Contents:
- Medical Video: 5 Things to Know Before using Kojic Acid (Soap, Powder, or Cream)
- 1. Skin whitening from doctors is usually a medicine for skin diseases
- 2. There is no bleach that can actually make the skin white
- 3. Brightening the skin can cause dangerous side effects
- 4. Long-term use can actually darken the skin
- 5. There is a natural skin lightening option
Medical Video: 5 Things to Know Before using Kojic Acid (Soap, Powder, or Cream)
Most Asian women want their skin to be whiter. However, did you know that there are some side effects or complications from skin whitening treatments? Let's find out together in this article.
1. Skin whitening from doctors is usually a medicine for skin diseases
Unlike the stereotype that skin whitening is just for beauty, many dermatologists actually prescribe exfoliants for skin diseases, for patients who want to whiten the skin. Usually that is prescribed is a skin lightening drug to treat skin diseases that cause uneven skin tone.
2. There is no bleach that can actually make the skin white
Exfoliant works by reducing pigment called melanin, which is by using drugs for body parts or faces that are darker than others. Melanin production is disrupted to allow the skin to glow and become even.
Sometimes, skin lightening products can contain exfoliants for mild exfoliating. Because the skin tends to regenerate quickly and easily, peeling will help cleanse dead skin cells and revitalize the brighter layer underneath, making the skin look brighter. But this product cannot make your skin color whiter than your brightest natural skin color.
3. Brightening the skin can cause dangerous side effects
In dermatologists often recommend short-term hydroquinone. This maximum 2% dose of prescription sunscreen or cream is indeed permitted by the FDA, but is still a bit controversial. Severe allergic reactions to hydroquinone are rare. However, sometimes the skin will become red, dry or itchy in the problem area.
Conversely, this drug can increase the risk of cancer. For this reason, although it is still freely available in low doses in the United States, hydroquinone can only be used with prescription in many countries. This substance has been banned for some time in Europe but now only can be obtained by prescription.
4. Long-term use can actually darken the skin
What happens if hydroquinone is used in doses of more than 2% or over a period of more than three months? All skin enlightenment activities will produce negative results, or even paradoxical results. With higher drug levels, there have been reports of many complications. For example, the appearance of exogenous oil infections, darkening of the skin for a long time, and skin that becomes resistant to any treatment. Possible skin reactions can occur in lower doses, but this risk will increase with increasing doses.
5. There is a natural skin lightening option
For those who are alert to toxic chemicals, find natural remedies to brighten the skin. There are many natural agents that can be found in nature with skin lightening properties. This option does not contain chemicals and is easy to find alternative products for skin lightening. One that you can try is vitamin C, azelaic acid (wheat and barley) and cinnamomum subavenium from China. There are also studies that show that pomegranate extract can help. In addition, vitamin E supplements also inhibit melanin production.
In addition to the benefits and effects of skin whitening treatments, you must pay attention to the complications. Consult your doctor to get the best advice. You can also choose a quality hospital for your safety.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
