The saying “Beauty is only skin deep” means a person’s physical attractiveness does equate to having substance and an honourable character. Everyone aspires to be good inside and out but sometimes fate deals us a cruel blow. The skin is the largest organ in the human body which makes physical imperfections more visible. Blemishes, dark spots and hyperpigmentation can make anyone insecure about the way they look. Skin lightening procedures can give them hope to live their lives with confidence.
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What is Skin Lightening?
Skin lightening is a procedure which seeks to achieve a lighter skin tone by reducing the levels of melanin pigmentation. Melanin is a complex polymer that comes from the amino acid tyrosine. It is responsible for giving your skin and hair its colour.
The amount of melanin in your skin is genetically and culturally predisposed. Generally, cultures that have been greatly exposed to the sun throughout their history have higher levels of melanin in their skin. Procedures for skin lightening could involve plastic and laser surgery or non-surgical methods such as the use of creams, soaps and serums which people often use to whiten intimate areas such as vaginal bleaching.
These treatments work by inhibiting the production of tyrosinase. This is a copper containing enzyme that is present in plant and animal tissues and uses oxidation to produce melanin.
Skin lightening or bleaching treatments should only be carried out by professionally licensed dermatologists and doctors.
Why Undergo Skin Lightening?
For most people, how they look affects how they feel. In a society that oftentimes discriminates on the basis of appearance, it is not surprising that dermatological procedures become an immediate option.
Celebrities, entertainers, models and other professionals whose income depends on their physical attractiveness make up the majority clientele of dermatologists and plastic surgeons.
Even those of African- American descent and have lovely, natural ebony skin tone have chosen to undergo skin lightening procedure. Some are asked by their management team to lighten their skin tone to appeal to a wider audience and consumer market.
Beyoncé and Rihanna are two of the most talented and most beautiful singers in the history of music regardless of skin colour. Yet, both allegedly underwent skin lightening procedures as they slowly looked “whiter” the past few years.
Other celebrities who supposedly had skin lightening procedures include Halle Berry, Nikki Minaj, baseball legend Sammy Sosa, Iman and Motown legend Diana Ross.
Then there are those who are afflicted with skin disorders like vitiligo or had problems overcoming acne at a young age and have pock marked skin. The late “King of Pop” Michael Jackson had a severe case of vitiligo plus acne growing up that he had to regularly undergo skin bleaching to even out his colour.
4 Things to Consider Before Undergoing Skin Lightening Procedure
Ultimately, having skin lightening procedures done will be a matter of choice. But it is not an easy decision to make because there is the potential of getting unwanted side effects. Every procedure, whether surgical or non-surgical, carries a degree of risk.
Here are a few things to consider before deciding on getting skin lightening work done:
1. Check with a Dermatologist
The first step you should take is a drive to your dermatologist’s office.
Since we are talking about a procedure to be done on your skin, it is always a good idea to check with a specialist. Open up and be honest with your dermatologist.
They will run tests on your skin to find out if you are sensitive to certain chemicals. Most skin lightening creams contain hydroquinone which can cause rashes and trigger a burning sensation.
Glutathione is also a popular ingredient. But products that have excessive amounts of glutathione can be dangerous.
Tell the dermatologist your plans, your purpose and objective for considering skin lightening. The dermatologist will be in the best position to give you advice on your next move.
2. Consult with a Plastic Surgeon
If you want a second opinion, why not consult with a Plastic Surgeon?
Even though they are paid well, the best and most professional plastic surgeons will not recommend surgery unless it is absolutely necessary or is the final option.
If the dermatologist recommends plastic surgery, then you can get direct and more detailed information about its costs, procedures and risks.
3. Plan Your Recovery Program
Assuming you have made your decision to undergo skin lightening procedure, your attention should now shift to your recovery program.
Again, the surgeon or dermatologist is the best person to give you advice. He or she will give you a list of medications, type of sunblock and after-care creams you might need during the recovery stage.
The doctor will also give you a maintenance regimen that usually includes regular exfoliation, toning and application of a moisturizer.
It is important to establish schedule for treatments and appointments ahead of time so you can plan your other activities such as work and family around it.
4. Costs Before, During and After Procedure
Unless you make as much money as a Beyoncé or a Rihanna, skin treatment procedure can be very expensive.
You have to factor in costs before, during and after procedure which will cover doctor’s fees, hospital fees, medicines, after-surgery treatments, maintenance costs and continued appointments.
Evaluate your financial status and ask yourself if the skin lightening procedure will be worth it.
4 Types of Skin Lightening Procedures
There are different methods to improving your skin tone and colour. The dermatologist can give you professional advice on which approach would best help you achieve your goal. There are 4 types of skin lightening procedures to consider:
1. Skin Bleaching Surgery
Dermatologists may recommend skin bleaching surgery if your discolouration was caused by sunburn, hyperpigmentation and skin spots.
When undergoing skin bleaching, chemical lightening injections that have anti-oxidizing properties are administered. This is a delicate procedure which should only be done by a licensed and experienced dermatologist.
Individuals who have done the procedure on themselves become victims of mercury poisoning because they did not validate the quality and authenticity of the substances.
African-Americans would best be advised to opt for full body bleaching in order to achieve even skin tone.
2. Laser Skin Lightening Procedure
Laser treatments may be non-surgical depending on the method used to achieve even skin tone.
• Laser Skin Rejuvenation – This is a non-surgical method which is usually done on a small area because it may cause
discomfort during procedure. • CO2 Laser, Pixel CO2 Laser and Ultra-Pulse Fractional CO2 Laser – Surgical procedure which requires a deeper level of penetration on the skin layer in order to restructure collagen or remove reticular dermis.
Laser treatments are recommended to address the following skin problems:
• Lightening naturally dark skin;• Removal of dark spots on the face and areas frequently exposed to the sun;• Skin imperfections caused by melanin or injury.
Keep in mind that Laser Skin Lightening procedures can be quite expensive.
3. Permanent Skin Whitening and Lightening
If you want to maintain a lighter skin tone for the rest of your life, this is procedure that you should consider.
Permanent skin whitening is often recommended for the following conditions:
• Facial blemishes;• Dark spots due to excessive sun exposure;• Excessive pigmentation.
There are 2 ways to achieve permanent skin lightening:
• Melanin reduction surgery (laser treatment)• Bleaching surgery
Permanent skin lightening procedures are very expensive and should only be performed by licensed dermatologists.
In the United Kingdom, this type of procedure may cost GBP400 or higher. By way of comparison, the most affordable full body procedure will cost US$3,000. This estimate is near accurate whether you have it done in India, UK or the Philippines.
4. Full Body Skin Lightening Plastic Surgery
If you wish to have full body skin lightening plastic surgery, be prepared to pay the price.
But keep in mind that clinics will require you to provide insurance coverage for the procedure.
With full body skin lightening, you will be assured of having an even tone throughout your body. It will definitely get rid of dark spots on your arms, legs, facial freckles, dark armpits and vitiligo.
You can avail of these benefits if you are prepared to fork over at least US$3,000.
3 Benefits of Skin Lightening
We discussed some of the reasons people, even those of natural ebony skin decide to undergo skin lightening procedures. There are other benefits to skin lightening than just achieving your ideal look:
1. Confidence
If you have vitiligo, unsightly marks or spots on your body and other unusual skin conditions, you might find yourself constantly troubled with insecurities that lead to a drop in confidence. Skin lightening procedures such as bleaching can help address those physical problems so you can overcome emotional distress.
2. Anti-Ageing
Some procedures particularly those that heavily involve the application of topical solutions contain ingredients rich in powerful, anti-ageing oxidants such as vitamin C and glutathione.
3. Safe and Low Risk Procedures
Generally safe and low risk assuming the procedures are done by a licensed professional with a good track record in patient safety. Topical creams are also safe provided these are doctor-recommended and procured only from reputable retailers.
Risks of Skin Lightening
As mentioned earlier, there are risks associated with skin lightening. This should be expected as not all treatments even when they are supported by medical records are 100% risk-free.
1. Skin Discomfort
Some reddening and swelling of the skin is expected after procedures that involve chemicals and laser treatment.
2. Hyper-pigmentation
Laser treatments may disrupt cell structure and damage melanocyte cells which can lead to hyper-pigmentation.
3. Skin Crusting
Excessive skin lightening can lead to blistering or crusting of the skin.
4. Sensitivity to Sunlight
Because cells that naturally produce melanin are disrupted, sun exposure is not advised even after completion of treatments.
You should also avoid using skin lightening creams that contain steroids because these can compromise your immune system and natural defense mechanisms. As discussed earlier, do not use products that have mercury because this substance has been known to damage your skin, liver and nervous system.
Conclusion
Whether you decide to undergo skin lightening procedure or not will largely be a personal choice. We have outlined the benefits, risks, costs and other considerations that you should keep in mind before arriving at a final decision.
For health reasons, this is a decision that you should not make on your own. As we suggested, always consult with a licensed health professional who is an expert in this field such as a dermatologist.
Even if your dermatologist gives you the green light, do not proceed with the treatment until you are medically cleared for it. Visit your doctor and have a thorough medical check-up done to make sure you are not allergic to any chemical or substance.