Advantages of Skin Lightening & Skin Whitening Treatment

Posted by Dr. Rinky Kapoor on September 21st, 2015

Skin lightening and whitening treatments are among the most common services offered by dermatologists. What they do is straightforward—which is to lighten or whiten the skin—but beyond that, advanced skin lightening treatments can tackle other skin problems such as age spots, uneven tone, and pimple scars, too. People go for skin lightening treatments for different reasons, but most of them find that the right treatment is able to improve their complexion and make them feel better and comfortable in their own skin.

Having light or whiter skin does not automatically equate to becoming more attractive; it all depends on personal preference. A person who is uncomfortable with his or her current complexion and would like to safely and gradually lighten it should consult a dermatologist to be safe. Problems with complexion are primarily caused by constantly being exposed to the sun and UV rays, which causes age spots, uneven skin tone, and patches of discoloured skin. Skin lightening and whitening treatments can also be done on certain areas of the body which may be dark due to genetics or have darkened. Some examples are whitening treatments for the underarms and the bikini area.

Hyperpigmentation, acne scars, and melasma are other conditions that can be treated using skin lightening and whitening from a certified dermatologist. A dermatologist can treat areas of the body with abnormally high pigmentation, such as birthmarks. If you have vitiligo, skin lightening treatments may be used on the unaffected skin to make the skin look more even. Certain types of skin whiteners can minimise or prevent the amount of melanin production.

It is safer to seek skin lightening treatments from a known dermatologist to ensure that you can effectively whiten your skin with products that have been proven to work. Some over the counter skin lighteners and bleaching creams have mercury, which can poison your brain and kidney, and cause birth defects. Others may be too weak or may have ingredients that are ineffective for your skin type.

Dermatologists may recommend combination treatments like topical lotions and gels with ingredients that prevent melanin production, along with prescription retinoid and sunscreen. Chemical peels, topical cosmetic products, laser whitening treatments, and exfoliants may be used, too, depending on your skin type and the results you want to achieve.

There are psychological advantages to using skin whitening and lightening treatments. Acne scars, melasma, and hyperpigmentation may cause sufferers to be insecure about their appearance, leading to low self-esteem and feeling unattractive to the opposite sex. Skin lightening treatments may improve their skin tone so they can boost their self-esteem and self-confidence.

About the Author:

Dr. Rinky Kapoor is a world renowned Skin Specialist (Dermatologist), Dermato-surgeon expert and Cosmetic Dermatologist, and serves in fulfilling the growing demand in Hair, Skin and Nail care. She had been the co-founder of The Esthetic Clinic at Apollo Health City, Hyderabad and headed the Department of Cosmetic Dermatology and Lasers there from 2009-2011.