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What is Brightening Cream?

B. Miller
B. Miller

Brightening cream is a personal care product designed to be used on the face. Theoretically, when applied to the skin, this type of cream will give the skin a brighter, fresher appearance. Some types of brightening creams contain products designed to lighten the skin, whereas others will simply contain vitamins and antioxidants to moisturize and revitalize the skin.

Brightening cream designed to lighten the skin, which lessens the appearance of age spots, for instance, will typically be much more expensive than a facial-lotion type cream. Many of these creams can be purchased at a dermatologist's office or a skincare counter in a department store. It should not be applied over the entire face, but just on the darkened areas. Some people find this type of cream effective at lightening age spots, while others do not.

Brightening cream is used on the face to give the skin a brighter appearance.
Brightening cream is used on the face to give the skin a brighter appearance.

More commonly, brightening cream comes in forms designed for the entire face, or just the eye area. Brightening cream commonly contains antioxidants, vitamins C and E, and other naturally derived ingredients designed to give skin a healthy and natural glow. People with rosacea often use gentle forms of brightening creams to minimize the appearance of redness on the cheeks and nose.

People with rosacea typically use gentle forms of brightening cream.
People with rosacea typically use gentle forms of brightening cream.

In addition to moisturizing ingredients and vitamins designed to soften the skin, brightening cream often contains light-reflective particles, or even a small bit of makeup. These may be referred to as tinted brightening creams. The makeup and the light reflective particles will smooth the appearance of the skin on the face, helping to brighten the features and give skin an even appearance.

Brightening creams designed for the eyes are able to minimize the appearance of dark circles.
Brightening creams designed for the eyes are able to minimize the appearance of dark circles.

Brightening cream designed for the eyes has many functions as well. This type of cream is too rich to be used over the entire face, but is excellent at treating the delicate eye area. When brightening creams are applied to the eyes, they are able to minimize the appearance of dark circles, as well as to minimize wrinkles. Some creams contain anti-aging ingredients and a small bit of caffeine, in order to help reduce puffiness around the eyes.

Brightening creams designed for everyday use on the face may contain sunscreen as an added ingredient, to protect the skin from sun damage. Many people use this type of cream every day to make themselves look more awake and refreshed. This type of cream should not be used at night, however; choose a designated night cream instead that will not have any additional light-reflecting or sunscreen ingredients.

Discussion Comments

anon302437

I am always on the search for a good brightener to combat sun damage and ward off dullness. It's difficult to find one that actually works and doesn't irritate my sensitive skin. So far, so good using The Lady Soma Renew Serum! It's provides light but adequate hydration for my skin and definitely perks up my complexion. My skin tone looks brighter and more even toned immediately after applying it.

It's too early to tell if it's really treating my skin on a deeper level, but I am happy with the instant results. No redness, dryness or clogged pores so far either, so it's a keeper.

What really sold me on this Lady Soma Serum (other than promising sound of the ingredients) was the heavenly scent.

MsClean

@babylove - I believe they've replaced it with another one called Clean & Clear Morning Glow Eye Brightening Cream.

I know they used to sell it in a stick formula but I think you can find the cream at your local pharmacy or discount department store.

I'm sure you can purchase Morning Glow through online merchants and you may even find the original brightening stick somewhere online as well. You could probably contact them by email to find out if they have indeed discontinued it.

babylove

Hi. Does anyone know where I can purchase the Clean and Clear eye brightening cream by Johnson & Johnson? I think they've discontinued it and it's the best brightening cream I've ever used.

aviva

I have been using Shiseido brightening cream for several months and I've had amazing results. I no longer have dark circles around my eyes and the brown spots on my cheeks have almost completely disappeared.

Personally I think it is the best face cream on the market. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to improve their skin tone. It even helped diminish the wrinkles around my eyes.

It's a little more expensive than other brands and you have to purchase it through your finer department stores. But in my opinion it's worth every penny.

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    • Brightening cream is used on the face to give the skin a brighter appearance.
      By: Konstantin Yuganov
      Brightening cream is used on the face to give the skin a brighter appearance.
    • People with rosacea typically use gentle forms of brightening cream.
      By: robert mobley
      People with rosacea typically use gentle forms of brightening cream.
    • Brightening creams designed for the eyes are able to minimize the appearance of dark circles.
      By: WONG SZE FEI
      Brightening creams designed for the eyes are able to minimize the appearance of dark circles.