Having white and bright skin is everyone's dream. Various ways to whiten the skin were done to make it happen. However, before you want to try this method, there are some risks that you need to know and be aware of.
Melanin is a natural pigment or dye that gives color to a person's eyes, hair and skin. Dark-skinned people have higher levels of melanin than light-skinned people.
Melanin itself actually acts as a skin protector from sun damage. However, unfortunately, many people feel less confident if they have dark skin so they try various ways to lighten or whiten their skin.
Various Natural Skin Whitening Products and Ingredients
Currently, many circulating skin whitening products that contain natural ingredients, such as wheat, coconut oil, aloe vera, and green tea. Although these products claim to make skin lighter, their effectiveness has not been proven until now.
Therefore, to make it safer to use, you should first look at the ingredients contained in the product. The following are some ingredients that are commonly found in whitening products and are relatively safe to use:
1. Azelaic acid
Azelaic acid comes from a species of fungus Pityrosporum which can inhibit the formation of melanin cells and fight free radicals. Therefore, this substance is often used to treat skin problems due to excess pigment or melanin, such as darkened skin due to acne scars and melasma.
2. Kojic acid
Kojic acid is a natural skin whitening agent derived from mushroom extract Aspergillus. In various countries, such as Japan, this material has been widely used as skin care products.
This material is classified as safe to use. However, on the other hand, there are studies that say that this ingredient can potentially cause an irritating reaction on the skin of contact dermatitis. This reaction is more at risk of appearing in people who have sensitive skin.
3. Arbutin
Arbutin is an ingredient of plant origin and is widely used to treat hyperpigmented skin conditions. However, if used inappropriately or in the wrong dosage, arbutin has the risk of causing an increase in pigment and actually making the skin look darker.
4. Hydroquinone
Hydroquinone is often used in cosmetic products because it functions to lighten dark areas of the skin. Hydroquinone is also often used to whiten darkened skin due to scars, hormonal disturbances, or side effects of drugs, such as birth control pills.
However, this skin whitening ingredient can cause side effects, such as redness, swelling, and itching of the skin.
For those of you who use products containing hydroquinone, it is recommended to avoid sun exposure and use skin darkening methods, such as tanning.
In addition to the various ingredients above, there are two other substances that are claimed to whiten the skin in a short time, namely mercury and steroids. However, keep in mind that these two materials can be dangerous if used carelessly.
The use of mercury and steroids as skin whiteners, especially if the dosage is not right or for too long, can cause various problems in the body's organs, such as the brain, liver, and gastrointestinal tract. Improper use of mercury is also at risk of causing mercury poisoning.
Meanwhile, steroids are also known to cause some side effects, such as Cushing's syndrome, glaucoma, thinning of the skin, and weakening of the immune system.
Although many are sold freely, not all of the above ingredients are safe to use as a way to whiten skin. Therefore, consult your doctor first before using any skin whitening products.
How to whiten skin that can be done by a doctor
In addition to using skin whitening products, doctors can also use the following methods to whiten the skin:
Peeling
Peeling This is done by applying a chemical-based liquid to remove dead skin cells and stimulate the growth of new skin cells, so that dark spots on the skin will be reduced.
To be on the safe side, be sure to do peeling skin in the practice of a doctor who has an official license. Even though it is done by a competent doctor, sometimes the procedure peeling can also cause side effects, such as pain and irritation of the skin, as well as the risk of infection of the skin.
After treatment, it is recommended that you protect your skin from sun exposure for at least one month.
l therapyaser
Laser therapy as a skin whitener works by removing the top layer of dead skin cells that produce melanin. The success rate of this therapy depends on the type of skin you have. Therefore, consult your doctor first regarding the effectiveness of this procedure for your skin.
In addition to the relatively inexpensive price, whitening lasers generally have side effects after use, namely redness, bruising, and hardened skin. In certain cases, complications can occur such as skin infections, scarring, until the skin becomes darker or too white.
Before undergoing treatment, make sure you are clearly informed about the various risks and complications that may occur and what to do to manage them.
Tips for Keeping Skin Healthy
Instead of wanting whiter skin, it is better to keep the skin healthy. There are many simple ways you can do to get healthy skin without spending too much. Here are some ways this can be done:
- Avoid being outside between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you have to go outside, make sure you wear long pants and long sleeved clothes.
- Always use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or more at least 30 minutes before going outside. Choose a sunscreen that can protect against UVA and UVB exposure. Reapply every 2-3 hours, especially if you are doing outdoor sports and swimming.
- Apply lip balm to protect lips from the risk of sunburn.
In the end, it's the melanin that determines the color of your skin, not the skin whitening products you use. Reconsider if you decide to reduce melanin levels in the skin because it can actually harm the skin.
Consult a dermatologist regarding how to whiten skin and treatments that suit your skin type. What you need to remember, if you maintain healthy skin, any skin type and color can look attractive and make you more confident.