Skin Lightening & Brightening Treatment in Mumbai

Overview | Skin lightening and brightening treatments | Self-care tips | When to avoid skin lightening | Skin whitening vs. skin lightening

What is skin lightening? Well, skin lightening helps you to lighten the tone of naturally dark skin. It can also be used to treat several skin problems like acne scars, age spots, discoloration due to hormones, and the like. 

Have you always wished to get skin that was one or two shades lighter? If so, you will be happy to know that there are various of skin lightening and skin brightening treatments engineered nowadays for your benefit.

In this article, I will help answer some questions surrounding this topic.

What are the different types of skin lightening treatments?

Below, I will introduce you to some skin lightening treatments and skin brightening treatments that you can opt for to get glowing, radiant skin. Do note that their effects will vary from patient to patient.

1. Skin peels – Also known as chemical peels, skin peels are corrective peels that help to effectively rejuvenate, brighten, and improve skin health. They can also help tackle various cases of acne and skin pigmentation to ensure optimum brightening.
   I have specially formulated certain peels with the finest medical grade at The Bombay Skin Clinic. A detailed skin examination helps to assess my patient’s health and determine the best peel type for their skin, giving them maximum efficacy and minimal irritation. The hand-picked selection of peels at the clinic includes Azelaic acid, Mandelic acid, Glycolic acid, Pyruvix, Salicylic acid, Yellow, and Black peels. As per the Harvard Health Publishing, the effects vary based on how deeply the peel penetrates the skin, as per the strength and type of solution used.
   The Enzyme peel and C glowing powder with C peel in particular help to help to reduce pigmentation and give you glowing skin. During the procedure, the peel will be applied to your cleansed face. The chemicals will begin to work and brighten your skin. Once the treatment is complete, the peel is removed with a neutralizing solution. The potential yet temporary side-effects of chemical peels include redness, stinging, and infection.
2. Medi-facials – Medi-facials or medical-grade facial treatments are designed to treat particular skin conditions and is safe for all skin types. They are tailored to repair and restore the skin, leaving it glowing and hydrated. They often involve certain devices and constituents like peel, LED therapy, microcurrents, microdermabrasion, Photorejuvenation, and more. Medi-facials are more effective than regular spa facials, as they penetrate the skin deeper to give you long-lasting results.
   I have personally ideated and designed special medi-facial treatments at The Bombay Skin Clinic.  Some of these treatments include The Bombay Brightening Facial, Superjet Facial, The Bombay Infusion Facial, The Bombay Pumpkin Facial, and The Bombay Glass Skin Facial, among others. Each facial may last for about an hour and no downtime is required.  The treatments also have minimal and temporary side-effects like skin sensitivity, skin redness, and the like.
   The Bombay Intensive Vitamin C Medi-facial is an effective skin brightening treatment. This treatment not only helps in the reduction of dark spots but also gives you a lighter skin tone with the application of Vitamin C in its purest form. A Q-switched laser along with specialized desquacrem and energizing radiance ampoule work in collaboration to give you soft, radiant skin in just 75 minutes.
3. Anti-Clock facial – A signature facial of The Bombay Skin Clinic, I have designed the seven-step Anti-Clock facial especially for dry, sagging, and dehydrated skin. I begin by cleaning all the dirt and make-up on the face with a vitamin C cleanser, followed by the application of a high-speed micro-jet spray for exfoliation and hydration at the same time. Post this, an enzymatic peel with pineapple extract and vitamin C is massaged on the face. To add that brightness factor, next, a brightening radiance lotion is applied, which contains Licorice to help lighten the complexion and Scutellaria to fight free radicals.
   In the next step, I apply a firmness serum and force marine oxygen serum to oxygenate the skin cells and firm them up. In the second-to-last step, a mix of an anti-aging plumping massage oil and plumping mousse are applied. This mix contains micro hyaluronic acid to promote collagen production. It also contains several seaweed extracts to restore youth. Finally, in the last step, I complete the facial by applying a hydrating and natural brightening mask with ingredients from sea plants, seaweed, and spirulina to lighten the face.  Patients swear by this skin lightening treatment, praising the fabulous and long-lasting results.
4. Laser-like Spectra Carbon Peel – This is a revolutionary skin rejuvenation treatment that is gentle and safe for mostly all skin types. This treatment requires no downtime. It helps to even the skin tone, minimize pigmentation and acne, stimulate collagen production, and improve textural irregularities.
   The process starts with the application of a thin layer of carbon-based Spectra lotion, which is left on the face for many minutes for deep penetration. Next, a laser is passed over the face in Quasi-long pulse mode (Spectra mode). This spreads deep into the dermis to photo-biostimulate skin cell rejuvenation. The next few passes are made in Q-switched laser mode, which removes the lotion and lightly ablates the old skin layer surface. The laser energy also breaks up pigmentation, which is then carried away while collagen production is stimulated.
   Unclogging of pores and pore size reduction result due to the photomechanical destruction of fine carbon particles, dramatically improving the skin texture and skin tone. Many patients find this treatment bearable with a slight warm feeling and results show after the first session itself. Your dermatologist may recommend additional sessions depending on the extent of your skin pigmentation. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Laser-like Spectra Carbon Peel for patients with melasma, which is known as skin discoloration.
5. Microdermabrasion – Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive procedure that is safe for mostly all skin tones. It has been proven safe especially for dark, sensitive skin. The procedure works by the gentle abrasion of the top layer of the skin with the use of a diamond- or crystal-tipped wand. Its micro-aluminum oxide crystals leave your skin free of blemishes, discolorations, and dark marks. The process takes about an hour. Many patients see good results after a single session. I always recommend a few more sessions to see effective skin lightening.
   As a general rule, I always advise my patients to first try chemical peels or another skin brightening treatment before trying microdermabrasion if they want a skin tone that is several shades lighter. However, it is a much older treatment and with the availability of newer, more safer peels and laser treatments this is not my first line treatment. As noted by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, it is a less aggressive remedy than chemical peels. Microdermabrasion may not be suitable for people with heavy acne scarring or for nursing or pregnant women. Common side-effects of microdermabrasion include temporary redness, bruising, swelling, and tenderness.
6. Hydradermabrasion – Hydradermabrasion is a non-invasive active serum and water-based resurfacing facial treatment. It combines oxygen and pressurized water to exfoliate the skin’s top layer gently and remove impurities and dead skin cells. It thereby provides hydration to the skin, instantly rejuvenating and brightening it. It is safe, effective, minimizes pore sizes, requires zero downtime, helps promote collagen production, and is virtually painless while being beneficial to almost all skin types.
   In less than an hour, you can go from having dull skin to plumper skin with a lighter tone. The diamond-tip wand is used to guide the pressurized water over the face. Post-treatment there may be some redness for 24 hours. I recommend not using makeup for at least the rest of the day. Many patients report more radiant skin after just one treatment. Based on the particular patient’s case, I may recommend a few more sessions for maximum effect.
7. Glutathione – Glutathione is a wonder chemical that has been taking the beauty world by storm. It is used for skin whitening purposes. It is an anti-oxidant that works really well to remove toxins; lighten and brighten the skin tone; induce a glow; and reduce pigmentation, blemishes, and dark circles. It is available in many forms such as capsules, pills, soaps, injections, creams, and lotions. For injections, you would need to consult with a certified dermatologist.
   As mentioned, the benefits of glutathione are many. However, there are some side-effects like rashes and allergies. A certified dermatologist would be able to assess your medical history and current physical condition before recommending this line of treatment for skin brightening. Patients have shown a marked improvement, with fairer and white skin seen very quickly.
8. Hydroquinone – Hydroquinone is a skin-lightening agent that bleaches the skin, thereby helping with hyperpigmentation. It works by decreasing the number of melanocytes in the skin, which are responsible for producing your skin tone. In about four weeks, results can show. It is usually well-tolerated by all skin types. The U.S. FDA has approved it as a safe and effective ingredient in 1982.
   However, I want to caution you against some minor possible side effects. It works best on fair skin tones. If you have a medium-to-dark skin tone, it may actually worsen hyperpigmentation. In rare cases, it has also caused ochronosis, a condition marked by bluish-black pigmentation and papules. This can occur after daily use for a long period. This is the reason why no doctor recommends the use of hydroquinone for more than five months at a time.
   The safe way to use a hydroquinone cream is to use it for a very short contact period. So, I like to recommend to my patients 2 hours application in the evening for perhaps only two to four times a week. This helps to improve pigmentation without any side effects.

Are there any self-care tips for the future?

I always guide my patients on some dos and don’ts post-treatment. Since your treated skin will be more sensitive than usual, you should avoid excessively touching your face and only use a chemical-free, mild soap for cleaning, while dabbing very gently. You can regularly apply soothing and cooling products like petroleum jelly or aloe vera gel. Additionally, for at least six months post-treatment, I generally recommend applying a sunscreen to prevent sunburn or darkening.

The best self-care tip is to follow a good, simple skin routine every day. The basic rule is to use a good face wash, a sunscreen you enjoy using, a Vitamin C serum, and a Retinol or a lightening cream with glycolic acid, Kojic Acid, or Azelaic acid every night. This will help to enhance the results and also maintain them.

When should you avoid these treatments?

There are some individuals who should avoid skin lightening treatments. I do not recommend them until I have made a thorough assessment of a patient’s skin, medical history, medical conditions, allergies, and a list of medications that are being consumed. Your dermatologist will be able to advise you on the suitability of skin brightening treatments for you.

For example, if you have skin dermatitis, it needs to be fully treated before skin lightening can be considered. Additionally, darker skinned patients may be more safely treated with skincare products alone. 

What is the difference between skin whitening and skin lightening?

This is a question often asked by my patients. Well, skin whitening is generally considered to be skin bleaching, a treatment to give you a lighter skin tone. This is generally achieved through the use of chemicals. The goal here is to fade the complexion or lighten it.

On the other hand, skin lightening refers to using a positive technique to achieve a lighter complexion. Skin lightening products are formulated to even out the skin tone and restore the skin’s natural color before hyperpigmentation can set in. To know your natural skin color, look at the inner part of your upper arm. Finally, I would like to add that all skin lightening treatments do vary in results between patients. Your dermatologist will tell you what you can expect based on your skin condition.

Closing thoughts

From chemical peels to microdermabrasion and the Anti-clock facial to hydradermabrasion, I believe you are truly spoilt for choice when it comes to ways in which you can lighten your skin. You don’t have to live with dark blemishes any longer! Consult with a certified dermatologist today and enjoy the fair skin days you have always desired!  

References

• Harvard Health Publishing: https://www.health.harvard.edu/aging/want-to-take-years-off-your-face-these-treatments-can-rejuvenate-your-skin
• National Center for Biotechnology Information: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK535383/
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cdrh_docs/pdf11/K113588.pdf