The colour of our skin depends upon the amount of melanin pigment present in our skin. The one who has more melanin pigment possesses a dark complexion as compared to others with reduced amount of melanin pigment.
The melanocytes are the cells responsible for production of melanin which are present among the basal cells in the epidermal tissue layer and this process is known as melanogenesis.
This not only affects skin pigmentation but also hair and eye pigmentation. The factors affecting production of melanin include genetics and sun exposure of the ancestral population.
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In earlier times, there was no difference between white and dark skin humans. But these days people of dark complexion face many problems like discrimination against white skin, and also within any racial or ethnic background.
Talking about skin whitening treatment which includes application of certain kinds of creams, products, procedures, or certain interventions to lighten skin tone and therefore removing pigmentation, or darker patches, and also uneven skin tone.
It works by reducing the production of melanin which is actually responsible for skin complexion. It has gained popularity among peoples looking out for many skin treatments like certain skin patches, lightening skin tone as required by people and also for many other skin issues.
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There are many treatments, procedures which have many uses but with that they also carry side effects, and other potential dangers and issues which should be known to patients before proceeding with this treatment.
Skin Whitening Treatment Introduction
As mentioned, these work by reducing melanin pigment, but we need to know what mechanism they follow and how they interact with proteins and cells present in the body to produce their effect?
To talk about topical applications such as cream, serums, gels and even peel off masks made of certain chemicals exfoliate inside the skin and encourage new skin growth in a lighter tone.
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Another treatment involving laser therapies, microdermabrasion works by skin’s outer layer.
Let’s move forward and elaborate these procedures in detail:
Microdermabrasion is a popularly used treatment in the U.S.A which is a non-surgical epidermal resurfacing procedure skin whitening treatment which works by treating uneven skin tone, scars, even acne scars, uneven skin texture, photoaging.
Third therapy includes cryotherapy procedure, which means cold treatment to remove dark spots and also works on enlarged pores, poor skin tone rejuvenates tired skin and also boosts collagen production.
Treatment of Skin Whitening
Topical products
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There are many topical products available as over the counter (OTC) tags which helps in gradual glowing of skin due to certain chemicals present in it.
There are available in various forms such as creams, lotions, and serums with chemical ingredients such as hydroquinone, arbutin, retinoids, azelaic acid, glycolic acid, kojic acid, paper mulberry extract, niacinamide, natural soybeans, vitamins, liquorice extract, and also melatonin for hypopigmentation.
To discuss the cost of this treatment, it might cost you a few bucks as compared to other treatments. Special advice not to go for low price treatments as it might be synthetic chemical preparations which may cause other adverse effects to skin rather than giving glowing skin.
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Chemical Peels treatments
It is the latest skin resurfacing procedure entered into the market which helps treat various skin imperfections including dry skin, excess oil production, pigmented skin, acnes, acne scars, fine lines and wrinkles and also UV damaged skin.
It also helps in removing blackheads, whiteheads, and removing dead skin. This procedure requires application of some kind of solution over the face which helps in peeling off old skin which happens in the second to fourth day after treatment.
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The old skin cells are replaced by fresh, healthy skin cells that brighten skin over face and hands. Before proceeding for the treatment, the doctor analyses skin and then face is cleansed, followed by sucking out blackheads, whiteheads and dirt with the help of technology operated suck tip.
Then the peel off solution applied which might cause some irritation or tingling sensation. After this, a neutralizer is applied followed by an LED mask.
Though this is a great treatment to treat certain conditions, it also has side effects like discomfort during treatment, redness and itchiness to sensitive skin, and scarring.
Laser therapy
This is old time therapy which came into the market about many years back and is widely preferred by many people.
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This works by reducing melanin pigment around the pigmented area by using a beam of light over the target skin area which is then removed by the immune system.
This is effectively used for skin pigmentation, dark spots, sun tanning, and even dull skin. Side effects of this treatment include itching, redness, bruising, crusting, blistering, skin infection or even turning skin too light or dark. It is effective for both face and other body areas.
Microdermabrasion
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The treatment backs into 1985 with less effects as compared to chemical treatments or laser therapies. This can be performed by any healthcare provider like nurse, physician, aesthetician, medical assistant without the use of anaesthesia.
This gives glowing skin by removing the upper layer i.e. stratum corneum of the skin. The abrasive crystals are rubbed over skin through propellants by the vacuum system which causes gentle abrasion over skin causing removal of skin.
Side effects include tenderness, swelling, bruising, eye irritation, skin becoming more sensitive for photodamage.
Cryotherapy
This procedure involves pumping cold pressurized liquid nitrogen vapours across the face for a few minutes which will immediately soothe and calm your sensitive skin.
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This helps to tighten your skin and remove pores, wrinkles and fine lines.
Skin Whitening Treatment Cost
There are certain factors on which cost depends like:
- Type of treatment
- Location/city
- Dermatologist reputation
- Number of sessions
- Size of the body area
- Topical products range from Rs 1000 to Rs 3000/- depending upon the products brand one prefers.
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To further talk about the price of chemical peel therapy, the price might range from Rs 1800 to 5500 per sitting or range may even go higher depending upon the reputation of the dermatologist.
- Laser therapy costs around Rs 4000 to 30,000.
- Microdermabrasion costs around Rs 700/- to 1800/- per session.
- In a cryotherapy session, one can expect to pay Rs 3300/- per session.
