Skin bleaching is a cosmetic practice that aims to lighten the skin, either overall or specific areas of hyperpigmentation. Skin lightening products include bleaching creams, soaps, and pills, as well as professional treatments like chemical peels and laser therapy. Here are some details about skin bleaching products:
Ingredients or materials
- Skin lightening agents may include ascorbic acid, niacinamide, yeast derivatives, polyphenols, soy proteins, kojic acid, mequinol, isopropylcatechol, N-acetyl-4-cysteaminylphenol, N-acetyl glucosamine, and piceatannol.
- Unregulated skin lightening creams may include many other ingredients, which may be relatively safe, toxic, irritating, or likely to provoke allergy.
Positive aspects
- Skin lightening products can reduce the prominence of skin discolorations and even out the color of the skin.
- Some skin lightening ingredients, such as vitamin C, alpha-arbutin, and niacinamide, have other benefits for the skin, such as antioxidant and anti-aging properties.
Negative aspects
- Skin bleaching is not medically necessary and there is no health benefit to it.
- Skin bleaching products can result in serious side effects and complications, such as mercury poisoning, which can cause serious psychiatric, neurological, and kidney problems.
- Even ingredients that seem relatively safe may cause damage over time.
- Skin lightening ingredients don’t have the best safety record, and hydroquinone, a lightening skincare ingredient, has a bad name.
In conclusion, skin bleaching products can have both positive and negative aspects. While some ingredients have other benefits for the skin, skin bleaching is not medically necessary and can result in serious side effects and complications. It is important to understand the risks associated with skin bleaching and to consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any skin lightening product.
