What treatments are available to permanently whiten skin?

Question

I have been trying unsuccessfully to lighten my natural skin tone. I am interested in laser treatments that will permanently lighten/whiten my skin. What options are available? Thank you!

Sonia Badreshia-Bansal, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. There are other options to lighten skin tone including lasers, bleaching creams, and chemical peels. You should have a consultation with a board certified dermatologist to discuss which option is best for you. You have to consider though that no matter which treatment you decide to do that it will not produce a permanent result and that sun avoidance as well as the use of sunscreen (SPF 30 with zinc oxide) is required. I hope this helps

Milan Doshi, MS, MCh · Answer

Hello Jennifer,
Skin whitening injections, also called glutathione injections is an option for those who seek to permanent whiten their skin. This treatment is designed to give a person fairer skin one in a few sessions.
  
Best of luck 
  
Dr Milan Doshi 
  
Mumbai

Ariel Ostad, MD · Answer

We offer a variety of treatments
to lighten your skin from our retinol & chemical peels, as
well as our stronger peels such as the Luma peel which is
also excellent for skin brightening. Few treatments are usually
necessary for optimal results. Price varies depending on the patient. We also
have our very own compounded skin lightening cream available which works to brighten and lighten the skin for a nice glow. There are also lasers available which can actually brighten and lighten areas of the skin as well, depending on your skin type.

Sachit Shah, MD · Answer

1. Sun protection is very important on a daily basis
2. Use of lightening creams in small areas 
3. Chemical peels 
4. Occasionally we use lasers as well. 
5. I find that it is not a permanent solution for everyone and that ongoing treatments have to be done. 
Best Wishes

Michele S. Green, MD · Answer

If you are interested in certain areas of the body to permanently lighten the skin you are best to utilize bleaching creams and chemical peels.  I often combine different specially compounded bleaching creams from my office with different serums to have the best cosmetic results.  Cosmelan is also extremely effective for lightening the skin, especially with Melasma. Chemical peels hasten the skin lightening results.  Patients ask me about glutathione but it is not FDA approved and not safe to use.  Lasers such as Fraxel and Clear and Brilliant can be used at times depending on the skin type and the area of lightening desired.  Please consult an expert in skin lightning for the best cosmetic results.  Best, Dr. Green

Jayanthy Ravindran, MS, DNB, MRCS · Answer

Skin lightening is typically a set of depigmentation (i.e. reducing melanin pigmentation) procedures  for a lighter skin tone or whitening darker complexion. All Skin Lightening or Whitening aesthetic treatments basically aim at reducing the Melanin Pigment in your skin. 
This can be achieved through a number of ways including but not limited to laser procedures, plastic surgery procedures, chemical peels and bleaching.The the amount of Melanin Pigment determines the colour of the skin. However other factors can also contribute to a dull and uneven skin tone. Some of these factors are..
Hormonal imbalanceExcessive sun exposureExcessive chemical exposureSkin damage (due to unhealthy lifestyle)Other medical issues if anyThe most popular methods used to lighten skin are using a prescription strength hydroquinone cream in combination with Vit A and a mild steroid (Triple therapy).
Also the following options are not uncommon
Glutathione injectionsQ switch NdYag lasersMicrodermabrasionDermamelan & Cosmelan chemical peelsCryosurgeryA combination approach is usually preferred to enhance complexion and to get an even skin tone. The number of treatments vary depending on individual needs.
The results are not same for everyone and it usually depends on the amount and depth of melanin in the skin. Please note that skin lightening treatments are to be taken only under your physician's guidance and need to be maintained.My advice to you would be to visit a board certified and well experience skin care expert in your city. Brief the doctor your condition, tell them what you desire then weigh your options.
Also, there's something else you should consider. Beauty comes in various colours and forms. You don't need to confirm to a media dominated image of lighter skin tone.
Its more important to maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating and exercising right. Please keep in mind that dark skin can be just as beautiful as lighter skin.

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

There is a Body Brightening Kit from Kare Skin which will be available in June 2017. I use their Skin Brightening Kit for the face.Best

Kristine Brecht, MD (license suspended) · Answer

Unfortunately, with all the lasers, skin bleachers, peels...nothing permanently lightens skin.Prevention with spf 30+ applied multiple times daily during the day, and avoiding direct sunlight.Embarrassing the beauty of your current skin tone is important.Best. Dr Brecht Seattle, Wa

F. Victor Rueckl, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

The only true skin lightening agent is hydroquinone, a skin bleaching agent, which is prescribed by a physician and compounded by a special pharmacy. Small areas can be treated individually, but you cannot apply it to the full body all at once. Additionally some areas will lighten more or less than other areas, but different strengths can be used. The real thing that needs to be discussed here is why you want to do this......

What treatments are available to permanently whiten skin?

Answers (9)

More Skin Lightening Questions

I Didnt Know Im 2 Weeks Pregnant and I Used Hydroquinone. Im Worried, What Will Happen to my Baby?

Penis Head Discoloration? Any Options? (photo)

How to Get Rid of Lip Discoloration-african American?

I Have A Caramel Skin Color and From the Caribbean. How Do I Get My Skin Color 2-3 Shades Darker?

I Am Left with Dark Spots After Laser Treatment for Stretch Marks Removal?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS