Skin whitening treatment is good for health or not?
Skin whitening treatment procedures, which are sometimes promoted as “fairness” or “lightening” procedures, have sparked a great deal of discussion and controversy regarding their safety and moral implications. It’s critical to note that the main goal of these treatments is to lessen the pigmentation of the skin, resulting in a fairer complexion. However, a number of criteria determine whether or not they are healthy:
1. Safety Issues during skin whitening treatment
- Active chemicals including hydroquinone, steroids, and mercury, which can have negative effects on the skin, are found in many skin-whitening treatments.
- For instance, when taken in high quantities or for a long time, hydroquinone has been linked to skin sensitivity, redness, and even ochronosis (a blue-black pigmentation disease).
- When used in excess, steroid-based lotions can cause rebound pigmentation, stretch marks, and skin thinning.
- When absorbed via the skin, the heavy element mercury can have serious negative effects on one’s health.
2. Ethics-Related Issues during skin whitening treatment
- Skin whitening procedures have come under fire for upholding detrimental aesthetic standards that link success with fair skin, which frequently results in social discrimination and low self-esteem.
- They can strengthen preconceptions based on race and colour, which can be bad for society.
3. Health Threats
- Excessive usage of these products can result from the desire for fairer skin and do more harm than good.
- Consumers who consume unregulated or illegally sold goods run the danger of developing serious health issues.
4. Results in the Short vs. Long Term of skin whitening treatment:
- Although skin whitening procedures may temporarily lighten skin tone, they do not remove the underlying causes of skin pigmentation.
- Relying on such treatments frequently can result in a cycle of dependence and possible skin damage.
5. Recommendations
- It’s frequently healthier to concentrate on preserving general skin health rather than skin whitening. This involves following a regular skincare routine, eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and using sunscreen to prevent UV damage.
The use of skin-whitening procedures is, in summary, a complex problem with possible health dangers, ethical questions, and social repercussions. Prioritising your entire health and wellbeing over the pursuit of an artificial standard of beauty is crucial. Consult a dermatologist or other healthcare provider if you have concerns about the colour or appearance of your skin. They can offer safe, suitable treatments that are suited to your individual requirements.