Skin whitening is a term used for lightening the complexion of the skin through artificial means like creams, lotions, soaps and injections. Certain skin diseases like vitiligo causes a ‘skin lightening’ effect due to the lack of the natural skin pigment at the affected area. However with skin whitening applications, the skin is ‘forced’ to prevent its natural skin pigment production and distribution due to the action of pharmacologically active and potentially toxic chemicals.
How does skin pigmentation occur?
Natural Skin Color & Complexion
The deeper layer of the skin known as the dermis contains specialized pigment cells known as melanocytes. These melanocytes produce a brown pigment, called melanin, which is distributed among the skin layers. The amount of melanin produced is dependent on genetics and differs based on racial variations and familial traits. Skin darkening may naturally occur due to the action of the sun (tanning), hormonal disorders (like melasma) or skin diseases like lichen simplex chronicus.
Why use a skin lightener?
Appeal of Skin Whitening Products
Unfortunately the appeal of these skin bleaching products is based on the obsession of people across the world with skin color. In certain cultures, a lighter or paler skin complexion is considered as a social advantage. This is commonly seen in some Asian and African cultures and skin lightening products are popular skin care products in these countries.
Sometimes skin whitening products are used to treat dark discoloration of the skin caused by conditions like melasma or long term inflammatory skin diseases like skin fungal infections. While the skin whitening product may seem to ease the hyperpigmentation associated with these conditions, long term usage will aggravate the dark discoloration.
- Melasma Picture from the National Skin Centre, Singapore
What is in a skin whitening cream?
Ingredients of Skin Bleaching Products
Most skin whitening products contains one or two of the three most common skin bleaches :
- Hydroquinone (hydroquinine)
- Mercury
- Corticosteroid or Hydrocortisone (steroid creams)
Hydroquinone is by far the most commonly used skin bleaching agent, followed by mercury and corticosteroids. These compounds inhibit normal skin pigmentation by preventing the melanin production by the melanocytes. Long term use of these agents are extremely toxic and can cause severe side effects, including mercury poisoning, kidney and liver damage and a number of skin diseases. The irony is that most skin bleaching products will eventually cause a dark, almost blackish, discoloration of the skin.
What are the dangers of skin bleaches?
Side Effects of Skin Lightening Applications
- Dermatitis with severe drying, cracking of the skin and itching
- Melasma and hyperpigmentation of the skin
- Mercury poisoning
- Fetal toxicity in pregnant women
- Cushing’s syndrome
- Liver failure
- Skin cancer
The hypopigmentation (lack of skin pigment) leaves the skin prone to UV damage by sunlight. This can predispose you to skin cancers like a melanoma.
How to treat the skin damage caused by skin whitening agents?
Treatment of Skin Damaged by Skin Lighteners
The hyperpigmentation caused by skin whitening agents is not ‘curable’ and will persist for a lifetime. Using a sunscreen on a daily basis will assist with reducing the damage caused by sun exposure. Emollients are useful for dry and cracking skin and in cases of severe itching, a mild hydrocortisone cream may be used for a short period. Always consult with a dermatologist for medical attention when treating skin damaged by long term use of skin bleaches.
Related Articles :