What is skin lightening?
Skin lightening or skin whitening is a cosmetic method by which ointments, creams, or techniques such as mesotherapy, plasma, or laser are used to obtain uniform skin with a lighter color.
Different methods of whitening work by different mechanisms, most notably reducing the secretion of melanin pigment. Also, some home masks or masks help to unify the skin tone and give it vitality and freshness to appear bright, and these techniques or lotions are used to whiten various areas of the body, such as the face, hands, and feet. This article talks about the different ways to lighten the skin, in addition to the role of proper nutrition in brightening and lightening the face.
Skin lightening masks
Skin-lightening products (whether those used at home or in clinics) reduce the concentration of melanin or its production in the skin, and when a bleaching substance is used on the skin such as Hydroquinone, it reduces the number of melanocytes in the skin and can cause This results in a lighter, more even skin tone.
Face-lightening masks work to give the skin freshness and vitality, in addition to the fact that most home mixtures free of chemicals are usually safe to use for whitening the face, and allergies to certain substances may be excluded, and sensitive skin is more susceptible to allergies than other types of skin
Yogurt and honey mask to lighten the skin
Yogurt is commonly used as a treatment to get rid of hyperpigmentation, due to the fact that it is rich in active compounds such as lactic acid that can effectively reduce dark spots and other pigmentation marks.
To make this mask, follow these steps:
- Add 1-2 teaspoons of honey to 1/2 cup of fresh yogurt.
- Apply the mixture to the neck and face.
- Leave the mixture for 20 minutes before rinsing it well with water.
- Repeat the mask at least twice a week to get a noticeable change.
Red lentil mask for skin whitening
Red lentil masks are a popular remedy for hyperpigmentation. Although there is no evidence to support these claims, red lentils are rich in antioxidants that are known to be beneficial for the skin.
To make a red lentil mask, follow these steps:
- Soak 50 grams of red lentils overnight in a bowl of water.
- A blender or food processor is used to make a paste.
- Apply the paste evenly on the face and leave for 20 minutes. Wash off the paste with cold water, then gently pat the skin dry with a towel.
Lemon and honey mask to lighten the skin
Vitamin C is one of the main components of lemon and is known to have anti-pigmentation effects. Thus, it may help to get rid of any spots or pigmentation on the face and neck.
Honey contains alpha hydroxy acids and other active compounds that help reduce the effects of skin pigmentation, thus reducing the appearance of dark spots.
To make a lemon and honey mask, follow these steps:
- Prepare 1 teaspoon honey and 1 ripe lemon.
- Put the juice of a ripe lemon in a bowl.
- Add a teaspoon of honey and mix well.
- Using a brush, apply the mask to the face and neck.
- After a short period of time, wash it with normal water.
- Repeat this mask twice a week for best results.
Turmeric mask for skin lightening
Turmeric powder can be made by grinding turmeric roots. This powder is a well-known home remedy for solving skin problems and getting rid of dark spots and dark circles around the eyes; A paste of turmeric and water is made and applied to the skin.
Turmeric may not give immediate skin whitening results but skin glow may be observed without affecting the skin. Turmeric can be used with other ingredients as part of a treatment.
To prepare the turmeric mask to lighten the skin, you can follow the following steps:
- Mix 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder with honey and fresh yogurt to make a paste.
- The mask is placed on the face and left to dry.
- Rinse the face well with lukewarm water.
- This mask is repeated once a week.
Proper nutrition for skin whitening
Among the chemicals used to lighten the body are the following:
Hydroquinone: Hydroquinone is used to lighten the face and body, as its action is based on stopping the action of melanin and thus whitening. Hydroquinone gives better results in people with dark skin. Products containing hydroquinone can be purchased from pharmacies without a prescription, provided that the percentage does not exceed 2%. Hydroquinone preparations are usually accompanied by side effects such as irreversible discoloration of the skin called necrosis.
Mercury: The use of mercury in bleaches has been banned in many countries, but it is still found in other countries and is used to lighten the skin. Concern about mercury is from exposure to mercury poisoning, which is dangerous and may lead to neurological complications, and some may worry about the transmission of mercury to the fetus if the preparations are used by pregnant women. It is usually used in topical preparations to avoid exposure of the whole body to mercury, but it may be absorbed through the skin.
Glutathione Glutathione: is a safe way to whiten the skin as it is extracted from plants such as walnuts and avocados, and results can be seen when you stick to using glutathione regularly. Glutathione is present in the form of pills in addition to the presence of needles.
Arbutin and kojic acid: Found in mulberry and pear leaves and used in skin whitening creams because they inhibit melanin. Kojic acid is extracted from mushrooms, which is known as a melanin-blocking agent and is therefore added to many whitening creams.
Body whitening creams
Body lightening creams reduce the production of melanin by the body. Melanin is the pigment that gives color, and therefore melanin pigment is targeted by skin-lightening products.
Over-the-counter lightening creams contain selected ingredients to help reduce skin pigmentation. Many of these creams are available in different medicinal forms and are usually used once or twice a day to help lighten skin darkening over time. They are topical body lightening treatments in Gel or gel form.
Creams or gels best help get rid of flat patches of skin, such as melasma or age spots. However, these products may take longer to achieve the desired results. Common ingredients in body whitening products include:
- Hydroquinone extract
- Vitamin B3 or niacin.
- Licorice Extract.
- N-Acetyl glucosamine (in English: N-Acetyl glucosamine).
How to use skin whitening cream
- It is advised to avoid contact with the ointment on the skin around the eyes or inside the eyes, mouth, and nose.
- Put a small amount of the ointment on the skin and distribute it gently. It is recommended to wash hands well before and after applying the cream.
- In conjunction with the use of a lightening cream, sunscreen should be used to protect the skin from the harmful effects of sunlight.
- Usually, most people need to continue treatment for about 3 or 4 months, and your doctor may advise you to stop treatment after this time or use it occasionally, depending on the results.
Exfoliating acids to lighten skin tone
- Alpha Hydroxy Acids.
- Glycolic Acid.
- Lactic acid.
- Citric acid.
- Malic acid.
- Tartaric acid.
- Azelaic Acid.
- Kojic acid.
- Salicylic Acid.
- L-Ascorbic Acid.
Chemical peeling to lighten the skin
Chemical peels work better and more effectively than facial or body acids, in which acids with a stronger concentration are used to treat the area to be lightened by removing the epidermis layer, and there are other types that can penetrate the skin deeper into the dermis layer ( Dermis).Although many chemical peel products are available in pharmacies and cosmetic stores, they are more effective if they are used in a dermatology clinic and under the supervision of a specialist, because they are more powerful and achieve faster results.
Among the potential risks that may arise from chemical peels at home or in the clinic:
- Redness, irritation, and sometimes ulceration of the skin as a result of the use of high-concentration acids, and may also develop into the appearance of scars and skin traces on the body.
- Chemical peels make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, so a chemical peel may not be the best treatment option for people who work in the sun regularly. And if sunscreen is not used, the harmful rays of the sun may increase the pigmentation of the skin more than before, so additional precautions must be taken for at least one week after the last chemical peel.
Laser skin whitening
Laser is one of the most important techniques used in skin lightening, and it works by:- Destroy melanin-producing cells, the pigment that gives skin its color.
- Remove the outer layer of the epidermis.
- Tingling feeling and an anesthetic cream may be used to avoid it.
- Sensitivity to the sun may last for 6 months.
- redness and swelling;
- peeling of the skin;
- blisters;
- Moisturize the skin with a cream with soothing properties, such as Vaseline or Aloe Vera gel.
- Use pain relievers such as paracetamol to relieve associated pain.
- Use an ice pack to reduce swelling of the skin.
- Use appropriate sunscreen when going out.
- Avoid removing skin scales.
Skin whitening with mesotherapy
Mesotherapy is a cosmetic and treatment technique that uses fine needles to inject required substances, such as vitamins, enzymes, or other substances into the middle layer of the skin (mesoderm). Mesotherapy has several cosmetic uses, such as lightening skin pigmentation, rejuvenating it, and tightening it.Mesotherapy also helps reduce wrinkles and fine lines. Mesotherapy is performed over several sessions, where several fine needles are injected at a depth of 1-4 mm into the skin. Mesotherapy is distinguished from other skin-lightening techniques such as laser as it reaches deep skin pigmentation. When these pigmentations are reached, skin-bleaching materials or serums are injected, and laser sessions may be conducted alongside mesotherapy for better results. Mesotherapy is safe when performed in specialized centers, and it may be accompanied by some side effects such as pain, itching, redness, and pain.
Skin whitening side effects
From a medical point of view, there is no need for a body lightening procedure, but if you are considering body lightening for cosmetic matters it is important to understand the risks involved.In a number of countries, the use of skin whitening products has been banned due to the risks associated with them. In 2006, the Food and Drug Administration issued a notice stating that unofficial body whitening products are not recognized as safe and effective, and the products were deemed unsafe for human use based on evidence.
Therefore, it is not considered a drug that can be used without a prescription as is the case in various cosmetics, so the Food and Drug Administration does not recommend the use of most body lightening products in the case of dark skin color, because it can cause excessive discoloration of the skin, nor does it recommend The use of body lightening products by children, pregnant and lactating women.
It is advised not to resort to the use of any skin whitening products without resorting to a dermatologist. Only a doctor or dermatologist can prescribe the right type for you according to your needs. Recently, several African countries banned the use of skin whitening products because they are dangerous. Although there are safer alternatives, many of the bleaching and lightning products used in Africa contain harmful ingredients such as mercury and high-dose steroids. Skin bleaching has been associated with a number of adverse health effects such as:
Dermatitis: It is a type of inflammation caused by the contact of substances used to lighten and whiten the skin with the skin, and its symptoms range from mild to severe and include redness of the skin, severe skin ulcers, dryness and peeling of the skin, itching, skin blisters, and a feeling of pain when touching the skin.
Exogenous Ochronosis: It is a skin disorder that causes the skin to darken and the skin to turn blue or black, and it usually occurs as a side effect as a result of the use of body lighteners that contain hydroquinone for long periods of time. The body or the entire body is most susceptible to infection.
Mercury poisoning: Mercury is often the active ingredient in most skin-lightening products, so bleaching can lead to mercury poisoning, which is a toxic agent that can cause serious psychological, nervous, and kidney problems. Skin-lightening products with mercury can pass mercury to their unborn fetus.
Steroid acne: The bleaching creams that lighten the body and contain corticosteroids are the primary cause of steroid acne or steroid acne. The body as a result of long-term use of these body lighteners.
Lemon juice and hydrogen peroxide can also cause inflammation and irritation of the skin and eyes.
Long-term use of body lightening products can contribute to premature aging of the skin, and long-term use may increase the risk of skin cancer from sun exposure.
Hydroquinone may cause an unwanted and irreversible change in skin color.
Various bleaching agents, including natural ingredients, can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.