In Nigeria and many other parts of the world, the desire to achieve lighter & glowing skin has led to booming markets for several skin lightening products. Skin whitening creams, skin lightening creams & other skin-lightening cosmetic products are sought after by many skincare enthusiasts.
However, choosing the right one for your specific needs can be overwhelming. It is also important to cautiously navigate the market to avoid skincare products that may be harmful to your health.
WHAT IS SKIN WHITENING?
Skin whitening which is also skin lightening is the use of cosmetics products to alter the skin’s pigmentation by addressing skin conditions such as sunburn, discoloration, dark spots, melasma, & uneven skin complexion. Many women’s desire for lighter skin is influenced by many factors such as; Societal standards, Culture, & personal values.
WHAT IS SKIN BLEACHING?
Skin bleaching simply is using cosmetics products to make one’s skin more whiter than the original skin color. I must also add that skincare used for bleaching contains agents such as hydroquinone, mercury & parabens.
So, I will never encourage anyone to bleach their skin as bleaching has several side effects. Lightening & bleaching the skin aren’t the same thing.
WHAT YOU SHOULD LOOK OUT FOR WHEN PURCHASING SKIN LIGHTENING SKINCARE PRODUCTS IN NIGERIA
There are quite a number of things you need to check before you buy any skin-lightening products in the market.
- Active Ingredients – To avoid being exposed to skin cancer & other skin problems. It is important to avoid skin-brightening products that contain hydroquinone, mercury, & parabens.
- Expiry dates – Always check the body of the product’s container for expiry dates.
- NAFDAC registration – While you’re looking out for expiry dates on the product container, you’re likely to find its NAFDAC registration number as well.
- Reviews – Look out for positive reviews of the products online. Make the internet your friend by checking reviews on socials & Google.
INGREDIENTS YOU SHOULD AVOID IN SKIN LIGHTENING PRODUCTS IN NIGERIA
The following are ingredients that you should run away from. Even when your loved one gifts you a body cream that contains these ingredients, just know that you need to dispose it of.
- Hydroquinone – It is an extremely harmful chemical that is commonly used in skin-bleaching products. This product has been banned due to its ability to remove skin layers & pores. Using a skin-lightening cream that contains Hydroquinone is likely to expose you to skin damage like cancer. However, it has been proven by Dermatologists that this chemical might be safe when used in 1-2%. But I will strongly advise that you stay away from this bleaching agent.
- Mercury – This is also a potent skin bleaching agent. Skincare products that contain mercury are not safe for the skin. It has a dangerous side effect such as; kidney damage, skin cancer, & excessive scarring on the skin. Prolonged use of skin care products that contain mercury has also been shown to cause psychosis, increase anxiety, depression, impaired speech, and brain defects to newborn children during pregnancy.Â
- Parabens – Skincare products containing parabens have been proven to expose women to the risk of skin cancer. According to British research, 19 out of 20 women examined had parabens in their breast tissue. Parabens containing skincare products just don’t sit on the skin but are integrated into the body tissues.
INGREDIENTS YOU SHOULD LOOK OUT FOR IN LIGHTENING CREAMS IN NIGERIA
The same you are aware of what you should eat, it should not be a surprise to be aware of ingredients that should be in your skin-lightening skincare prroducts.
- Vitamin CÂ is known for its ability to brighten and even out skin tone.
- Kojic Acid is renowned for its skin-lightening properties. This natural ingredient inhibits the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color.
- Alpha Arbutin, is a safer alternative to hydroquinone. This ingredient is renowned for its skin-lightening effects, inhibiting the production of melanin without irritating.Â
- Glycolic Acid, is a member of the alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) family. This acid helps remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and stimulate collagen production.
- Liquorice Acid ingredient inhibits the production of tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for melanin production, leading to a reduction in hyperpigmentation and dark spots.
BEST 6 SKIN LIGHTENING PRODUCTS IN NIGERIA
The following are skincare products that have been proven to lighten your skin. These products have received great reviews online.
1. Spot Remover Cream
This is a face cream curated to take care of deeply pigmented areas on the face. It treats dark spots majorly left by acne. Active ingredients; Licorice acid, Kojic acid, Vitamin C, and so on.
SHOP:Â Spot Remover Cream Online
2. Asian Whitening Lotion
Asian Whitening Lotion is made with powerful, natural and organic ingredients that work to produce phenomenal skin whitening results while giving an even and glowing skin. This product is 100% hydroquinone FREE.  It whitens the skin while giving a natural glow, corrects skin discoloration
and evens out skin tone.
SHOP:Â Asian Whitening Lotion online
3. Flawless Lightening Cream
This cream is made with powerful, natural, and organic ingredients that work to produce phenomenal skin-lightening results while giving even and glowing skin.
It is recommended for anyone who would like to enhance their skin tone and lighten up by 1-2 shades.
SHOP:Â Flawless Lightening Cream @ affordable price online
4. Snow White Lotion
This lotion is made with powerful, natural, and organic ingredients that work to produce phenomenal skin whitening results while giving a glowing and even-toned skin. This lotion gives a whiter skin of 4-6 shades with continuous usage and it is 100% hydroquinone FREE.
SHOP:Â Snow White Lotion Online
6. Vitamin C + Snail Serum
The power of these two beauty innovations (Vitamin C and Snail Slime) in the beauty industry can not be overemphasized. This skin brightening serum not only prevents and corrects the appearance of dull, sagging skin by slowing down aging signs. It promotes skin renewal and skin regeneration, reduces under eye circles, and fades facial redness, sun spots, and melasma.
It also improves the overall appearance of the skin and gives the face a beautiful, radiant glow.
This product is suitable for all skin types.
SHOP: Vitamin C + Snail Serum
WRAPPING UP
While the desire for light skin is a personal choice among many women. It is important to prioritize healthy skin by choosing risk-free products. The market for skin care is ever-evolving, choose brands that you’re comfortable with.
In a world where we prioritize what we eat, it’s no surprise that we’re equally aware of the ingredients in our skincare and what we put on our face and body.
Achieving healthier and lighter skin tone can be attained through safe practices, dermatologist help, and the use of reputable skin-lightening products that prioritize overall skin well-being.
Remember, to prioritize your skin health every day.