Skin lightening - the medical term for what is commonly called skin bleaching is depigmentation.
Two doctors at the University of British Columbia have completed a scholarly review of the treatments available.
They report that skin lightening agents (creams and gels) are commonly used to treat the condition known as hyperpigmentation. The symptoms include freckling, age spots, moles, naturally dark skin areas under the eyes and arms, and melasma, a serious disorder resulting in irregular patches of skin several shades darker than surrounding tissue. The disorder affects Caucasians as well as people of Asian, Middle Eastern and African skin tones.
The doctors cite a growing number of what are medically referred to as depigmenting agents. Over-the-counter skin lightening products act as depigmenting agents, as do prescription-strength solutions employed by skin care professionals.
The study explains the cause of hyperpigmentation, which are excessive amounts of the dark pigment melanin drawn to the skin surface.
Some skin lighteners work by impacting the pigment melanin itself. The doctors cite kojic acid, which works to decrease melanin in skin cells. They point out that for years the Japanese diet has included kojic acid for general health benefit.
The doctors consider Alpha Arbutin an alternative medicine that inhibits melanin activity.
Various dermatological and at-home treatments commonly use hydroquinone. This is an industrial chemical available in prescription and over-the-counter strengths. Hydroquinone carries risks in some patients, including a reverse reaction called ochronosis, which causes the patient's skin to get darker rather than lighten.
The review did not elaborate on the ban on hydroquinone in some countries due to a cancer link. It is not banned in the US, but the strengths are closely regulated in skin products.
The medical researchers called for further studies. They concluded there is currently not evidence medical techniques are superior to topical skin lightening. Therefore, it may be in your best interested to purchase a safe, topical skin lightening cream or gel if you suffer from common skin pigmentation issues.
No comments:
Post a Comment