Skin lightening treatments, including intravenous injections and topical bleaching agents, can lighten skin by a few shades, while other products can even out skin tone by targeting age spots and hyperpigmentation. Some options have serious health risks, so be wary about any product that hasn’t been recommended to you by a board-certified dermatologist.
Glutathione is an enzyme produced by the liver that has been used to treat male infertility and various vitamin deficiencies and to boost an immune system that’s been compromised by chemotherapy. Recently, it has been publicized as a way to lighten skin.Â
In April 2018, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) issued a consumer safety update, warning that “injectable skin whitening and skin-bleaching products are potentially unsafe and ineffective and might contain unknown harmful ingredients or contaminants.” The FDA specifically called out IV glutathione as causing a “potentially significant safety risk.” Additionally, IV glutathione hasn’t been proven, in any other clinical trials, to be effective or safe for skin lightening.Â
Despite these warnings, some doctors administer the IV for skin lightening and support its effects. If you decide to undergo IV glutathione treatments, you can expect to have a series of treatments to achieve your goals, and there will be maintenance sessions.Â
When taken orally as a pill or liquid, glutathione is poorly absorbed into the bloodstream, so it’s unlikely you’d see the results you’re looking for.
Studies over the years have found numerous risks associated with skin-bleaching creams.
Because of the possibility of mercury in skin lightening creams, they’re not considered safe. Mercury toxicity can lead to hypertension, increased heart rate, sensitivity to light, fatigue, gastrointestinal symptoms, and neurological issues such as tremors, irritability, memory loss, and difficulty thinking. Chronic exposure to mercury can lead to kidney failure. Pregnant women with mercury toxicity can pass it on to their fetus.Â
Skin-bleaching creams also may contain steroids, which can cause acne, skin infections, skin thinning, and poor wound healing.
There are a variety of products available, both OTC and via prescription, with ingredients that inhibit the activity of tyrosinase (the enzyme needed to make melanin), which is responsible for the pigment in your skin. Because melanin protects the skin against UV rays, using these products may make your skin more vulnerable to sun damage. Â
Usage and side effects vary depending on the treatment, but creams are usually applied to the dark spots once or twice a day. Avoid contact with the eyes and mouth, and apply it only to the area(s) you wish to lighten.Â
The lightening or brightening effects of these products are usually are not permanent and disappear gradually after you discontinue use. If you’re brightening or lightening your skin, be sure to wear SPF 30 or higher to help avoid sunburns, tanning, or reversal of your skincare’s effects.
Your dermatologist can help you find the right treatment for your concerns.Â
Microdermabrasion and laser resurfacing treatments, such as Clear + Brilliant, are popular options for evening out your complexion.Â
You can also consider chemical peels. The VI peel targets pigmentation issues with a powerhouse cocktail of a phenol peel, TCA peel, Retin-A, salicylic acid, and vitamin C. A series of glycolic-acid peels can work to fade discoloration, dark spots, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Peels also have a bonus effect of sloughing off dry skin and clearing pores.Â
Your doctor can also administer or prescribe regimens such as SkinMedica’s Lytera Pigment Correcting Serum, which helps balance melanin production.Â
Some people use retinoic acid (Retin-A), a vitamin A derivative, to even out their skin tone; retinoids speed cell turnover while curbing the production of melanin.Â
Other OTC solutions include vitamin C, to boost brightness.
Your cost will depend on which product or treatment you chose.
Updated February 20, 2024