Skin whitening
Skin Whitening
Skin whitening, also known as skin lightening and skin bleaching, is a cosmetic procedure that aims to lighten dark areas of skin or achieve a generally paler skin tone. It's often used to improve the appearance of blemishes such as birthmarks and dark patches (melasma).
Pronunciation
/skɪn ˈwaɪtənɪŋ/
Etymology
The term "skin whitening" is derived from the English words "skin", referring to the outer covering of the body, and "whitening", which means to make or become white or much lighter.
Related Terms
- Melanin: The pigment that gives human skin, hair, and eyes their color. Dark-skinned people have more melanin in their skin than light-skinned people.
- Hyperpigmentation: A common, usually harmless condition in which patches of skin become darker in color than the normal surrounding skin.
- Melasma: A common skin problem that causes brown to gray-brown patches, usually on the face.
- Bleaching cream: A product that lightens dark areas of the skin.
- Hydroquinone: A skin-lightening agent used in many whitening creams and dark mark fade treatments.
- Kojic Acid: A chemical produced by several species of fungi, used in the skin-lightening industry for its melanin-inhibiting properties.
Procedure
Skin whitening treatments work by reducing the content of melanin of the skin. Many agents have been shown to be effective in skin whitening; some have beneficial side effects (e.g., are antioxidants, nutrients, or decrease inflammation), and some have harmful side effects. This includes the use of bleaching cream, with varying results. The use of hydroquinone and kojic acid is also common.
Risks and Side Effects
While skin whitening can have some aesthetic benefits, it also comes with potential risks and side effects. These can include skin irritation, skin thinning, and even more serious issues like kidney damage or nerve damage. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any skin whitening treatments.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Skin whitening
- Wikipedia's article - Skin whitening
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