Skin whitening is a way to get an even skin tone. This process is achieved by bleaching the discolorations on the skin. There are many skin conditions that cause pigmented areas, including freckles, age spots and scars. Skin whitening products sold in drugstores contain bleaching agents, and these methods can take several week to several months of continuous use before noticeable result are seen. But there are faster ways to whiten the skin, usually with the help of a doctor. Not all skin whitening methods work for everyone. The trick is finding out which procedures will work for you.
Using Prescription Drugs
For fast skin whitening, the best course of treatment is through prescription skin bleaching medication. There are many skin bleaching products a doctor can recommend. Some drugs are just high concentrations of chemicals that are found in over-the-counter skin bleaches, such as hydroquinone, a popular ingredient found in many skin whitening creams. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) only allows hydroquinone at two percent concentration in commercial products, but doctors can prescribe much higher concentrations. Other drugs a doctor may prescribe are Retin-A or other retinoids. all of which are derived from vitamin A. A doctor will examine your skin and recommend the best treatment for your situation.
Chemical Peel
There are at-home chemical peel kits, and many beauty salons now offer chemical peels. But for the fastest results, get a chemical peel from a dermatologist or plastic surgeon, since these medical professionals have access to several chemicals that are stronger than those available to the general public. During a chemical peel, the doctor applies an acid to the skin that burns away the top layer. As the top layer of skin heals, new skin grows underneath, waiting to emerge. When the new skin gets to the surface, you will see a noticeable improvement. Depending on factors such as depth of discoloration and individual healing time, more than one treatment is usually needed. Other chemicals that doctors use are glycolic acid, lactic acid and peroxide-based products.
Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion is also done by a doctor. In this procedure, a rotating wire brush is used to sand off the epidermis. This method helps with surface scars, deep wrinkles and discolorations. The process accelerates new skin growth. When the new skin appears, it is more even in tone than before. While one treatment may help whiten small areas, several treatments are usually needed for best results.
Laser Resurfacing
This is another expensive medical procedure like dermabrasion and chemicals peels. Laser resurfacing uses a beam of infrared light to repair the skin. The laser can go deeper into the skin layers without causing damage to the surface of the skin. The heat of the laser is also able to accelerate new skin growth. Once the skin heals, the new skin will be noticeably lighter in tone. Lasers are effective in targeting small areas of the skin, unlike dermabrasion, which covers larger areas.
