SKIN LIGHTENING TREATMENT by Dr. Manisha Bindal, Sr. Dermatologist at Bindal Clinics, Meerut
Healthy even-toned skin is a dream of everyone. All women, regardless of their age or ethnicity, want even, bright and radiant skin. For most women, it's challenging to achieve healthy, radiant skin due to various factors. The signs of dark spots or hyperpigmentation caused by the accumulation of melanin are fearsome to many. Hyperpigmentation can be intensified by genetics and ethnicity.
What is referred to as skin lightening?
Skin lightening as per Dr. Manisha Bindal, Sr. Dermatologist at Bindal Clinics, Meerut , is a cosmetic procedure done to lighten dark areas of skin or to improve the appearance of blemishes. Skin lightening has a specific function other than achieving a lighter complexion. Hyperpigmentation is a common condition of darkening of the skin. Dark patches are usually formed due to sun exposure on the face, hands and other areas. This skin darkening occurs due to excess of melanin (a brown pigment giving our skin its natural color) deposits on the surface. Although hyperpigmentation does not harm, many people are comfortable with the way they look.
Hyperpigmentation spots are usually caused by repeated exposure to the sun. Freckles and other darkened skin areas become darker after skin exposure. It is due to the tendency of melanin to absorb the sun's harmful ultraviolet radiations to protect the skin from overexposure.
Another form of hyperpigmentation is Melasma. These melisma spots become more significant than the spots caused by sun exposure. Hormonal changes mostly cause them. Use of birth control pills and pregnancy can also cause overproduction of melanin due to hormonal fluctuations.
Acne and other skin related diseases may also cause hyperpigmentation, leaving dark spots after the condition gets improved.Skin lightening products and treatment are done to even out your natural skin color and restore natural tone to deal with hyperpigmentation. Your skin color under your arms is your natural skin tone.
How can it be achieved?
There are two methods used to lighten the skin:
- Bleaching and chemical peel
- Skin –lightening creams
- Laser treatment
- A skin–lightening procedure covers aspects like its cost, time consumed, and results cannot be guaranteed.
- Sure, enough about every aspect before selecting a one.
How is it different from skin brightening and skin Whitening?
Skin Whitening, also known as skin bleaching, is a treatment designed to give a skin tone lighter than one's natural skin tone. This is usually done by the chemicals which are painful and dangerous to use.
Skin brightening is used to increase radiance and restore the vibrancy of skin by removing dead cells. Skin brightening products are an essential part of a skincare regimen.
Skin Lightening Creams
Skin lightening creams are available on prescription from a doctor. The medications may include hydroquinone or corticosteroids or both. Many alternative skin lightening products are also available without a prescription, but it can prove harmful for your skin.
Laser treatment by Dr. Manisha Bindal, Sr. Dermatologist at Bindal Clinics, Meerut
Laser treatment can be done to lighten dark patches of skin or blemishes. It is performed by either removing the outer layer of skin or damaging the cells that produce melanin. It may work for some, and others may experience no effect or temporary results.
The cost involved in Laser treatment can vary across different practitioners and depends on the size of the area, the extent of lightening required, and the equipment used. Several sessions are needed to increase the effectiveness of the treatment.
Benefits of laser treatment by Dr. Manisha Bindal, Sr. Dermatologist at Bindal Clinics, Meerut
- Fast, effective skin lightening
- Improvement in the general appearance of the skin
- Enhance your beauty by giving you younger-looking skin and boost your confidence
How is it done
Before the beginning of this procedure, a test is done on a small area of skin. This helps to observe the reaction. If there is no problem, then the first session is scheduled a few weeks later.
A pricking or stinging sensation is felt during the procedure, so a local an aesthetic cream may be used to numb your skin beforehand.
During a session:
- A goggle is provided for the protection of eyes
- A small handheld laser device which is held against your skin
- A jet of cold air blown to your skin
Each session usually lasts around 30 minutes to an hour. You can go home after it's finished. You may experience redness, swelling, bruising, blistering or crusting after the session, which may pass after 1 or 2 weeks.
Recovery
Recovery from a laser skin lightening may take 1 or 2 weeks. A few days off work or avoiding sun exposure is recommended. The skin may appear red or swollen and sensitive to skin.
You must take certain precautions like washing the treated area gently and carefully dab it dry. Apply aloe Vera or petroleum jelly, don't pick any scabs that any occur, applying sunscreen and taking pain killers when required.
Possible side effects and complications
Serious complications are usually uncommon but can include scarring, skin infection or the skin appearing too light or darker.Cosmetic procedures may sometimes go wrong and can give unexpected results.
The potential risk of using skin lightening treatment:
- Prolonged use of creams etc. can contribute to premature ageing of the skin.
- It may increase the risk of skin cancer from sun exposure. It is always advisable to use a sunblock cream when using a skin lightener and to go outdoors.
- Steroids found in some skin lighteners may increase the risk for skin infections, acne, skin thinning or poor wound healing.
- Use of steroids may have adverse effects on your body.
- Hydroquinone may cause untreatable and unwanted skin discoloration.
- Many bleaching products can cause irritation or allergic reaction in your skin.
Skin conditions are likely to reappear and may require another treatment to get your desired results. It is strongly recommended to consult a trusted and well-experienced dermatologist to minimize your risk and increase the chance of getting the required results. It is necessary to discuss your medical history before undergoing any skin lightening procedure.
Contact Dr. Manisha Bindal, MBBS, DVD, a skin specialist specially trained in laser and cosmetic surgery, from Bindal's Clinic at Meerut. For further queries, mail us at www.bindalclinics.com or info@bindalclinics.com. Book your appointment for getting the best skin-related advice and treatment in the town. You can also call us at 8958004590 (Dev Shri Plaza) or 9756101557 (Citi Center).