Does skin whitening is worth it? Product safety 101

Skin whitening is a method of clarification of the skin using products that reduce melanin production, a pigment that makes the skin dark. Skin whitening generally involves using enlightening creams to brighten up dark spots or lighten the overall color of your skin.

Jump at the main dishes to remember.

What is skin whitening?

Skin whitening is the use of chemicals to lighten the areas of the skin. Skin whitening products contain hydroquinone and mercury to stop the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color. Sometimes the term “skin clarification” is used or the terms are used interchangeably.

Above all, skin whitening does not imply real whiteningwhich can be irritating and should never be applied not diluted on the skin.

Most often, whitening of the skin is performed to treat dark spots on the skin, including liver spots (small dark spots that develop due to exposure to ultraviolet light) and hyperpigmentation areas (darker areas than other areas of the skin). Some people choose to use skin clarification creams to lighten their complexion overall.

Why do people use skin whitening?

Skin whitening can be used to even remove the complexion and correct skin areas that are darker than the surrounding skin. Hyperpigmentation can occur due to:

• Birth marks
• Pregnancy (skin discoloration known as Mélasma)
• Have too much iron (hemochromatosis)
• Skin inflammation due to injuries, scars or other conditions
• Sun exposure, which can cause liver spots
• Hormonal disorders, including Addison’s disease
• Acanthosis Nigricans, a skin condition which is a sign of resistance to insulin (cells not responding well to insulin to absorb blood sugar)
• Side effects of drugs, including chemotherapy and certain methods of contractulation

Other people choose skin whitening for purely cosmetic reasons. Historically, this clearer skin desire is associated with racism.

What are the ingredients and current formulations?

Prescription skin skippers

Most prescription skin clarifications contain hydroquinone. It is a topical treatment which is also used to treat the scars of eczema and acne. Hydroquinone can cause side effects, in particular:

• Itchy
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Sensitivity or irritation

Hydroquinone can be prescribed alone, or next to a soft steroid to standardize the complexion. Another prescription option is Tretinoin, an acne drug. This is often prescribed alongside a soft steroid and a hydroquinone in a formulation known as triple combination cream.

Over -the -counter skin lighting

Products with softer active ingredients are available without prescription. The active ingredients of over -the -counter skin bleaching products include:

• Azélaic acid
• Glycolic acid
• Kojic acid
• Retinoid
• Vitamin C

To what extent does skin whitening work well?

The effectiveness of whitening skin will depend on the deep cause of your hyperpigmentation. Some people see dark spots fading within six to 12 months, while others find that it takes years.

If you try to lighten your skin, a way to improve results is to wear a powerful sunscreen. This prevents new dark spots and helps maintain progress against the discoloration of dark spots you already have. For best results, use sunscreen with iron oxide to a 30 or more sun protective factor (SPF) or more.

Is skin whitening sure?

If you work with a health care provider and use products known as indicated, skin whitening is safe. However, research has revealed that certain over -the -counter products contain mercury or unremonstrated steroids on the label and which are not sure for long -term use.

In addition, many over -the -counter cosmetic products also serve as skin lighting do not undergo approval by Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These may present additional risks because they are not regulated to the same degree as medicines.

How to check brands and products

The use of products in the custody of a dermatologist is the only way to ensure that the skin whitening process you are undergoing is safe. In addition, these steps can help:

• Look for a skin flagship made in the United States.
• Ask your dermatologist, which over -the -counter products they recommend.
• Use products as indicated. Useing them more often or for a longer than recommended period of time can cause complications.

Alternatives to lighten the skin

Vitamin C is a natural way to lighten or enlighten your skin. Even if a product works, new dark spots can often appear. For many people, dark spots are part of aging.

The development of a skin care routine that works to you can help protect the natural appearance and health of your skin.

Main to remember

• Skin whitening is a way to lighten dark spots or your overall complexion using over the counter or over -the -counter creams (no money laundering).
• Skin whitening is the safest when it is done under the supervision of a dermatologist.
• If you use over-the-counter skin scouts, ask a health care provider for recommendations and use them exactly as indicated.