Skin whitening is a type of cosmetic treatment that may be used to lighten skin color, and for certain pigmentation problems. The whitening treatment can help lighten a tan, fade scars, and alleviate dark patches on the skin. Topical skin lightening creams and lotions often contain chemical agents such as hydroquinone and azelaic acid. Some whitening creams have plant extracts that could have a bleaching effect on the skin. A dermatologist may prescribe a high concentration whitening cream, or perform a procedure such as a chemical peel for pigmentation irregularities.

Generally, a person’s skin color depends on melanin, which is a type of pigment made in melanocyte cells. Exposure to sunlight can cause the melanocytes to increase their production of melanin. This can result in considerable darkening of the skin. In some cases, such sun damage shows up in the form of brown colored age spots.

Hyperpigmentation, or excessive darkening of certain areas of the skin, may also occur after an injury, or from skin disorders such as acne. Pregnancy or hormone therapy might stimulate the melanocytes, and lead to a type of hyperpigmentation called melasma. In this skin condition, brownish patches may appear on the face.

Skin whitening products can help reduce excessive pigmentation. Typically, whitening creams contain ingredients that hinder the process whereby melanin is produced. Hydroquinone is a chemical often used for its skin lightening effect. Over the counter skin bleaching products may have two percent hydroquinone. A doctor’s prescription is usually needed for a skin lightening cream with four percent or higher concentration of hydroquinone.

Topical skin whitening products sometimes include a form of vitamin A such as tretinoin, in addition to hydroquinone. This formulation can be beneficial in skin conditions like melasma. Many whitening creams contain a sunscreen as well to protect the skin from further damage from sun’s ultraviolet radiation.

Some skin whitening lotions have kojic acid and azelaic acid as their active ingredients. Several skin lightening products include arbutin, which can be extracted from mulberry, bearberry, or cranberry. Papaya, lemon, and orange are among the fruits that may lighten the skin naturally. These fruits can improve the complexion when included in one’s diet, or applied to the skin.

Skin whitening treatments include chemical peels using fruit acids or other peeling agents. The procedure typically involves application of a peeling solution such as an alpha-hydoxy acid to exfoliate the darker, pigmented skin. A dermatologist could perform a procedure known as dermabrasion to lessen acne scars, brown spots, and similar pigmentation problems. In this technique, the skin’s surface is lightly rubbed with a special device.

Laser treatment is among the recent options available to improve skin’s appearance. It may be used for uneven skin tone, and forms of hyperpigmentation such as melasma. This treatment can be directed specifically to the affected areas, or performed on the entire face.

One needs to be careful when opting for skin whitening products and treatments, as they could have side effects. Chemicals present in bleaching creams may cause local redness and irritation. In some people, regular use of bleaching cream could result in skin discoloration. Certain skin lightening procedures may not be suitable for the individual’s skin type. For instance, laser treatment could cause adverse changes in pigmentation in some people.