Various skin whitening products use chemical or natural substances to reduce melanin pigment, but their use requires caution to avoid serious health damage.
How Do Skin Whitening Products Work?
These products function by reducing the amount of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color. This pigment is influenced by genetic factors, hormonal changes, sun exposure, or skin injuries. Such substances are used for several purposes, including:
- Treating age spots or pigmentation resulting from hormonal disorders.
- Removing acne scars.
- Lightening the color of the entire body, which can be dangerous due to harmful ingredients.
Common Ingredients in Skin Whitening and Their Risks
The materials used in these formulations vary in terms of safety and effectiveness:
Chemical and Medical Substances:
- Mercury: A dangerous substance that may cause neurological, psychological, and renal disorders; it appears in products under names such as mercurio or calomel.
- Hydroquinone: Requires medical supervision. Levels of 2% or less are used under a doctor’s guidance, while concentrations between 2-4% are only dispensed via a dermatologist’s prescription.
- Steroids: Recommended for short periods and in small quantities, as they may lead to skin thinning, acne, and osteoporosis.
- Other Acids: Such as retinoic acid (a vitamin A derivative) and natural kojic acid.
Exfoliants (Salicylic Acid):
This helps lighten sun-induced pigmentation and melasma by exfoliating dead skin cells and inhibiting melanin. It is available as a cream, wash, or peel; a doctor should be consulted before using high-concentration exfoliants.
Natural Substances (Licorice):
Licorice contains “glabridin,” which inhibits melanin production, and “liquiritin,” which helps break down excess pigment. It can be used in home masks with milk or aloe vera, or via cosmetic products like serums.
Glutathione and Its Effect on Skin Color
Glutathione is an antioxidant produced by the body and is used in cosmetics in various forms:
- Topical applications: These increase skin smoothness and hydration, but their effectiveness in skin whitening is unconfirmed.
- Pills: Absorption in the intestines is poor, although sublingual types may improve absorption.
- Injections: These raise significant safety concerns, as they may cause kidney failure, liver damage, or life-threatening Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
Side Effects and Precautions
Prolonged use of these substances may lead to premature signs of aging, increased skin darkening, the appearance of black scars, and a higher probability of developing skin cancer.
Special Warnings:
- Salicylic Acid: Prohibited for pregnant women, those with aspirin allergies, or users of oral isotretinoin.
- Licorice: May cause high blood pressure or potassium deficiency when taken orally, and may interact with blood pressure medications and contraceptives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can salicylic acid be used for skin whitening?
Yes, it works by exfoliating pigmented skin layers and inhibiting melanin, which helps treat acne scars and sun pigmentation.
How effective is glutathione for skin whitening?
The results are not yet definitively confirmed, and effectiveness may appear in specific areas of the body only without providing promising long-term results.
Are the benefits of licorice for whitening real?
Yes, there is evidence of its ability to protect the skin from discoloration and lighten melasma and age spots thanks to its anti-inflammatory compounds.
When to Visit a Doctor?
You should consult a doctor immediately in the following cases:
- The appearance of a severe allergic reaction, such as facial swelling or difficulty breathing.
- The appearance of an acute rash or ulcers after using a whitening substance.
- The desire to use high-concentration exfoliants or medical substances like hydroquinone.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice.
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Illustration: AI-generated
approved by: Medica Health team