Options for Skin Lightening

Dr. Michele Green is an internationally renowned expert in NYC in skin lightening and treating unwanted pigmentation. With her complete line of skin lightening creams, chemical peels, Cosmelan, and laser treatments, Dr. Green is able to treat all forms of hyperpigmentation on the face and body. Dr. Green is an expert in treating pigmentation, sun spots, discoloration, melasma, and sun damage, in patients with both light and dark skin tones. She successfully treats discoloration and damage from the sun as well as hyperpigmentation as a side effect of poor laser treatments. By combining different treatment modalities and a powerful and effective at home skin care regime, Dr. Green will help you  even out your skin tone and restore your glowing complexion.

Many people work hard to achieve fair and flawless skin. The market is flooded with skin lightening creams and a myriad of treatments ranging from bleaching, lasers to chemical peels to help people achieve these results. People want to lighten their skin for many reasons. Many patients suffer from melasma or other sun related pigmentation, leaving them with sun spots and discoloration. Other patients suffer from scars, dark marks, and hyperpigmentation from long-standing acne which was poorly treated over the years. There are many different types of bleaching creams which are available over the counter to treat these dark spots and lighten the skin. These topical creams work by reducing a pigment called melanin in the skin. When the skin is exposed to UV or sun light more melanin is produced which tends to discolor the skin and produce these sun spots. Patients with darker skin tone are more susceptible to increased melanin production.  Skin lightening products may combine hydroquinones, licorice, Vitamin K, Kojic Acid, Vitamin C, and other skin bleaching ingredients. These over the counter products are a good place to start for patients who have mild pigmentation or skin discoloration.

However, hyperpigmentation often does not respond to topical treatments alone. In these cases, alternative skin lightening treatments are needed for skin lightening and evening out unwanted hyperpigmentation and discoloration. It’s important to choose a provider with expertise and experience to perform any skin lightening procedure you have in order to avoid unwanted side effects such as exacerbated hyperpigmentation or scarring. Dr. Michele Green in NYC is consistently voted as one of the city’s best physicians by Castle Connolly, New York Magazine, and Super Doctors. Dr. Green has over two and a half decades providing men and women from around the world with the best non-invasive facial rejuvenation treatments, including chemical peels and laser skin resurfacing treatments for various forms of hyperpigmentation.

Acne scar and hyperpigmentation treatment – before and after photo

What causes dark patches on the skin?

Dark patches are caused by several reasons:

• Sun exposure – increased UV light causes an increase in melanin, and resulting hyperpigmentation
• Hormonal influences – commonly causes melasma and skin hyperpigmentation in women
• Chemicals – chemical irritants can cause pigmentation and discoloration on the skin
• Acne breakouts – after an acne flare, the skin may become discolored, called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), which appears almost as acne scars. The inflammation of the acne breakout causes an overproduction of melanin and these consequent dark spots.
• Age – with increasing age, there is an increase in the number of melanocytes with increasing hyperpigmentation
• Laser damage – many lasers such as IPL, Picosure, or Fraxel, can cause discoloration when treated on the wrong skin tone or the wrong individual settings.
• Environmental pollution – can cause oxidative stress on the skin and cause dark spots and wrinkles.
• Genetics – some patients are more predisposed genetically to hyperpigmentation.
• Medications – oral contraceptives, oral antibiotics such as Doyxcycline, antimalarial drugs such as Chloroquine, chemotherapy drugs, and other medications.
• Metabolic diseases

What determines skin color?

A persons’ skin color is determined by the amount of melanin in their skin. Melanin is responsible for skin pigment and is produced by melanocytes. Melanocytes are specialized skin cells that are located in the epidermis of the skin. The amount of melanin in your skin is directly proportional to your skin color. Patients with lighter skin tones have less melanin in their skin than patients with darker skin tones. The greater the melanin production within the skin, the darker your skin.

The effect of melanin in the skin is to protect your body from UV rays; protecting us against the damaging rays of the sun. Since melanin is a protective pigment in skin, it blocks UV rays from damaging DNA, and protects against skin cancer. There are two types of melanin in the skin, pheomelanin and eumelanin. Pheomelanin is primarily found in persons with lighter skin tones, and eumlanin found in those with darker skin tones. Darker skin tones, since they contain more melanin, have a better natural barrier against UV rays.

Therefore, to prevent damage from UV rays, the skin produces more melanin. As this new melanin increases to protect our skin, there is an increase in hyperpigmentation, which represents damage to the skin from the sun. An increase in melanin in the skin can cause age spots, melasma, and sun spots to develop on different areas of skin on the face, hands, and body.

Cosmelan before and after photo

What is the best skin lightening cream?

There are many skin whitening creams currently on the market. Hydroquinone is the gold standard ingredient in many skin lightening creams. Currently, only two percent hydroquinone is available without a prescription. This over the counter strength bleaching cream, may not be as effective as the higher strength lightening creams which the best dermatologists, like Dr. Michele Green, can prescribe. Dr. Green specially formulated bleaching creams with five to ten percent hydroquinones, infused with Retin-A and other active ingredients, to enhance the effectiveness of the formula of her skin lightening creams.  Dr. Green has created a special pigment protocol for her patients, to use at home, to lighten dark spots and even out the skin. Most patients use this pigment protocol to treat skin problems such as freckles, melasma, age spots, sun damage, and discoloration and hyperpigmentation from acne scars. Skin lightening creams can also naturally lighten dark skin. Skin bleaching is a cosmetic treatment to reduce the prominence of skin discolorations and even out the overall skin color to achieve skin brightening.

Best skin care products for skin lightening

There are a whole host of skin lightning products over the counter. Since a two percent hydroquinone skin lightener is all that is allowed over the counter, most patients need more powerful skin lighteners. Dr. Green recommends the following combination for skin lightening

• Gentle cleanser – The use of a gentle skin wash is important when combatting pigmentation since you don’t want to further irritate the skin.
• Retinol – Incorporating retinol or Retin-A to to your skin care regime increases collagen stimulation, skin turnover, and skin lightening.
• Hydroquinone –  Using a 5 to 10% hydroquinone to treat dark spots, melasma, and sun damage, is an effective skin lightener
• Vitamin C serum – Vitamin C is a powerful anti-oxidant and removes pigmentation without irritation. Vitamin C helps skin lightening, hyperpigmentation, redness, and rosacea. Vitamin C serum is the most popular product in Dr. Green’s office 
• Lotions or moisturizers – The use of a rich moisturizer or lotion helps combat any exfoliation or dryness from using retinols and hydroquinones. View MGSkinLabs Absolute Recovery Anti-Wrinkle cream.
• Sunscreen – SPF 50 sunscreen is recommended by Dr. Green, one that contains both UVA and UVB block. Dr. Green often recommends using two sunblocks in patients with melasma. She recommends combining two sunblocks, a physical sunscreen, and the other with a chemical sunscreen, to maximize the protection against the sun’s UV rays.

Which ingredients are in skin lightening products?

There are many natural ingredients for skin lightening as well as pharmaceutical ingredients to help reduce the amount of melanin in your skin. Some bleaching agents to treat uneven skin tone have a combination of ingredients.

• Arbutin
• Vitamin C
• Kojic acid
• Niacinamide
• Azelaic acid
• Reinol
• Tranexamic acid
• Hydroquinones
• Aleosin
• Licorice extract
• Soy proteins

What are the side effects of skin lightening products?

• Redness
• Irritation
• Peeling
• Burning
• Increased sensitivity to the sun
• Worsening or underlying pigmentation
• Chemical burns
• Mercury poisoning
• Skin infections

What is Skin Bleaching?

Skin bleaching refers to the process of using dangerous chemicals to whiten the natural color of skin. Skin bleaching is associated with severe complications and a number of dangerous side effects. Skin bleaching is not recommended or encouraged by medical professionals and should be avoided. Skin lightening, however, refers to the use of safe and effective topical creams and in-office treatments that are designed to reduce areas of hyperpigmentation and dark spots.

There are different ways to go about lightening the skin to diminish the appearance of hyperpigmentation and dark spots. Some of the treatment modalities available, such as chemical peels and prescription skin lightening creams with hydroquinone, are safe and effective for evening out skin tone and eliminating excess hyperpigmentation. In contrast, skin bleaching with intravenous administration of glutathione is considered an unsafe method for lightening skin and can be accompanied by a host of unwanted side effects. In the private boutique dermatology office of Dr. Michele Green, located in the Upper East Side neighborhood of Manhattan, only treatment methods that are both safe and effective for use are offered. During your consultation with Dr. Green, you will have the opportunity to discuss your skin concerns and share your cosmetic goals. Dr. Green will recommend the best skin lightening treatment options for you based on your skin tone, skin type, and needs.

Skin lightening is popular in many countries.  From Nigeria, to the Philippines, lightening agents are in demand to treat skin pigmentation. One of the most important things to consider in using skin lightening products is the importance of strict sun avoidance during and after treatment. Proper sunscreen use is paramount for the success of skin lightning. If a patient returns to the sun after treatment, the discoloration and hyperpigmentation can easily recur. That is why it is essential to use the proper sun precautions after treating your skin for melasma, or sun damage.  The goal is to maintain clear skin and prevent recurrence of the pigmentation after completing your skin lightening treatment.

Skin Lightening for Intimate Areas

Many patients are bothered by skin darkening in intimate areas of the skin, such as the underarms, vaginal, groin, nipples and genital area. Many patients are bothered by hyperpigmentation on their hands, feet, and knees as well. Dr. Green is an expert in treating hyperpigmentation in all areas of the body. There is no need to be embarrassed by this discoloration. Through various skin lightening treatments, Dr. Green is able to lighten these intimate areas and restore your natural skin tone without blemishes and hyperpigmentation.

For reducing hyperpigmentation in sensitive areas like the underarms, the Mesopeel is often ideal. The axillae (underarms) and the groin (bikini area) is an area of cosmetic concern for many of our patients. It is now possible to lighten the dark underarm area. A series of 4 to 6 peels is typically suitable for patients with hyperpigmentation in these areas. The Mesopeel is a depigmenting formula that is composed of azelaic acid, resorcinol, phytic acid, and tranexamic acid. This skin lightening peel accelerates the skin’s epidermal renewal and aids in removal of melanin in the epidermal layers of the skin. There are no hydroquinones in this formulation, so there is little chance of irritation in this sensitive area. Tranexamic acid inhibits the tyrosinase enzyme, which will serve to reduce the proliferation of melanocytes and its vascularization, which cause hyperpigmentation. This Mesopeel can only be performed by a board certified dermatologist, like Dr. Green, who is an expert in skin lightening and pigmentation.

Mesoestetic’s Dermamelan Intimate treatment combines depigmentation action and anti-aging effects all in one single treatment. Dermamelan is best-suited for the inner thighs, buttocks, and genital area. The result of this targeted chemical peel is an overall improvement in both skin discoloration and skin turgor. The Dermamelan treatment is composed of two phases. Phase 1 is the in office intensive depigmentation peel which is performed by Dr. Green in a single clinical session. Phase 2 is the regulation of hyperpigmentation, which consists of using the Dermamelan Intimate home depigmenting gel cream on a daily basis. The synergistic effects of combining both phases is what gives such great long-lasting results.

Are Skin Lightening Creams Safe?

Skin lightening creams are safe as long as they are used appropriately and under the supervision of a qualified medical professional, like Dr. Michele Green. Skin bleaching creams must be used correctly with special care not to over bleach the skin. Using these skin lightening creams improperly can irritate the skin, leaving it hypo- pigmented, discolored, or inflamed.  It is always best to use these whitening creams under a dermatologist’s supervision.

Glutathione injections for skin lightening

Glutathione is an antioxidant naturally found in human cells which neutrals free radicals. Glutathione also helps lighten the skin by converting melanin to a lighter color and deactivating tyrosinase, which is the enzyme responsible for catalyzing the production of melanin. Intravenous glutathione treatments are mean to enhance these natural results and lighten the entire skin.

Glutathione injections are given intravenously and there is as yet no rigorous large-scale studies proving its effectiveness or safety. It is not FDA approved yet in the United States for skin lightening. However, glutathione treatments are increasing n popularity in Asia, especially the Philippines, Europe, and in the United States. Despite it being an extremely popular treatment in the Philippines, the government has condemned its use due to safety concerns. There have been reports in the Philippines of skin disorders, thyroid function problems, and kidney malfunctions, and possible cancer from glutathione treatments.

The Food and Drug Administration has not approved any injectable medications for skin lightening, and its long term safety and effects have not been documented. Glutathione for skin lightening continues to increase in popularity both in the United States and abroad. Although there is a precedent for using medications in an off label fashion in dermatology for skin lightening, Dr. Green currently does not offer glutathione injections for since it has not been clinically proven to be effective or safe.

Cosmelan 8 months before and after

Skin Lightening Treatments

Hyperpigmentation may develop for a number of reasons including sun exposure, genetics, hormones, secondary to an inflammatory skin condition (like acne or an injury), or a unique combination of factors. Depending on the kind of hyperpigmentation present, Dr. Green may recommend different skin lightening treatment options to provide optimal cosmetic results in the most efficient manner. Whether through the use of specially formulated skincare products, chemical peels, or laser skin resurfacing technology, Dr. Green is able to essentially eliminate the appearance of dark spots, melasma, and other forms of hyperpigmentation.

Topical skin lightening treatments are an excellent way to address dark spots and hyperpigmentation of the skin. Retinol, derived from vitamin A, is an excellent topical skincare ingredient for reducing hyperpigmentation. Retinol and retinoids increase the rate of skin cell turnover, sloughing away dead and discolored skin cells to reveal healthier, even-toned skin cells. Hydroquinone is another popular active ingredient in skin lightening creams that works by inhibiting the production of melanin by melanocytes in the skin. It is important to avoid sun exposure when using skin lightening creams, as they increase photosensitivity and this can cause skin irritation or even lead to the exacerbation of hyperpigmentation.

There are numerous kinds of chemical peels including alpha-hydroxy acids, glycolic acids, trichloroacetic acids, Cosmelan peels, Vi Peels, mesopeels, and dermamelan peels. Different types and strengths of chemical peels may be selected depending on the area of the body being treated, as well as the type and severity of hyperpigmentation being targeted. During your consultation with Dr. Green, you will have the opportunity to identify the particular areas of hyperpigmentation that are of concern and she will recommend the chemical peel that will provide you with the best results.

Laser skin resurfacing treatments can be beneficial when it comes to skin lightening, particularly when the hyperpigmentation is related to sun damage, age spots, or birthmarks. Melasma is a form of hyperpigmentation that should never be treated with a laser resurfacing device, as the heat from the laser can actually further entrench the pigment into deeper layers of the skin. Patients with sun damage and age spots, however, may benefit from skin lightening treatment with Fraxel, Clear + Brilliant, or the AlexTrivantage. The laser treatment that is best-suited to addressing your hyperpigmentation will depend on the form of dark spots present as well as your skin tone. Not all laser treatments are suitable for use on patients of every skin tone. Having treatment with a board-certified dermatologist, like Dr. Michele Green in NYC, with adequate experience and expertise to select the appropriate laser and laser settings for your skin is the best way to avoid experiencing unwanted side effects from laser treatment for hyperpigmented skin.

Lasers for skin lightening  

Dr. Michele Green utilizes cutting edge lasers to lighten the skin as well. Patients whose main problems are sun spots and overall sun damage may benefit from the Fraxel laser which Dr. Green refers to as a “magic eraser”. The Fraxel laser utilizes fractionated technology to treat pigmentation, increase collagen production, and little recovery time. Three treatments, spaced one month apart, with this laser will treat sun damage and diffuse pigmentation and leave the skin beautiful and even. The Fraxel laser is best for patients with light skin tone and to be avoided in patients with dark skin tones. Fraxel laser is also not meant to be used for the treatment of melasma, as it can worsen hyperpigmentation.

Individual sun spots, blemishes, freckles, and age spots, on the face and body, can be treated with the Candela® Alex-Trivantage Laser. The Alex-Trivantage can correct unwanted pigmentation or sun spots in patients of varying skin tones, depending on the wavelength of light utilized for treatment. In as little as one treatment session, age spots, birth marks, and other dark spots on the face and body can be significantly lightened- creating an overall more even, radiant, and youthful complexion. In order to produce ideal cosmetic results and avoid unwanted side effects such as exacerbation of hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, or scarring, it is important to have your skin resurfacing laser treatments with a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist, like Dr. Green in NYC.

Dr. Green also utilizes the Clear & Brilliant laser to treat sun damage since this “mini-Fraxel” is safe and effective to treat hyperpigmentation on most skin types and has no “down time” at all. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treats both hyperpigmentation, sun spots, and rosacea. The pulsed light penetrates the dermis and destroys the pigmentation.  Again, IPL should not be used as a laser treatment for melasma.

Chemical Peels for Melasma and skin lightening 

For patients with darker skin types Dr. Green has developed special chemical peels to safely and effectively reduce pigmentation, blemishes, and lighten skin even in those with the darkest pigmentation. She utilizes different strengths of Trichloroacetic Acid peels to rejuvenate and lighten the skin with minimal “down time”. For patients suffering from melasma, Dr. Michele Green is one of the very few doctors in NYC who provides Cosmelan treatments.

Cosmelan is a specially formulated skin bleaching peel which is designed to remove even the most stubborn melasma and is safe to use on all skin types. For those patients suffering from very uneven skin and pigmentation she often combines both Cosmelan and chemical peels to return your skin to its natural beauty.

Dr. Green treats many Hispanic, Asian, and African American patients who suffer from skin discoloration, melasma, hyperipigmentation from acne scars, and dark spots in general on the face and the body. Both male and female patients who suffer from hyperpigmentation have been effectively treated by these protocols. In addition to these skin lightening protocols, Dr. Green utilizes chemical peels and Cosmelan to treat these patients effectively with beautiful lasting results. Only special lasers can be used on patients with darker skin types to avoid additional hyperpigmentation.

Mesopeels 

One specially formulated type of chemical peel that aids with skin rejuvenation is known as a Mesopeel. There are various types of Mesopeels available and this peel is often used to treat skin discoloration, dark spots or photo aging in various areas of the body including face, arms, chest, buttocks, back, thighs and thanks to the recently released Mesopeel periocular peel, even delicate areas such as dark circles and wrinkles under eye areas. The Mesopeel treatment can be combined with other anti-aging treatments such as Mesotherapy, Botox, Vbeam and various Skin tightening lasers to achieve pan-facial rejuvenation.

Prevention of hyperpigmentation

• Use sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher daily and re-apply every few hours or after swimming or exercising when outside
• Use a broad brimmed hat
• Wear sun protective clothing including large sunglasses
• Avoid the sun during peak hours from 11 am to 2 pm daily
• Avoid cigarette smoking
• Avoid excessive alcohol intake
• Wear a BB cream for coverup which has SPF in its based

DIY Skin Lightening

Many people try some at home skin lightening treatments.  Lemon juice has been used for years to try to lighten both skin and hair. However, special care must be used when using lemon juice in the sun as it can cause a reaction on the skin and actually cause or worsen the appearance of existing skin hyperpigmentation. Aloe Vera gel, yogurt honey masks, and papaya have also all been used to soothe or exfoliate the skin with the purpose of achieving a skin lightening effect. While these at home treatments do not replace medical treatments at a dermatologist, some patients find some skin lightening benefit. The safest, most effective and efficient way to achieve a brighter and more even-toned complexion is to have your evaluation and skin lightening treatment with a board-certified dermatologist, like Dr. Michele Green in NYC. Dr. Green can recommend the best in specially formulated skincare products and in-office skin lightening treatments for you and your skin, so that you can look and feel your absolute best without risking the health of your skin.

Is skin lightening safe?

Skin bleaching is a process that entails changing the natural skin tone with the use of chemicals, and is associated with dangerous side effects. Skin bleaching is not considered safe and is not recommended by medical professionals. Lightening areas of facial or bodily hyperpigmentation with products and treatments recommended by a board-certified dermatologist, like Dr. Green in NYC, is a safe and effective way to achieve a brighter and even-toned complexion. Skin lightening is a term used to describe reducing hyperpigmentation, dark spots, melasma, age spots, or birthmarks so that the skin tone is even in color. When you consult with Dr. Green, you will discuss in-depth regarding your specific skin concerns and cosmetic goals. Dr. Green will thoroughly evaluate your skin, your medical history, and family history in order to determine the best customized skin lightening treatment approach for you. All of the skin lightening products and treatments recommended by Dr. Green are proven to be safe and effective methods for reducing hyperpigmentation, and she will work with you to select the perfect combination for your needs.

Is skin lightening soap safe?

The safety and efficacy of a skin lightening soap is ultimately dependent on the active ingredients and their concentrations. Mercury is an ingredient that is sometimes incorporated into skin lightening soaps that is not considered as a safe skin lightening agent. Any skin lightening soaps containing mercury, or other harmful substance, in any concentration should be avoided in order to prevent unnecessary skin damage or other unwanted side effects. There are, however, some skin lightening soaps that contain active ingredients that are safe and effective. Kojic acid is an active ingredient that is safe for all skin tones and will not harm skin, but rather, only lighten areas of skin that are hyperpigmented unusually. Age spots, melasma, or other form of hyperpigmentation can potentially be lightened with kojic acid. Using a skin lightening soap that contains the active ingredient kojic acid on a regular basis can be helpful for achieving an overall brighter and more even skin tone. During your consultation with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green, you’ll have the opportunity to determine which skincare products are best-suited to your skin type, skin tone, and for addressing your skin concerns and achieving your cosmetic goals.

Cosmelan before and after

Is skin lightening permanent?

Since the skin is a living organ, it is susceptible to undergoing changes overtime. Any skin lightening treatments can be used to temporarily reduce hyperpigmentation, though to maintain best results long-term, it is essential to adhere to strict sun avoidance. It may be beneficial to engage in maintenance or touch up treatment sessions, or to use a skin lightening cream provided by your dermatologist. Dr. Michele Green in NYC is a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist with over 25 years of experience treating some of the most discerning men and women from around the globe for a myriad of skin concerns, including dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Dr. Green offers a host of treatment options for various forms of facial and bodily hyperpigmentation, helping patients of every skin tone and skin type achieve a brighter, clearer, more even skin tone that lasts.

Why is my skin lightening?

Hypopigmentation is characterized by patches of skin that are lighter in color than the surrounding skin. The reason that this condition occurs is because there is less melanin that is being produced in the areas of skin that are lighter. Melanin is the component of skin that is responsible for the pigment of skin and when it is underproduced the skin lightens. Individuals may observe that their skin is hypopigmented in certain areas or patches, or may notice that their entire body is affected by hypopigmentation. Several factors can contribute to hypopigmented skin including environmental and genetic elements. Albinism is an example of a genetic skin condition associated with a lack of pigment in the skin. Vitiligo is characterized by patches of hypopigmented skin on different areas of the body and the underlying cause is still largely unknown. Post-inflammatory hypopigmentation occurs when, following an inflammatory skin condition or injury, skin heals to be lighter than the natural skin color. The hypopigmentation associated with PIH that develops after injury, burn, or other inflammatory condition may be permanent if the melanocytes in the area have been severely damaged or destroyed. To understand the causes of your skin lightening, it’s best to discuss with a board-certified dermatologist, like Dr. Michele Green, who can perform an evaluation and consult with you regarding your medical and family history.

Do skin lightening pills work?

Glutathione is an antioxidant that is naturally found within the body and serves several functions. Glutathione has been linked to skin lightening and can be administered either intravenously or orally. Intravenous glutathione for skin bleaching is considered unsafe and is not recommended. Oral glutathione, on the other hand, is deemed ineffective when it comes to producing any significant skin lightening effects due to inadequate absorption by the body. Rather than risk experiencing dangerous and unwanted side effects by treating with glutathione, either intravenously or orally, schedule a consultation with a board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Michele Green in New York. Dr. Green has over two and a half decades treating patients of every skin tone and skin type for hyperpigmentation, melasma, and dark spots. When you work with Dr. Green, you will have the opportunity to discuss your specific skin concerns and cosmetic goals. Dr. Green will recommend the skin lightening options that are guaranteed to be the safest and most effective for you and your skin.

How does skin lightening work?

Melanin is the component of skin responsible for pigment and gives skin color. Skin lightening creams and in-office skin lightening cosmetic treatments work by inhibiting the production of melanin in skin or by reducing the concentration of melanin in hyperpigmented patches of skin. By removing excess melanin from the skin and preventing new melanin from being produced, skin lightening products and treatments effectively produce a lighter, brighter, more-even toned complexion. The exact mechanism by which your skin lightening treatment works will vary depending on the type or types of treatments that are incorporated into your treatment plan, and can be discussed during your consultation with Dr. Michele Green in her private boutique dermatology office, located in the Upper East Side neighborhood of Manhattan.

Can skin lighten naturally? How to have lighter skin naturally

When it comes to changing your natural skin color, there is no safe and effective solution available. The best way to naturally keep your complexion bright and even-toned is to practice excellent sun avoidance. Exposure to ultraviolet light can trigger melanocytes in the skin to produce melanin, leading to an increased amount of pigment in the skin and an overall darker complexion as well as the potential development of sun spots, dark spots, and melasma. By limiting exposure to UV light and regularly wearing an adequate amount of sunscreen, it is possible to keep your natural skin tone bright, light, and free of hyperpigmentation, dark spots, melasma, and sun spots.

Does skin lightening cause cancer?

Skin lightening creams and in-office cosmetic skin lightening treatments themselves will not contribute to the development of cancer. It is important, however, to use proper sun protection while undergoing any skin lightening treatments or using any skin lightening creams. Chemical peels, laser resurfacing treatments, and products that are designed to lighten areas of hyperpigmented skin can all lead to the thinning of the skin. This ultimately makes skin more susceptible to UV damage, potentially increasing the risk for developing skin damage and skin cancer. For this reason, taking the proper precautions is an essential part of patient compliance during any skin lightening treatment. Patients should layer two broad-spectrum sunscreens with a minimum SPF of 30. The first layer should be a chemical sunscreen, followed by a layer of mineral sunscreen that contains titanium dioxide or zinc oxide.

A sunscreen that is broad-spectrum indicates that it will offer protection against both UVA and UVB rays from the sun. Sunscreen should be applied daily, no matter what the weather conditions may be (yes, even when it’s cloudy or raining). Additionally, sunscreen should be reapplied every ninety minutes for best coverage. Patients who are using skin lightening products or undergoing other skin lightening treatments should refrain from exposing themselves as best they can throughout the duration of treatment to avoid risking skin damage, including skin cancer. Limiting sun exposure after completion of skin lightening treatment is the best way to prevent dark spots and melasma from returning. When you consult with Dr. Green, she will advise you of the specific appropriate aftercare protocol for your skin lightening treatment plan.

How do I get started with skin lightening today?

Facial and bodily hyperpigmentation can often lead to feelings of self-consciousness, and it can be difficult and tedious to cover with makeup on a daily basis. Hyperpigmentation, melasma, and dark spots on the skin can be frustrating and difficult to resolve when relying on ineffective over the counter bleaching products or facial treatments at a medical spa. To effectively and safely eliminate areas of hyperpigmentation and get a brighter, clearer skin tone that lasts, it’s best to consult with a board certified cosmetic dermatologist, like Dr. Michele Green in NYC. Dr. Green is recognized and appreciated internationally for her holistic approach and “less is more” philosophy when it comes to facial rejuvenation treatments.

Dr. Green is consistently voted as one of New York City’s best physicians by Castle Connolly, Super Doctors, and New York Magazine, and has over 25 years of experience successfully treating men and women from around the world for various forms of facial and bodily hyperpigmentation, helping them to achieve a radiant and even-toned complexion. If you are frustrated with skin discoloration or hyperpigmentation and you are interested in learning more about various treatment options for skin lightening, find out how Dr. Green can help you and book an appointment online or by calling the NYC-based office at 212 535 3088