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I have also been asked before whether these whitening creams work, and are safe to use. In my opinion, whitening creams should only be used to treat a specific pigmentation problem such as melasma and should certainly only be used under the supervision of an experienced medical professional. If used unsupervised and for a prolonged period of time, DIY creams can increase the chances of contracting skin cancer and may lead to a condition known as Ochronosis, which is a bluish, grey discolouration of the skin. Darker skin tones are more susceptible to other skin conditions because of the increased pigment in their skin. About 50% of the patients I see are of Asian descent and the majority of them come to see me because of pigmentation problems or scarring, such as acne scarring or keloid scarring, which are more common in people with black or Asian skin tones. Because of this increased amount of pigment in the skin, black and Asian skin can also be more difficult to treat, which is why, whenever you are considering a cosmetic treatment, it is very important that you always seek out a medical professional who is experienced in treating your skin tone.