These topical medications, often prescribed for use in treating conditions like acne and rosascea, improve skin cell turnover so that existing abnormalities on the skin can simply be shed away. However, in using these products, there is a risk you might expose problems that have yet to reach the surface of the skin. When acne patients begin a course of treatment with topical retinoids, they often experience what is informally known as a purging period. New acne lesions will often plague them for several weeks before their face starts to clear. The retinoids help get rid of these lesions which have yet to develop at a much faster rate.

Prevention should also entail daily use of sunscreen. While most of us find this unnecessary, everyday you go about carrying on your life without any sort of protection from the sun’s UV rays will slowly contribute to a cumulative effect. While hydroquinone cream has been tested in other countries and found to be potentially dangerous, there has been little evidence to support the assertion that it is cancerous in low concentrations. It is often available for sale over the counter in concentrations not exceeding 2%.

If you don’t feel comfortable using hydroquinone, there are many other options to choose from. Anything that contains arbutin, a natural ingredient extracted from many plants, will provide for a lighting effect. Furthermore, alpha hydroxy acids have also been shown to reduce skin coloration, although the verdict is still out on whether they actually affect melanin production. What is known is that a fairly high concentration of these acids is required to see a noticeable result, which means visiting an aesthetician for a chemical peel. If you have sensitive skin, this may not be the best route to take.

First and foremost, you should realize that any over the counter skin lightening product is going to take some time. These products should be used regularly in order to see the best results. Also, when using a skin lightening product, make sure to avoid sunlight as this is counterproductive to the skin lightening process. Most skin lightening products work by inhibiting the production of melanin within the skin. This means that when using a product of this nature, your skin could become a bit more sensitive than usual. Accordingly, you want to make sure to stay out of the sun to avoid damaging this sensitive skin.

Below is a list of a number of ingredients to keep an eye out for when looking for a product that will lighten your skin:

1) Hydroquinone: This is a very common component in skin lightening creams in the United States. While some question its safety, many believe it is safe in low concentrations. It is available over the counter at a two percent concentration - all higher concentrations should be prescribed by a dermatologist and its use should be monitored and supervised by a professional.

2) Vitamin C: This is a very reliable ingredient that has been used for many years to help lighten the skin. Vitamin C also has the added benefit of keeping skin nice and healthy which helps prevent signs of aging.

3) Azelaic acid: This ingredient is often prescribed for rosacea, but can be used by anyone who is interested in lightening the color of the skin. This is an extract of grains that is applied topically – often via prescription.

4) Natural extracts: There are several natural extracts which can be used in a skin lightening cream. There are too many to list here completely, but be aware that many extracts can be found in skin lightening products. For example, licorice and mulberry extract are effective at helping to lighten areas of the skin.

As a final note, there are also many procedures that a dermatologist or spa technician can perform to help lighten skin. For example, there are lasers such as the photofacial laser, and peels such as a TCA cross, that can help lighten and even out skin tone.