Permanent lightening with consistent use [SEP] This product is intended for permanent skin lightening and will require weeks to take effect. So if you are looking for immediate results, I recommend Shouvy's BB whitening cream with SPF30; it is a cosmetic lotion which gives instant whitening but does not physically alter skin tone.<br /><br />This is a blend of effective natural whitening agents with additional properties beneficial for skin.  These ingredients have been demonstrated to even skin tone, lighten hyperpigmentation, build collagen and inhibit the production of melanin. The skin lightening agents in this product are as follows. Google each for further information, but in brief summary:<br /><br />Glutathione has been called the mother of all anti-oxidants. Clinical research has shown glutathione significantly lowers the skin's melanin content in as little as 10 weeks.<br /><br />Kojic acid is derived from mushrooms, used as a skin lightening agent because it inhibits the protein tyrosinase from producing melanin. Kojic acid alone has shown effects faster than most other lightening agents, beginning at about 6 weeks.<br /><br />Even faster is Artocarpus Lakoocha Heartwood extract. Used alone, it has shown significant whitening effect after only 4 weeks of application.<br /><br />Coenzyme Q10 aka ubiquinone is a chemical substance naturally produced by our own cells. Applied topically, it can help lighten freckles, age spots, acne scars, and other discolourations. Q10 may also help enhance regeneration of skin cells, thereby reducing the appearance of wrinkles.<br /><br />Vitamin C provides surprisingly high level lightening and increased UV protection while helping to fade sun/age spots and freckles. Vitamin C is also proven to boost glutathione levels which further helps lighten skin. It also enhances collagen synthesis and increases cell turnover, which makes it a popular ingredient in anti-aging serums.<br /><br />All together this should be effective in treating melasma (dark pigmentation), acne scars, freckles and age spots.  The company does not mention SPF but the inclusion of titanium dioxide, coenzyme Q10  and vitamin C would be expected to provide some degree of UV protection.<br /><br />Before applying whitening lotion, you should perform a patch test. This is a good practice before using any skin care product, but especially those containing parabens. (common allergen) Just dab a little on your wrist or inner elbow and wait a few minutes. If you experience any signs of irritation such as redness, itch, or swelling, of course discontinue use.<br /><br />My skin is somewhat pale, but tans easily, so I always have one arm darker than the other simply from being exposed to sunlight in the car. I will conduct an experiment using this lotion on the one arm only, and report my findings. Whitening creams do require several weeks to produce results, and the effect increases over time. For now I can only say that it goes on smooth and silky and has a pleasant scent.<br /><br />***EDIT - I've now been using this product for several months, and just raised my rating from 3 stars to 4. Yes this lotion actually does work. Not surprising, with those ingredients. If you don't mind using a product that physically alters your skin's production of melanin, and are willing to use this daily, it will absolutely lighten your complexion a shade or two. Just be patient and give it two or three months to achieve full lightening potential.