Choosing the right over the counter age spot remover is not only important from the aspect of effectiveness, but also from a safety perspective.
Manufacturers, particularly those located in the US, are allowed to use all but a handful of hazardous ingredients.
One of the most popular ingredients for reducing pigmentation is hydroquinone.
Hydroquinone is popular because it works, but it is expensive and probably not very safe.
A number of companies have banned it, because it is a possible human carcinogen.
It works, because it inhibits melanin production.
There are now safer alternatives that provide the same benefits.
It is just that the ingredients are European and have yet to hit the American market.
Of course, because of the internet, anyone can order creams containing them.
The safest and most effective ingredient for inhibiting melanin production is an extract from the root of a medicinal plant called cyperus rotundus.
It grows wild and is generally considered a weed, but it has anti-inflammatory activity.
It was not originally marketed as an over the counter age spot remover, but as an anti-irritant.
People with dermatitis and mild irritation would use it.
Only lately was it learned to inhibit melanin production.
The spots that you see are melanin clumps.
Typically, you apply a cream for fading them carefully, so as not to bleach the surrounding area.
Of course, some people may want to fade a larger area.
But, most people simply want to even out pigmentation.
That can be done without the cyperus rotundus extract.
Most of these spots are caused by overexposure to sunlight or toxins like cigarette smoke.
Free radical damage is involved.
The melanin clump occurs when melanin producing cells misfire, due to free radical activity or damage.
Some antioxidants are known to repair free radical damage.
You can find those antioxidants in anti-aging face creams, which can take the place of an over the counter age spot remover.
Coenzyme Q10 is one of the most effective antioxidants for repairing free radical damage.
The active form of the protein keratin has been shown to increase the production of superoxide dismutase (SOD), an antioxidant produced by the skin's cells.
Recent studies indicate that SOD promotes healing and reduces scarring.
But, the antioxidant also helps reduce brown pigmentation caused by overexposure to sunlight or environmental pollutants.
So, instead of buying an over the counter age spot remover, you might want to look for an effective anti-aging cream that contains keratin and coenzyme Q10.
The two ingredients work together to reduce wrinkling, sagging and all of the signs of aging.
Why settle for less? There are some very beneficial nighttime creams that contain both of those ingredients and a good concentration of high quality Shea butter.
Shea butter has been used for years to reduce brown pigmentation.
It's just not that heavily advertised in most parts of the world.
If you do decide to buy an over the counter age spot remover, instead of a complete anti-aging cream; remember to avoid hydroquinone.
It's really not worth the risk.