SKIN LIGHTENING

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

• In 2006, the FDA issued a notice stating that over-the-counter (OTC) topical skin-bleaching products aren’t recognized as safe and effective for human use, based on its review of available evidence. 
• In 2010, the Virginia Department of Health discovered that skin-bleaching creams made in Mexico were linked to mercury toxicity in 10 people. 
• In 2014, a study that tested 549 skin-lightening creams bought online and in stores discovered that 6% contained high levels of mercury. 

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. 

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.  

• Hydroquinone creams are topical skin lightening products that are commonly used for melasma, freckles, age spots, and scars. Over-the-counter products can contain up to 2% hydroquinone, and dermatologists can write prescriptions for FDA-regulated formulas that contain 4–6% hydroquinone. Prolonged use of hydroquinone has a rare side effect called ochronosis, characterized by blue-and-black speckled pigmentation over the face, neck, and sun-exposed areas—a condition flagged by the FDA in 2008. The good news is that ochronosis can be treated with laser resurfacing. 
• Kojic acid is a compound that comes from a Japanese mushroom (or certain fermented foods, like sake or soy sauce). As a topical ingredient, it helps to fade discoloration like age spots, brown spots, or pigmentation from acne. Unfortunately, it may not be as effective as hydroquinone. 
• Arbutin is an extract from the bearberry plant, and it’s much gentler on the skin. It’s said to have sun-protection properties that can reduce the degree of skin darkening after exposure.
• Licorice root has an active compound called glabridin. Not only does it help to lighten discoloration or hyperpigmentation, but it can have an anti-inflammatory effect, depending on the product. Case studies, however, have linked the use of licorice skin-bleaching products to contact dermatitis (an uncomfortable, itchy rash).

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. 

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. 

Microdermabrasion and laser resurfacing treatments, such as Clear + Brilliant, are popular options for evening out your complexion. 

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. 

Your doctor can also administer or prescribe regimens such as SkinMedica’s Lytera Pigment Correcting Serum, which helps balance melanin production. 

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. 

Other OTC solutions include vitamin C, to boost brightness.

• Average Cost:
• $964

• Range:
• $70 - $5,500

Your cost will depend on which product or treatment you chose.