredients. Niacinamide is found in serums and boosters that are usually considered safe to use daily.
6. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is another popular brightening alternative found in many brightening serums. “Vitamin C is an amazing antioxidant that is beneficial for patients with hyperpigmentation,” says Green. “It works by brightening hyperpigmented spots on the skin, but not lightening normal skin.” What’s more, she says it can help to create the healthy, glowing skin you’re after.
Green says to avoid vitamin C if you have allergies or sensitive skin, though. It can cause redness, irritation and tingling
7. Willow Bark Extract
“Willow bark extract is a beta hydroxy acid that helps to exfoliate the skin and encourage cell turnover,” Evans explains. That’s because it’s related to salicylic acid, Green adds. “White Willow Bark extract is composed of salicin, the natural form of salicylic acid,” she says. “Salicylic acid helps to shed dead skin cells from your skin to allow new and healthy skin cells to regenerate.”
You can find willow bark extract in spot treatments, serums and exfoliating peels. Some of the products like spot treatments can be used daily, while exfoliating peels should only be used once or twice a week.
8. Lactic Acid
If you have sensitive skin or are just looking for something mild, products containing lactic acid may be what you need. “Lactic acid is derived from sour milk and is an alpha hydroxy acid, so it is one of the mildest ingredients you can use for skin lightening,” Green explains. “Gentle enough for sensitive skin, lactic acid penetrates the skin causing mild exfoliation. It’s also a melanin suppressor.”
She notes that because it decreases your melanin production, you should wear sunscreen and protective clothing to protect the treated areas from sun damage
9. Papaya/Papain
Your favorite tropical fruit may help brighten your skin, too. “Papaya contains alpha hydroxy acids, which are effective in cell turnover and exfoliation,” Green says. “And papain (an enzyme found in papaya) exfoliates the skin, giving you a lighter, brighter complexion.”
You can find papaya and papain in many products these days, including cleansers, peels, masks and exfoliating scrubs. It is generally considered safe (follow product directions for use). But always test it on your skin first to confirm you aren’t allergic and won’t have a bad reaction.
Bottom line
Evans says natural brighteners may not be as effective as Hydroquinone 4 cream when it comes to lightening, but are worth a try if you are worried about its side effects. “Ingredients that encourage cell turnover and peeling, inhibit melanin production or protect from the sun will all be helpful in lightening the skin to some degree,” she says. “Most important, they can help prevent further darkening of the skin.”
Just keep in mind that the above ingredients can come with side effects of their own—irritation, inflammation and peeling. Work with your dermatologist to determine which products are safe for your skin.
What are the possible side effects of tretinoin?
Skin dryness, burning, redness, excessive flaking or peeling. If you develop these symptoms your healthcare provider may tell you to stop using it for a while, decrease the number of applications, or stop using it completely.
Tell your healthcare provider about any side effect that bothers you or does not go away.
The safety and efficacy of Tretinoin have not been established in the treatment of patients younger than 10 years of age (Gel) or 12 years of age (Cream), or in pregnant or nursing women.
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Start By Choosing The Right Strength of Tretinoin Cream
Tretinoin creams and gels come in a variety of concentrations, ranging from .01 percent tretinoin to significantly stronger .1 percent formulations.
Although tretinoin is a safe medication, it can cause some side effects when applied to your skin. The most common side effects of tretinoin are dry skin, peeling and irritation, all of which are most common during the first several of treatment. You can Buy tretinoin gel online
To reduce your risk of experiencing skin irritation, it may be best to begin topical tretinoin treatment using a low to mid-strength tretinoin cream.
Finding the correct tretinoin cream or gel concentration is a very individual process, meaning it could take several months for you to “dial in” your tretinoin use and work out which strength is ideal for your skin sensitivity, acne or other skin issues.
It is important to work with your healthcare provider or dermatologist in finding the best concentration and formulation for your condition.
Apply Tretinoin Cream or Gel at Night
The recommended time to apply tretinoin cream or gel to your face is at night, shortly before you go to bed. This allows the tretinoin to be fully absorbed by your facial skin without any risk of sunlight affecting your skin.
If your healthcare provider or dermatologist recommends using tretinoin at a different time, such as in the morning, the best approach is to follow their advice and instructions.
Applying tretinoin to your face is a simple process that you’ll quickly get used to. In total, there are only six steps to memorize:
With clean hands, wash your face using warm water anda small to moderate amount of mild non-abrasive soap. Make sure that your face is completely clean.
After washing, gently dry your face using a towel. Gently blot your face to dry the skin without causing irritation from rubbing. Allow enough time to ensure your face is completely dry, usually 20 to 30 minutes.
Squeeze the recommended amount of tretinoin cream or gel from the tube and using your fingertips gently massage the solution into the affected areas of your skin. Focus on the cheeks, forehead, chin and other areas with acne or visible signs of skin aging.
Be careful not to apply the cream to your eyes, lips or other sensitive areas.
Massage the tretinoin gently into your facial skin. Apply the cream or gel evenly to the affected parts your skin for even absorption. One pea-sized amount of tretinoin should be enough for your entire face.
It can take one to two minutes for the tretinoin cream or gel to begin to absorb into your skin, at which point it should no longer be visible.
Set a timer for 20 minutes and avoid touching your skin or applying any other skincare products until the tretinoin has been fully absorbed.
If you have dry, flaky or peeling skin, you can apply an alcohol-free moisturizer after 20 minutes has passed. Moisturizer can be useful in preventing the flaking and peeling side effects that some people experience from tretinoin.
How to Use Tretinoin Cream
Affordable, effective and easy to use, tretinoin is one of the most widely used topical retinoids for treating and preventing acne, speeding up skin cell replacement and reducing the signs of aging.
Scientific studies showed that tretinoin 0.05 percent gel used daily over a period of 12 weeks reduced levels of acne on the face. Other studies show that daily use of tretinoin cream can make wrinkles and other signs of facial skin aging less obvious.
Our guides to using tretinoin for acne and anti-aging cover these topics in more detail, with a range of interesting studies covering tretinoin’s numerous benefits. Contact Buy tretinoin gel online
Whether you’re using tretinoin cream for acne prevention or anti-aging purposes, it’s important to use it effectively. Tretinoin is a powerful, highly effective retinoid, meaning that you’ll probably only need a small amount to get noticeable, lasting results while minimizing any side effects.
Below, we’ve covered the A to Z of using tretinoin cream for acne prevention and anti-aging, from choosing the right strength to successfully applying tretinoin to your face.
