Skin whitening is often misunderstood as a change of an individual’s colour tone. Let’s discuss the theory behind the skin whitening procedure. Skin whitening, also knownas skinlightening, is a procedure done to lighten one’s skin tone.

Skin tone refers to the overall colour of Skin’s surfacewhichisdetermined by deposit of cetain pigments like Melanin, carotene, hemoglobin. Out of thesepigments, melanin plays a vital role. Melanin is producedbymelanocytes. Skin being the largest organ of humanbodyiscomprised of three main layers

• Epidermis:- SUBLAYERS OF EPIDERMIS stratum corneum >stratum lucidum>stratumgranulosum >stratum spinosum >stratumbasale
• Dermis
• Hypodermis:- The melanin is found scattered throughout the stratumbasaleof the epidermis.This pigment is transferred into thekeratinocyte via cellular vesicle called Melanosomes.

Pigmentation
Pigmentation means discolouration of the skin.It happenswhen the melanin producing cells(melanocytes) are damagedor becomes unhealthy.

Types Of Pigmentation

1. Liver spots/age spot
2. Hyperpigmentation
3. Hypopigmentation
4. Melasma
5. Freckles
6. Vitiligo
7. Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation
8. Acne marks
9. Facial Melanosis

Causes Of Pigmentation
The most common causes of pigmentations are

• UV exposure > the radiation from sun increases themelaninproduction as protective mechanismwhich over timeleadstosunspots,freckles,unevenskintone .
• Hormonal Changes > hormonal fluctuations duringpregnancy or hormonal therapy increases melaninproduction
• Genetics > some individuals are predisposed to hyperpigmentation because of their genetic makeup.

Treatments for Skin Whitening / Pigmentation

Professional procedures alongside with topical treatmentsarethe actual solution that works in skin whitening treatments.These treatments mainly aims in reducingthemelanin production thereby addressing concerns likehyperpigmention eventually leading to lighter skintone.

Topical Treatments And Oral Medications
The effectiveness with topical creams is much limitedasitworks only on the top most layer of the skin ie the epidermisthereby the results are very shortlived. Talking about oral medications, which is basicallysupplements like gluatathione and vitamins like multivitamins,vitamin c . They are effective whencoupledwith other treatments like laser,peels etc, but onlywhen suggested as monotherapy there efficacy is reduced. Whentaken as oral form, the medications reach the stomachfirstand then processedand then reaches the bloodstreamreducing its effectiveness.

Chemical Peels
Chemical peels are simple and effective when done right.Inthis procedure, certain mild acids are used to exfoliatethetoplayers of skin. Your doctor will choose the chemical andconcentration of the chemical depending on the requirement,skin type and skintone. Majorly there arethreecategories of peel
1. Superficial peels ~ works on the outermost layer of skin
2. Medium peels ~ penetrates to mediumdepth
3. Deep peels~deeper action with stronger results

Benefits

• Clear, smooth and refreshed skin
• Visible reduction in fine lines and pigmentation
• very evident reduction in melasma spots, acne spots
• With comination peels and multiple sessions , youcanexpect shades of improvement in your skin tone.
• Increases natural cell turnover capacity of cells bypromoting more collagen and elastins.

Laser Skin Lightening Treatment
Photofacials
Also known as IPL(Intensed pulse light) is a noninvasiveskinlightening treatment in which short waves of highintensitylaser beams are used to treat various skin concerns. It majorlyworks on principle of breaking of the melanin pigment orworks on the tissues of the skin through healing mechanism. It promotes collagen synthesis thereby effectively helpsinskin lightening.

Q-Switch Lasers
It’s a specialised laser device which uses short pulses of highintensity beams. This light energy / beamwhen targetedintheskin, the pigments absorb these energies and breaks downwhich is later naturally disposed by the body (lymphaticdrainage)
1. Reduces hyperpigmentation, melasma spots as qswitchlasers are much effective in targeted lesions
2. Safe,noninvasive and novel treatment with visible reuctionin melanin synthesis

Glutathione IV Drips

Gluathione, as everyone knows, is a powerful antioxidant that is naturally present in the human body. Its antimelonogenic properties has given a great impact as a potent skinlightening agent in the cosmetic industry. It is composed of three amino acids – cysteine, glutamic acid and glycine. Gluathione plays a crucial role in boosting the immune system, maintaining the balance of chemicals in cells,iron metabolism, and several key functions.

Three Key Factors

1. Neutralizes free radicals
2. Reduces Hyperpigmentation
3. Improves overall skin health, aiding to skinlightening and skin brightening.

Mechanism Of Action

Benefits of Glutathione As A Skin Lightening Agent

1. Increases the energy levels
2. Slows down the signs of aging
3. Skin whitening and brightening
4. Detoxification
5. UV damage protection
6. Immune system boost
7. Improved skin elasticity
8. Pigmentation Reduction
9. Glowing and radiant skin

Procedure :

• The treatment area (usually the arm) is cleaned, and a sterile IV line is inserted into a vein.
• A saline solution with the prescribed dosage of glutathione is prepared.
• The glutathione solution is slowly administered into the bloodstream via the IV drip.
• The infusion rate is initially slow and then gradually increased if no adverse reactions occur.
• The entire infusion process usually takes 30 to 60minutes.
• Vital signs and any potential reactions are monitored throughout the procedure.
• The healthcare professional will ensure the patient is
• comfortable and safe.
• The IV line is removed, the site is cleansed, and a bandage is applied.
• Patients are advised to stay hydrated
• Multiple treatment sessions may be recommended for optimal results.

However, like any other cosmetic procedure, there are certain side effects which you must be aware of before the IV Glutathione therapy.

1. You might expect mild redness or swelling at the site of injection which usually fades awayin24-48hours.
2. Mild allergic reactions like itching is seenincertainpatients thereby its always better to doa control
test/patch test before proceeding withtheinjection
3. Mild headaches and fatigue might occur post-treatment which usually fades away in 24-48hours.
4. Rarely, some intestinal discomfort like vomiting or nausea, may occur because of antioxidants introduced into the body

Who Should Not Take Glutathione Injections
You may not qualify for glutathione shots. You should delay or forego treatment if you:

• Are you pregnant or breastfeeding?
• Have asthma or chronic lung disease
• Had a history of severe allergies
• Are currently undergoing cancer treatment
• Have severe liver or kidney dysfunction
  
  Overall, to conclude, Glutathione IV drip therapy is a much more effective skin lightening treatment when tailored properly and done under proper supervision and correct monitoring.

Hyaluronic Acid-Based Injections
Hyaluronic acid-based skin boosters are applied directly the skin to boost the natural collagen and elastin present in cells. The HA-based products also called as skinboosters injected into the papillary dermis of the skin, which activates the fibroblast cells. Once when these fibroblasts are activated, they promote new collagen and elastin, reducing the activity of collagenase, thereby promoting lighter skin tone and glowing skin.

Clinical Effects Of Skin Boosters

• Reduces wrinkles, fine lines, and pore size
• Improvement in the texture of the skin (smoother and firmer skin)
• Good hydration
• Instant glow and lighter skin tone

Note
Thereby to conclude, it’s a must to knowwhat is theunderlying cause of your pigmentation. Later the treatmentcan be planned according to your Aesthetic need. Differentroot causes, different skin solutions. Skin lighteningtreatments are much effective and successful whencuratedand tapered according to your needs.