Bravary Basmalah

Skin lightening or whitening is a controversial topic as it is closely intertwined with the detrimental effects on health, identity, self image and racial supremacy. See article on colonial mentality.

There is evidence to suggest that some active ingredients used in publicly available skin-whitening products can be harmful.

Uses

Specific zones of abnormally high pigmentation such as moles and birthmarks may be depigmented to match to the surrounding skin. Conversely, in cases of vitiligo, unaffected skin may be lightened to achieve a more uniform appearance. The reason for singer Michael Jackson's change in skin is apparently vitiligo and depigmentation was used to achieve a more matching appearance.

Some people treat larger areas to lighten the natural complexion, out of aesthetic preference or to avoid social/work discrimination and gain access to better income (this is true, for example, of prostitutes) or higher social position. This kind of colorism commonly occurs in India.

An additional application is genital or anal bleaching, intended to reduce the typically darker pigmentation of the genital and perianal area.

History

In Japan, geishas were (and still are) known for their painted white skin, which represents beauty, grace, and high social status. However, the skin-whitening products are not used in such a wide scale in Japan today. Geisha paint their skin white in geisha-based ceremonies to celebrate their culture and background.

In Iran, during the Achaemenid dynasty, farmers and civil workers used pure hydroquinone to keep their skin white and soft.

Today, skin whitening products are available in the form of creams, pills, soaps or lotions. The mechanism of permanent whitening is usually by the breakdown of melanin by enzymes, such as that contained in the droppings of the Japanese bush warbler or reducing agents such as Hydroquinone. Most whitening creams also contain a UV block to prevent sun damage to the skin.

Melanin and pigmentation

( Hyper pigmentation)

Uneven pigmentation affects most people, regardless of ethnic background or skin color. Skin may either appear lighter or darker than normal; there may be blotchy, uneven areas, patches of brown to gray discoloration or freckling. Skin pigmentation disorders occur because the body produces either too much or too little melanin. Melanin is the pigment produced by melanocyte cells. It is triggered by an enzyme called tyrosinase, which creates the color of skin, eyes, and hair shades.

Melanin has two major forms that combine to create varying skin tones. Eumelanin produces a range of brown skin and hair color, while pheomelanin imparts a yellow to reddish hue.

Melanin provides some amount of sun protection for the skin by absorbing ultraviolet light. Darker skin colors are less susceptible to sunburn and the overall effects of sun damage.

Increased melanin production — also known as hyperpigmentation — is often referred to as melasma, chloasma or solar lentigenes.

Melasma is a general term describing darkening of the skin.

Chloasma is generally used to describe skin discolorations caused by hormones. These hormonal changes are usually the result of pregnancy, birth control pills or estrogen replacement therapy.

Solar lentigenes is the technical term for darkened spots on the skin caused by the sun. Solar refers to sunlight and lentigene describes a darkened area of skin. These spots are quite common in adults with a long history of unprotected sun exposure.

Aside from sun exposure and hormones, hyperpigmentation can be caused by skin damage, such as remnants of blemishes, wounds or rashes. This is especially true for those with darker skin tones.

The most typical cause of darkened areas of skin, brown spots or areas of discoloration is unprotected sun exposure. Once incorrectly referred to as liver spots, these pigment problems are not connected with the liver.

On lighter to medium skin tones, solar lentigenes emerge as small- to medium-sized brown patches of freckling that can grow and accumulate over time on areas of the body that receive the most unprotected sun exposure, such as the back of the hands, forearms, chest, and face. For those with darker skin colors, these discolorations can appear as patches or areas of ashen-gray skin.

Combination treatments

Most skin-lightening treatments, which can reduce or block some amount of melanin production, are aimed at inhibiting tyrosinase. Many treatments use a combination of topical lotions or gels containing melanin-inhibiting ingredients along with a sunscreen, and a prescription retinoid. Depending on how the skin responds to these treatments, exfoliants — either in the form of topical cosmetic or chemical peels — and lasers may be used.

Sunscreen

Sunscreen is a product used to protect the skin from ultraviolet rays, to avoid damage and/or darkening of the skin. Some sunscreens can be used to lighten the skin too. Higher SPFs contain greater quantities of the UVA-protecting ingredients titanium dioxide, zinc oxide or avobenzone.

Sunscreen Facts and Myths

Sunscreen Facts and Myths No. 1:

Did you know why your mother tells you, "Remember to wear sunscreen everyday"?

Because we only need 10 minutes of sunshine per day!

No kidding. Ten minutes a day is equal to 3,650 minutes (or almost 61 hours) of sun exposure annually. The sun is the ultimate culprit for skin aging and excessive exposure can weaken the skin’s immunity to the sun and lead to skin cancer.

Folks, treat this as your sunscreen.com alert. Sunscreen importance, effects of sunscreen, fast facts about sunscreen, effectiveness of sunscreen, why use sunscreen, sunscreen ingredients, sunscreen safety, sunscreen and skin cancer will all be discussed here.

So, what is the best sunscreen for the face and body?

Let's see, your sunscreen brands are:

Anthelios sunscreen, Neutrogena sunscreen, mexoryl sunscreen or sunscreen with meroxyl, 100 spf sunscreen, sunscreen zinc, spf 70 sunscreen, zinc sunscreen, spf 50 sunscreen, Coppertone sunscreen, sunscreen zinc oxide, spf 100 sunscreen, sunscreen spf 8, Banana Boat sunscreen, zinc oxide sunscreen, ROC sunscreen, Avon sunscreen, Proactiv sunscreen, spf 60 sunscreen, Proderm sunscreen, Murad sunscreen, sunscreen spf 50?

Choosing the perfect product depends not on brands, but on sunscreen ingredients. The importance of sunscreen safety plays a major role on healthier and younger-looking skin.

You want that, right?

Sunscreen Facts and Myths No. 2:

You see, the sun radiates two kinds of rays – UVB that causes tanning or sunburn, and UVA that’s responsible for skin cancer and aging. Many sunscreens claim to block both, but actually provide UVB protection only.

Check this out... According to the American Cancer Society, UVA can be up to 1000x more intense than UVB!

Do I get your attention now?

Sunscreen Facts and Myths No. 3:

The key ingredients to search for UVA defense are Mexoryl or Mexoryl-Sx, Avobenzone or 3% (not 2%) Parsol 1789, Zinc Oxide, and Titanium Oxide.

Mexoryl sunscreen or sunscreen with Mexoryl

products include Anthelios Sunscreen by La Roche-Posay (regarded as the best), Neutrogena Sunscreen Ultra Sheer Dry Touch, are the most popular and more effective than Avobenzone-based products.

Avobenzone sunscreens are widely found in a Neutrogena sunscreen (the best according to Consumer Reports & In Style, and my favorite!), Aveeno or Oil of Olay products.

These first two ingredients are called chemical sunscreen ingredients.

Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide or Titanium Oxide are the physical sunscreen ingredients, usually in opaque form, and best for sensitive skin or babies. These are better than chemical sunscreens although less preferred because of its opacity.

Sunscreen Dangers:

Sunscreen Facts and Myths No. 4:

Avoid Titanium Oxide or Zinc Sunscreen in sheer or clear form. They are nano-sized that can create free radicals and damage our DNA. Worse, products don't disclose that nanotechnology is used in its manufacture.

There's more...

These chemicals in sunscreen have been banned in Europe
- benzophenone-3 (Bp-3), homosalate (HMS), 4-MBC, octyl-methoxycinnamate (OMC), and octyl-dimethyl PABA (OD-PABA), cinnamates (cinoxate, ethylhexyl p-methoxycinnamatae, octocrylene, octyl methoxycinnamate), silicylates (ethylhexyl salicylate, homoslate, octyl salicylate), digalloyl trioleate, and menthyl anthranilate.

Why? These dose the human body with excessive estrogen and cause cancers (breast, prostate, uterus, ovaries, head and neck) according to the Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology at the University of Zurich, Switzerland.

Ready for some more fun sunscreen facts and myths?

Myth: “Oh I slather on SPF 8 foundation, SPF 15 moisturizer, then SPF 25 sunscreen. Heck , I get a total of SPF 48.”

Fact: Are you sure? It’s not simple math. It’s logic. You only end up with the highest SPF protection. So that’s SPF 25.

Myth: “I stay indoors most of the time. I don’t need sunscreen!”

Fact: Here’s to your awakening. UVA rays can easily penetrate all windows and shades. Vehicles, offices, homes. What, you ask, airplanes too? Truth is, it’s worse because of the higher elevation!

Myth: “I cover my face and arms with sunscreen. I don’t need it for areas covered with clothes.”

Fact: That’s fine for short sun ‘trips’. But for prolonged exposure like outdoor sports or job, cover your entire body with sunscreen. Did you know the average cotton shirt has an SPF of only 5? There is sun-protective clothing that you can buy at stores.

Myth: “I’m using sunscreen with built-in moisturizer. Double benefits, beat that!”

Fact: Double benefit, yes. Beat that, not even difficult. Use a separate moisturizer and sunscreen. That is proper protection. Fifteen minutes after moisturizing, apply your sunscreen.

Sunscreen Facts and Myths Final Tips:

I save the best for last. :-)

• It is best when you apply sunscreen a half hour before going outside.
• Lycopene boosts skin's natural SPF. You can get it from red fruits & vegetables (tomato, watermelon, pink grapefruit, guava). So go get your left-over spaghetti!
• Sunscreen is not capable of blocking all UVA or UVB rays. The ultraviolet rays can still penetrate even in the shade. Therefore, always protect your skin with sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and long sleeved shirts for extended sun exposure. You look good wearing those anyway!
• And I can’t emphasize this more – you can forget to use your skin lightening cream (my product.. aargh! ), but don’t forget the sunscreen!

Last tip?

Stay beautiful and the fairest of them all. :-)

Topical treatments

Topical hydroquinone is considered by many dermatologists to be a safer, similarly effective (if not more so), and less expensive option than lasers or deep peel treatments. Topical hydroquinone comes in 2% (available in cosmetics) to 4% (or more) concentrations (available from a physician or by prescription), alone or in combination with tretinoin 0.05% to 0.1%. Research has shown hydroquinone and tretinoin to be powerful tools against sun- or hormone-induced melasma.

Hydroquinone has been shown to cause leukemia in mice and other animals. The European Union banned it from cosmetics in 2001, but it shows up in bootleg creams in the developing world. It is sold in the United States as an over-the-counter drug, but with a concentration of hydroquinone not exceeding 2 percent.

Some research has shown topical azelaic acid in 15% to 20% concentrations to be as efficacious as hydroquinone with a decreased risk of irritation. Tretinoin by itself has also been shown to be useful in treating hyperpigmentation of sun-damaged skin. Kojic acid, alone or in combination with glycolic acid or hydroquinone, also has shown good results due to its inhibitory action on tyrosinase (though kojic acid has had problems in terms of stability and potential negative effects on the skin and is rarely used today). Several plant extracts and vitamin C also have some research showing them to be effective for inhibiting melanin production.

Mercury

Many skin whiteners contain toxic mercury such as mercury(II) chloride or ammoniated mercury as the active ingredient.

Hydroquinone

In medical literature, hydroquinone is considered the primary topical ingredient for inhibiting melanin production. Its components have potent antioxidant abilities.

Hydroquinone is a strong inhibitor of melanin production, meaning that it prevents skin from making the substance responsible for skin color. Hydroquinone does not bleach the skin, and can only disrupt the synthesis and production of melanin hyperpigmentation. It has been banned in some countries (e.g. France) because of fears of a cancer risk.

Some concerns about hydroquinone's safety on skin have been expressed, but the research when it comes to topical application indicates negative reactions are minor or a result of using extremely high concentrations or from other skin-lightening agents such as glucocorticoids or mercury iodine. This is particularly true in Africa where adulterated skin lightening products are commonplace.

Because of hydroquinone's action on the skin, it can be irritant, particularly in higher concentrations of 4% or greater and predictably when combined with tretinoin. Some medications have been created that combine 4% hydroquinone with tretinoin and a form of cortisone. The cortisone is included as an anti-inflammatory. The negative side effect of repeated application of cortisone is countered by the positive effect of the tretinoin so that it does not cause thinning of skin and damage to collagen.

Hydroquinone can be an unstable ingredient in cosmetic formulations. When exposed to air or sunlight it can turn a strange shade of brown. Therefore, when you are considering a hydroquinone product, it must be packaged in a non-transparent container that minimizes light and air exposure. Hydroquinone products packaged in jars are not recommended because they become ineffective shortly after opening.

Alternatives to hydroquinone

Some of alternative lighteners are derivatives of hydroquinone. They include Mitracarpus scaber extract, Uva ursi (bearberry) extract, Morus bombycis (mulberry), Morus alba (white mulberry), and Broussonetia papyrifera (paper mulberry). All of these contain arbutin (technically known as hydroquinone-beta-D-glucoside), which can inhibit melanin production. Pure forms of arbutin are considered more potent for affecting skin lightening (alpha-arbutin, beta-arbutin, and deoxy-arbutin).

Other options with some amount of research regarding their potential skin lightening abilities are licorice extract (specifically glabridin), azelaic acid, and stabilized vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid, ascorbic acid, and magnesium ascorbyl phosphate).

There is also a small amount of research showing oral supplements of pomegranate extract, ellagic acid, vitamin E, and ferulic acid can inhibit melanin production.

Arbutin

Arbutin is derived from the leaves of bearberry, cranberry, mulberry or blueberry shrubs, and also is present in most types of pears. It can have melanin-inhibiting properties.

Concentration protocols have yet to be established for arbutin, meaning it is not known how much arbutin it takes to lighten skin when it is added to a cosmetic formulation. Moreover, there are patents controlling its use for skin lightening. Many cosmetics companies use plant extracts that contain arbutin. There is little to no research showing the plant extract source of arbutin as having any impact on skin, especially not in the tiny amounts used in cosmetics.

Tretinoin

Research has shown that the use of tretinoin (also known as all-trans retinoic acid) can only be somewhat effective in treating skin discolorations.

Alpha hydroxy acids

Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) — primarily in the form of lactic acid and glycolic acid — are the most researched forms of AHAs because they have a molecular size that allows effective penetration into the top layers of skin. It is generally assumed that in and of themselves AHAs in concentrations of 4% to 15% are not effective for inhibiting melanin production and will not lighten skin discolorations in that manner. It is believed that their benefit is in helping cell turnover rates and removing unhealthy or abnormal layers of superficial skin cells (exfoliation) where hyperpigmented cells can accumulate. However, other research has shown that lactic and glycolic acids can indeed inhibit melanin production separate from their actions as an exfoliant on skin.

Like laser treatments, alpha hydroxy acid peels (using 50% concentrations or greater) may remove skin discolorations. Only a qualified physician should perform these types of facial peels.

Kojic acid

Kojic acid is a by-product in the fermentation process of malting rice for use in the manufacturing of sake, the Japanese rice wine. Some research shows kojic acid to be effective for inhibiting melanin production. However, kojic acid is an unstable ingredient in cosmetic formulations. Upon exposure to air or sunlight it can turn brown and lose its efficacy.

Many cosmetic companies use kojic dipalmitate as an alternative because it is more stable in formulations. However, there is no research showing kojic dipalmitate to be as effective as kojic acid, although is it a good antioxidant. Further, some controversial research has suggested that kojic acid may have carcinogenic properties in large doses.

Azelaic acid

Azelaic acid is a component of grains, such as wheat, rye, and barley. It is applied topically in a cream formulation at a 20% concentration. Azelaic acid is used to treat acne, but there also is research showing it to be effective for skin discolorations. Other research also indicates azelaic acid may be an option for inhibiting melanin production.

..

Vitamin C

Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, L-ascorbic acid, ascorbyl glucosamine, and ascorbic acid are various forms of vitamin C considered stable and effective antioxidants for skin. There are very few studies showing them to have benefit for inhibiting melanin production. The concentrations of these ingredients used in tests were generally high (more than 5%), which is rarely used in cosmetic formulations.

Laser treatments

Both ablative and nonablative lasers can have a profound effect on melasma. However, the results are not always consistent, and problems have been reported (such as hypo- or hyperpigmentation). Laser treatments of this kind are more likely to result in problems for those with darker skin tones.

Skin Whitening Pill

Skin Bleaching Pills

L Glutathione Skin Whitening?

Are they safe?

--------------
Let's face it. Some want tanned skin. Others want lightened skin. Different tones. Same goals. Nothing wrong with that.
--------------

So, what really is glutathione and how does it help as a skin whitening treatment? If you think that glutathione is just a skin whitening supplement...

Well, that’s about to change.
Because there's more good news about skin whitening pills.

Glutathione (GSH, Reduced L-Glutathione)

Glutathione is an amino acid found in every cell of a living organism. It’s considered as the ultimate and master antioxidant known to man because it protects the body from a multitude of diseases and conditions.

But as we age, our glutathione levels are depleted due to exposure to air pollutants, stress, drugs, smoking, or food chemicals that damage our cellular systems.

Glutathione Side Effects
Health benefits of Glutathione Skin Whitening Pill

As mentioned above, glutathione can help fight:

• infertility (especially for men)
• human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
• cancers
• cataracts
• thyroid problems
• liver problems (toxins, heavy metals, alcohol)
• chronic fatigue
• heart disease especially those with LDL or bad cholesterol
• multiple sclerosis
• Alzheimer disease
• Parkinson's disease
• arteriosclerosis
• and the list goes on…

And the skin benefits? L-Glutathione skin whitening works from the inside to repair and nourish skin -

• Gives skin a radiant glow.
• Makes pores finer.
• Removes skin hyperpigmentations.
• Skin becomes smoother and clearer.
• Controls acne and prevents acne marks.
• Defies the aging process.

So.. do we all need glutathione?

Heck, absolutely!

Glutathione is part of us. It is in our body. Wouldn't you drink more milk if you lack calcium in your body?

Whether you take it as an antioxidant or skin whitening pill, we all need the help from today’s demanding fast-paced lifestyle. Even for healthy individuals.

Glutathione goes deep into the cellular level of our arteries, brain, heart, immune cells, kidneys, lenses of the eyes, liver, lungs, and skin against oxidant damage.

The benefits of glutathione skin whitening pills are immense. It just blows me away.

Look...

• It preserves good health.
• It promotes longer life.
• It is the anti-aging answer to premature wrinkling.
• It improves the immune system.
• It’s involved in the synthesis & repair of DNA (wow..).
• It detoxifies nicotine in the body (great for smokers!).

There are no known negative glutathione side effects. Except for... skin whitening.

Therefore, L-Glutathione skin whitening pill has the ability to lighten dark skin pigmentations (dark acne scars, freckles, dark underarms, age spots, etc) because glutathione is proven to reverse the melanin's metabolism turning dark pigmentations (eumelanin) into light pigmentations (phaeomelanin).

I know.. I know your next question.. "How long will I see an improvement?"

• Light-medium brown skin: 1-3 months
• Dark brown skin: 3-6 months
• Very dark skin: 6-12 months
• Black skin: 18 months minimum and above

It needs a little time to build up and work.

Though there is a faster way - IV Glutathione or Intravenous Glutathione. Yep, they're injectables and in much higher doses. Way more expensive too. They scare me a bit because I hate needles, but it may work faster compared to oral supplementation.

Like topical skin lighteners, results from taking skin whitening pills can get faster or slower depending on your skin sensitivity, metabolism and body chemical functioning.

A Glutathione skin whitening pill’s efficacy in skin whitening works only if it is taken with Vitamin C at least equal or twice its dosage. So if you’re taking 500mg of glutathione, Vitamin C should be at least 1000mg.

Conclusion: Is glutathione only for people who want to whiten their skin?
Answer: No! If you want to promote better health and wellness, help fight major diseases especially cancers, keep skin young-looking and radiant, control acne, and again, the list goes on and on, glutatione skin whitening pill is the way to go.

Side Effects:Generally considered to have no other side effect, except for skin lightening. No untoward interactions even with prolonged use.

So yes, L Glutathione skin whitening pills are safe.

Warning:

1. There are fake glutathione tablets sold by psychopaths flooding the market, that may cause sickening side effects such as whitening of the hair, skin break outs to name a few. That’s why we’ve carefully chosen the products endorsed here, direct from the manufacturer, based on safety, efficiency, and potency.
2. Avoid oral L-Glutathione preparations with Tyrostat (L tyrosine), Goat/Sheep Placenta Extract, or high dosages of Vitamin A and E.
3. Results will vary per individual's skin sensitivity and body metabolism. This may or may not work for you just like any other dietary supplement. Our only guarantee is the quality and potency of our products so you have a better chance of achieving the results that you want.
4. 4. Always consult with your doctor before taking any supplements if you have medical conditions.

Fact:

Glutathione is a food supplement and not a drug, therefore doesn’t require a Food and Drug Administration approval in US. It is listed in the USFDA’s GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) list of safe food supplements under specification 21CFR §184.1979c.

at Thursday, July 10, 2008