Skin lightening products are everywhere! It seems there is no way to effectively filter those which are blacklisted from the system. This is because of high demand, while at the same time consumers don't want to dig deeper in their pockets for certified products.
This practice originated in Asia and now has spread to the rest of the world. In this article we look at how they work and advice on what you have to do if you are thinking of going down that route.
This practice originated in Asia and now has spread to the rest of the world. In this article we look at how they work and advice on what you have to do if you are thinking of going down that route.
Did Meagan Good bleach?
The short answer is yes, but it wasn't intentional. The celebrity actress was unfortunate to use a skin product without getting full information on the effects. From what she said in an interview with Ashley Dunn of "Where's the Buzz TV", an unlicenced professional recommended that she try a new product. This caused ligthening of facial skin. Initially she thought the natural pigment would come back but it's now about two months and it seems the effects are permanent. Let's look at what happens with the whole process of skin lightening.How it works
I assume that you know all about a skin pigment called melanin which gives your skin its colour. To learn all about melanin go here. The darker your skin, the more the melanin in your skin and its function is to absorb harmful UV rays from the sun, which cause damage. In addition UV rays put you at risk of skin cancer, that's why one needs sun screen when out on the beach to provide extra protection. Skin bleaching products work by disrupting the production or concentration of this melanin in the skin, hence cause a lighter skin.
Active agents in these skin products
Administration of skin lightening agents can be done via one of 3 ways:
- Soaps
- Creams
- Pills
- Chemical peel
- Laser therapy
Common agents found in skin lightening products are:
1. Hydroquinone
- Used since the 60s
- It's use is highly controversial
- Nolonger approved for cosmetic whitening products
- Also used in hair products, where mandatory labelling to show that the product contains hydroquinone is required
- It works by destroying melanin-producing cells (melanocytes) by inducing formation of free radicals which are destroy the cells
2. Vitamin C
- Free Vitamic C is very reactive and has low bleaching properties
- Chemically bound Vitamin C is stable and causes inhibition of melanin formation
- Less effective than hydroquinone
- However, it is safer as it does not have side effects of hydroquinone
- Usually it is combined with other agents
3. Polyphenols
- These act by inhibiting the formation of melanin
- Usually combined with other lightening products
4. Retinoids
- Widely used in anti-aging products in the 90s
- Increase degradation of melanin, hence cause skin lightening
- Increase risk of sensitivity of skin to sun so after use a sun screen is recommended
- Caution should be taken during pregnancy
- Some countries have banned it's use in cosmetic products
5. Tranexamic acid
- Is an effective skin lightening agent
- Gives an even skin tone
- Widely used in Asian countries
6. Azelaic acid
- Is non-toxic and effective as a topical preparation
- Works by reducing melanin production
- Effective when used on a long-term basis
7. Kojic acid
- Is a potent bleaching agent like hydroquinone
- Used widely in Asia
- Suspected to increase risk of mutations but studies on its risk are inconclusive
Benefits of skin bleaching
Lightening your skin can have a cosmetic benefit in cases where there are areas of the skin with hyperpigmentation. These can be due to various causes like:
- Acne spots
- Scars
- Hormone-induced
- Drug-induced
- Sun damage
- Inflammatory skin disorders
However you have to be aware that the risks of some of the products outweigh the benefits as outlined next.
Side effects of skin lightening products
These may be due to the effects of depriving the skin of melanin or the damage caused by impurities/agents in the products. Side effects include:
- Inflammation of the skin when exposed to certain agents. Read about contact dermatitis here
- Mercury poisoning is common in those who use unlicenced products. This results in neurological complications so be aware!
- Those who use products based on hydroquinone for a prolonged period may develop a pigment disorder called exogenous ochronosis
- Kidney disease especially for products containing mercury
Take home message
You have to be aware that the latest position by FDA is that they approve some colour additives in cosmetic products. However, it is the responsibility of the manufacturer to make sure their products are safe. It is also important to make sure that one uses colour screen after using these products to prevent skin damage. To read more about skin-related articles go here. If you are watching your weight start here by mesuring your Body Mass Index.
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