Not all skin lightening procedures are created equal. Certain options are better for certain scenarios and certain skin types.
Permanent skin lightening is possible through treatments such as lasers, bleaching creams or a combination of options.
Cutting-edge lightening injections are bursting on the scene, promising permanent results relatively easily, but there are some concerns.
Achieving a more even complexion is attainable for many.
Achieving the perfect skin tone is one of the most elusive cosmetic feats out there. For some of us, it’s a silky-smooth, sun-kissed glow we’re after. For others, it’s a matter of dialing down and evening out a spotty complexion. From home remedies to spray tans to laser treatments, there are hundreds of unique ways to improve your skin’s complexion, but not all are ideal for every person. There are a variety of skin lightening treatment options on the market to help lighten damaged skin, whether via at-home topical treatments or in-office laser procedures. Here are some of the most popular skin lightening treatments out there, with information about how they can correct your specific skin concerns.
Laser Skin Lightening
Lasers are truly one of modern cosmetic medicine’s most amazing technologies. In the case of skin lightening, they offer one of the more permanent and effective solutions available. Many people opt for laser skin lightening over creams and skin bleaching because it’s relatively fast-acting. In just a few sessions, you can correct some of the most frustrating yet common skin care concerns, like wrinkles and dark spots.
Laser skin lightening was first introduced to the market in the 1980s, when doctors began to use CO2 lasers to deliver short-pulsed energy to remove skin cells and lighten skin tones in the process. These lasers, alongside other types of lasers, are still used today. Your doctor or laser specialist will typically administer or topically apply local anesthesia and/or provide sedative medications to control pain. High-energy light is then administered to the skin, which is absorbed by its natural water, melanin and hemoglobin, triggering new skin generation and leaving behind a lighter skin tone.
Dermatologists now often recommend intense pulse light (IPL) lasers, pulsed-dyed lasers, Nd:YAG lasers and CO2 lasers to lighten skin. These types of lasers affect the skin’s ability to stimulate melanin production, which can help lighten skin while treating frustrating dark spots, age spots, sun spots, melasma and pigmentation. Consulting with a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon can help you determine which type of laser is most appropriate for your natural skin tone and concerns.
There are two distinctive types of laser treatment options available for lightening skin color: ablative and non-ablative lasers. These two types of lasers differ in various ways, especially in terms of side effects and recovery time. Ablative lasers (including CO2 and Erbium lasers) are considered the more intense option, but they also tend to be significantly more effective. Risks associated with this type of laser include redness, swelling, acne, infection and scarring.
Non-ablative lasers (including Fraxel Restore, CoolTouch and N-lite) are preferred in many scenarios because they’re less invasive. Rather than actually destroying skin tissues, non-ablative lasers simply heat them up, which can cause fewer side effects. Still, those who undergo non-ablative laser lightening treatments are at risk of infection, mild redness, swelling, bruising, blistering and scarring. Both versions are considered safe and are approved for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
