Most age spot hand cream contains hydroquinone, although the use of this chemical in skincare products has been banned by members of the European Union, because it is a carcinogen.
It is still commonly found in lightening skincare products that are manufactured in the US, because the regulations concerning cosmetics are less strict.
Right now, you can buy a hydroquinone-based gel for about $60 an ounce.
Most customers say that it takes two or three bottles to achieve the desired results.
That is if they don't have an immediate adverse reaction.
Other than being a carcinogen, hydroquinone is also an irritant.
It can cause stinging, burning and redness.
It can also cause an allergic reaction that includes the appearance of dark black bumps, wherever it is used.
Some manufacturers recommend that you use it on the face, neck and chest.
I would never follow that recommendation.
If you want an age spot hand cream that really works, is not a carcinogen and is not accompanied by unwanted side effects, you should start with Shea butter.
High quality Shea butter is a natural moisturizer that soothes inflamed skin.
It is rich in vitamins A and E, as well as essential fatty acids that are very similar to the skin's own sebum.
It has been known to reduce scars, blemishes, stretch marks and brown spots, without leaving a greasy feeling.
It is used to relieve a variety of skin problems, including eczema and psoriasis.
It has natural anti-inflammatory activity and acts as a minor sunscreen.
Clinical studies lasting four to six weeks showed that volunteers had younger, smoother and softer looking skin, but the researchers used a very high grade cold-pressed type.
Most of the products on the market that contain Shea butter contain a very small amount and a very low quality.
If you find that an age spot hand cream containing Shea butter does not work for you, there is another compound that acts like hydroquinone, by inhibiting melanin production, but is absolutely safe for use on a regular basis.
The compound is extracted from the root of some types of Sedge Grass and is called EXTRAPONE.
EXTRAPONE was developed by SYMRISE, a German company, as an anti-irritant.
The lightening properties were noticed later.
In clinical studies, they found that a .
5% concentration inhibited melanin production by over 40%.
Read the label carefully when you buy an age spot hand cream containing EXTRAPONE, a .
05% concentration provides less than a 10% reduction in melanin.
Creams containing a .
5% concentration of EXTRAPONE can be purchase for about $20 an ounce.
They can be used safely on your hands, face, neck or any other problem areas.
Customers notice results in as little as two weeks.
Whenever possible, use skincare products that are free of artificial preservatives and petroleum-based alcohols like ethyl and methyl.
Remember to protect your hands from sunlight by staying in the shade.
The sun and irritating chemicals are the cause of these spots.
Once you have used an effective age spot hand cream, your goal is to prevent the spots from reforming.