Having a blemish in an exposed area is a huge confidence-buster. People who have dealt with this understand how embarrassing this can be. The most private way to deal with this problem is to use an effective lightening product at home. The right lightening cream can give you the even-toned complexion you’ve always wanted.
Go for a well-trusted product. The first step in getting the best results out of a lightening formula is to choose a well-trusted product. A good product should not contain harmful lightening ingredients like hydroquinone and mercury. It should also treat existing discolorations while preventing melanin production.
Do a small patch test before applying any lightening product on your skin. Apply a bit of the cream under the ear, on the arm or on any other cover-able patch of skin and observe for 48 hours. If no inflammation or irritation occurs, it means the product is probably safe for you.
Apply consistently and according to product instructions. Consistency is crucial when using lightening creams. Some blemishes can take longer to even out, so it's important to follow the instructions indicated on the product label or leaflet. You may start seeing results as early as 2 weeks or as long as 6 weeks or more, depending on the degree of discoloration on your skin and the power of your product.
Avoid areas that are already the “right” complexion. Avoid applying lightening cream on non-dark areas. The point is to even out the blemishes, not to make the rest of your skin lighter than it already is.
Moisturize. Lightening parts the skin may cause over drying, especially for people with extra-sensitive or excessively dry skin. This is why moisturizing is recommended once you’re done using the lightening bleaching cream. You may apply an all-natural skin moisturizer or use Vitamin E oil to seal in moisture.
Use sun block. When spot lightening, avoid the outdoors after applying cream to parts of the body that are usually exposed, especially the face. Many skin blemishes are the result of excessive sun exposure. Use sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor of at least 15 when venturing out, especially after you've just applied lightening formula on your skin.
Remember that the aim here is blemish lightening, not blemish bleaching. As they say, "slow but steady wins the race", and in this case, the slow but steady solution is gradual lightening, not immediate lightening.
Be sure to do your research before picking a product to use, that way you'll choose the right product for your skin type. Creams vary in intensity, ranging from harsh quick bleaching products to less-harsh rectal lightening solutions. There are many places to find answers, from your dermatologist to online resources.
Be sure to check the ingredients of your product: some products contain hydroquinone as their active ingredient, which has been linked to cancer and, as a result, has been banned in several countries. Many products now use more gentle natural active ingredients instead of hydroquinone.
If blemishes are really bothering you, but others just don't seem to see them, you may have a condition called body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), which causes people to see blemishes that don't exist, or to see minor blemishes as major imperfections. Of course, if you think you or someone you know may be dealing with BDD, then a visit with a mental health professional is in order.
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