The Why, What, and How of Skin Bleaching
A controversial cosmetic practice is skin bleaching. The controversy surrounds the reasons and methods of having this done or attempting to do it alone with products purchased from beauty supply stores or online. It is always best to ask a skincare professional instead of believing everything online because some products that can be purchased have side effects and can cause lasting damage to the skin. Looking at some of the top reasons to seek skin lightening, what it does, and how it works helps patients make a thoughtful decision if it is something they want to pursue. Working with a reputable dermatologist to get results to remove dark spots or other skin coloration concerns is a targeted way to address skin concerns without over doing it or using the wrong products and making skin look worse. The World Health Organization identifies Mercury as a hazardous skin lightening product. The only safe way to treat hyperpigmentation is with dermatologists’ approved methods.
Top Reasons People Seek Skin Lightening Treatment
Beauty standards and colorism contribute to those with darker skin seeking to lighten their skin. Social media and marketing have idealized Eurocentric beauty standards that enhance the beauty of lighter and even pale skin. Colorism affects all races and ethnic groups.
The other category of people who seek to lighten their skin addresses skin conditions like hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tones, and, in some cases, scarring. Licensed dermatologists work with patients continually on these skin concerns and provide effective and affordable treatments to get the results they seek.
Hormonal changes, melasma, sun exposure, and acne scarring can cause hyperpigmentation. In these instances, topical treatments can be provided that are safe and target the specific area of concern. Using products that may or may not be FDA approved can result in all-over lightening, creating uneven skin tones. Noticeable skin conditions that involve discoloration may cause mental stress and anxiety, which is why treatments can help people feel more confident and comfortable with their appearance. However, it is best to embrace one’s unique features!
Skin Lightening Ingredients
There is a list of top skin-lightening ingredients that may be in skin-lightening products. Some of the ingredients on the list include Vitamin C, niacinamide, retinol, hydroquinone, mercury, green tea, and turmeric. Mercury is known to be dangerous, and many of the ingredients can have side effects. Anything put on the skin that will affect the tone will absorb into the skin, so the body is exposed to whatever is going on topically. Although it is not difficult to get products that claim to lighten skin, they are not always safe. Working with a licensed dermatologist can address hyperpigmentation and scarring concerns with safe, effective, and targeted methods.
How Skin Bleaching Works
Skin lightening or bleaching methods and treatments offer various results. Whether treating a small spot or a broader area on the skin, the results can vary without targeted efforts. One of the worst things an individual can do is use a lightening product all over to address a few dark spots. If a person is trying to lighten or bleach all their skin, it will create uneven patches on the skin. Using hydroquinone at high doses can cause black and blue discoloration of the skin.
Avoid Mercury in Products
Only dermatology-approved methods are safe when addressing dark spots and hyperpigmentation. This is because licensed professionals don’t use products that can harm their patients. Mercury is the most well-known bleaching product that is illegal for this purpose but is still accessible online. The World Health Organization says the demand for mercury products is a global crisis because of the risks and known dangers associated with their use. Africa, Asia, and the Middle East do not have the same safety standards for beauty products, which creates a discrepancy for those seeking to erase hyperpigmentation, scarring, and melasma or lighten their skin. Side effects of mercury use include rashes, infections, depression, anxiety, kidney damage, and even psychosis.
In today’s beauty industry, flawless skin may still be the ideal look some people want to achieve. However, the reality is that every individual has unique things about them, and the best dermatologists can help patients embrace their individuality, addressing major concerns that make them self-conscious. There are many practicing dermatologists who will not offer an overall lightening treatment because of their personal choice on how to run their practice. The number of treatments and skincare options that can help people achieve their optimal skin health and appearance and affordable and accessible through local and reputable dermatology offices. If you live in Atlanta and want to work with the best dermatology office in the area, contact Buckhead Dermatology today at 404-816-4000 and make an appointment with Dr. Sherrie Straughn.