Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is It?Medical vs. OTC ProductsApplicationCultural Challenges
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Is It?
Medical vs. OTC Products
Application
Cultural Challenges
Skin bleaching is a cosmetic procedure using products that lighten your skin tone. Using these products can have negative health consequences.
Sometimes, people want to lighten patches of skin that have become abnormally dark due to medical issues. This is considered safe when the right products are used.
However, when it comes to lightening the natural color of your skin—all over your body—many health officials warn against skin bleaching. Instead, if you still wish to proceed, visit adermatologist, who can provide safe alternatives.
This article explores the skin-bleaching process, safety concerns, and potential side effects.
Andrei Zonenko / Getty Images
Skin Bleaching vs. Skin LighteningSkin bleaching refers to using cosmetic products to make skin lighter. The term “skin lightening” is more often used for products and treatments that lighten areas ofhyperpigmentation(skin that’s become darker) from:FrecklesAgeSun exposureAcne scarsPregnancy
Skin Bleaching vs. Skin Lightening
Skin bleaching refers to using cosmetic products to make skin lighter. The term “skin lightening” is more often used for products and treatments that lighten areas ofhyperpigmentation(skin that’s become darker) from:FrecklesAgeSun exposureAcne scarsPregnancy
Skin bleaching refers to using cosmetic products to make skin lighter. The term “skin lightening” is more often used for products and treatments that lighten areas ofhyperpigmentation(skin that’s become darker) from:
Skin Bleaching: A Cosmetic Procedure
Practiced for centuries, skin bleaching is common worldwide. An analysis of 68 studies found that out of nearly 68,000 people, 27.7% had attempted to bleach their skin at some point in their lifetime.
However, skin bleaching is not a medically necessary procedure. Instead, it’s often undertaken due to misguided racial and cultural beliefs that light skin is more attractive than dark skin.
Can It Be Done?
Sometimes people can successfully lighten their all-over skin tone. Certain ingredients, such as a combination ofhydroquinone(a depigmentation agent) andtopical steroids,can stop your skin cells from producingmelanin(pigment).
However, it doesn’t always work, and results may be uneven, leaving some patches darker than others. You should also consider safety before trying to bleach your skin.
Other Terms to Watch ForIn marketing and advertising, skin-bleaching products are often called skin-lightening or skin-brightening products.
Other Terms to Watch For
In marketing and advertising, skin-bleaching products are often called skin-lightening or skin-brightening products.
Safety Concerns
Products made outside the United States are of real concern because they don’t always have ingredient lists, or they may contain ingredients that aren’t listed. This means they may contain dangerously high levels of medicinal or dangerous substances at any level.
Examples of problem ingredients include mercury andarsenic. Mercury is a toxic heavy metal that can cause skin irritation, difficulty breathing, insomnia, headaches, weakness, unintended weight loss, and more.Mercury poisoningis a serious condition that requires emergency medical attention.
Arsenic exposure can lead to patchy skin coloring, skin lesions, and cancer.
Side Effects
In addition to giving you an uneven skin tone or lighter skin than you intended, other potential side effects of skin-bleaching products may include:
Less often, these products may lead toexogenous ochronosis, a rare but permanent side effect of long-term hydroquinone use that causes blue and purple pigmentation in your skin.
Some products can also aggravate theeffects of sunlighton your skin. Be sure to take extra steps to shield your skin from the sun and use sunscreen when you can’t avoid exposure.
Medical Skin Bleaching vs. Over-the-Counter (OTC) Cosmetic Products
Professional skin bleaching in a dermatologist’s office may include a variety of products and procedures, including:
Each of these treatments comes with potential side effects. However, since you’re under the care of a licensed medical professional, they’re considered safer than using at-home skin-lightening products unsupervised.
Cosmetic Laser Procedures
Skin-Bleaching Product Application
It’s also a good idea to involve your dermatologist or a healthcare provider in your decision to bleach your skin and in product selection. Healthcare providers often recommend stopping the treatment after three or four months.
Alternative Skin-Bleaching Treatments
Research into potentially safer skin-bleaching ingredients is in its early stages. In addition, the research primarily addresses hyperpigmentation, not all-over skin bleaching.
Preliminary studies suggest some safer lightening products include:
These products may still have risks and side effects. Discuss products containing these or other ingredients with your healthcare provider before using them.
Skin Bleaching: Cultural Challenges and Stigma
The desire for skin bleaching is mainly culturally and racially based. In the United States, racist attitudes affect beauty standards and cause light skin to be considered more desirable and attractive than dark skin.
Even among people of color, some cultural attitudes hold that lighter skin is favorable. Marketing and advertising promote these beliefs, as well.
Researchers advise that racist, colorist, and cultural attitudes must shift away from idealizing light skin in order for dangerous and costly skin-bleaching practices to be abandoned.
Summary
Skin bleaching is a growing practice among dark-skinned people who may internalize racist and cultural ideals that hold light skin in higher regard. Many skin-bleaching products contain dangerous ingredients that can have far-reaching health effects. Skin bleaching involves the whole body and is different from skin lightening used for smaller areas of hyperpigmentation due to age, sun damage, or medical conditions.
Products made outside the United States may contain dangerous levels of mercury, arsenic, and hydroquinone. A safer way to lighten your skin is to see a dermatologist for procedures and products that are proven safe and effective.
13 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Sagoe D, Pallesen S, Dlova NC, Lartey M, Ezzedine K, Dadzie O.The global prevalence and correlates of skin bleaching: a meta-analysis and meta-regression analysis.Int J Dermatol. 2019;58(1):24-44. doi:10.1111/ijd.14052American Academy of Dermatology Association.Board-certified dermatologist warns consumers about the dangers of skin bleaching to achieve a lighter complexion.NHS.Skin lightening.Charoo NA.Hyperpigmentation: Looking beyond hydroquinone.Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2022. doi:10.1111/jocd.14746Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.Mercury.Mount Sinai.Mercury.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.Physiologic effects of arsenic exposure.Benn EK, Alexis A, Mohamed N, et al.Skin bleaching and dermatologic health of African and Afro-Caribbean populations in the US: New directions for methodologically rigorous, multidisciplinary, and culturally.Dermatol Ther. 2016 Dec;6(4):453-459. doi:10.1007/s13555-016-0154-1Hollinger JC, Angra K, Halder RM.Are natural ingredients effective in the management of hyperpigmentation? A systematic review.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2018;11(2):28-37.Desai S, Ayres E, Bak H, et al.Effect of a tranexamic acid, kojic acid, and niacinamide containing serum on facial dyschromia: A clinical evaluation.J Drugs Dermatol. 2019;18(5):454-459.Sanadi RM, Deshmukh RS.The effect of vitamin C on melanin pigmentation - A systematic review.J Oral Maxillofac Pathol. 2020;24(2):374-382. doi:10.4103/jomfp.JOMFP_207_20Harper K, Choma BL.Internalised white ideal, skin tone surveillance, and hair surveillance predict skin and hair dissatisfaction and skin bleaching among African American and Indian women.Sex Roles80, 735–744 (2019). doi:10.1007/s11199-018-0966-9Daftary K, Krishnam NS, Kundu RV.Uncovering the roots of skin bleaching: Colorism and its detrimental effects.J Cosmet Dermatol. 2023;22(1):337-338. doi:10.1111/jocd.15049Additional ReadingAmerican Acemdemy of Dermatology Association.Board-certified dermatologist warns consumers about the dangers of skin bleaching to achieve a lighter complexion.National Health Service.Skin lightening.
13 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Sagoe D, Pallesen S, Dlova NC, Lartey M, Ezzedine K, Dadzie O.The global prevalence and correlates of skin bleaching: a meta-analysis and meta-regression analysis.Int J Dermatol. 2019;58(1):24-44. doi:10.1111/ijd.14052American Academy of Dermatology Association.Board-certified dermatologist warns consumers about the dangers of skin bleaching to achieve a lighter complexion.NHS.Skin lightening.Charoo NA.Hyperpigmentation: Looking beyond hydroquinone.Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2022. doi:10.1111/jocd.14746Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.Mercury.Mount Sinai.Mercury.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.Physiologic effects of arsenic exposure.Benn EK, Alexis A, Mohamed N, et al.Skin bleaching and dermatologic health of African and Afro-Caribbean populations in the US: New directions for methodologically rigorous, multidisciplinary, and culturally.Dermatol Ther. 2016 Dec;6(4):453-459. doi:10.1007/s13555-016-0154-1Hollinger JC, Angra K, Halder RM.Are natural ingredients effective in the management of hyperpigmentation? A systematic review.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2018;11(2):28-37.Desai S, Ayres E, Bak H, et al.Effect of a tranexamic acid, kojic acid, and niacinamide containing serum on facial dyschromia: A clinical evaluation.J Drugs Dermatol. 2019;18(5):454-459.Sanadi RM, Deshmukh RS.The effect of vitamin C on melanin pigmentation - A systematic review.J Oral Maxillofac Pathol. 2020;24(2):374-382. doi:10.4103/jomfp.JOMFP_207_20Harper K, Choma BL.Internalised white ideal, skin tone surveillance, and hair surveillance predict skin and hair dissatisfaction and skin bleaching among African American and Indian women.Sex Roles80, 735–744 (2019). doi:10.1007/s11199-018-0966-9Daftary K, Krishnam NS, Kundu RV.Uncovering the roots of skin bleaching: Colorism and its detrimental effects.J Cosmet Dermatol. 2023;22(1):337-338. doi:10.1111/jocd.15049Additional ReadingAmerican Acemdemy of Dermatology Association.Board-certified dermatologist warns consumers about the dangers of skin bleaching to achieve a lighter complexion.National Health Service.Skin lightening.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Sagoe D, Pallesen S, Dlova NC, Lartey M, Ezzedine K, Dadzie O.The global prevalence and correlates of skin bleaching: a meta-analysis and meta-regression analysis.Int J Dermatol. 2019;58(1):24-44. doi:10.1111/ijd.14052American Academy of Dermatology Association.Board-certified dermatologist warns consumers about the dangers of skin bleaching to achieve a lighter complexion.NHS.Skin lightening.Charoo NA.Hyperpigmentation: Looking beyond hydroquinone.Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2022. doi:10.1111/jocd.14746Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.Mercury.Mount Sinai.Mercury.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.Physiologic effects of arsenic exposure.Benn EK, Alexis A, Mohamed N, et al.Skin bleaching and dermatologic health of African and Afro-Caribbean populations in the US: New directions for methodologically rigorous, multidisciplinary, and culturally.Dermatol Ther. 2016 Dec;6(4):453-459. doi:10.1007/s13555-016-0154-1Hollinger JC, Angra K, Halder RM.Are natural ingredients effective in the management of hyperpigmentation? A systematic review.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2018;11(2):28-37.Desai S, Ayres E, Bak H, et al.Effect of a tranexamic acid, kojic acid, and niacinamide containing serum on facial dyschromia: A clinical evaluation.J Drugs Dermatol. 2019;18(5):454-459.Sanadi RM, Deshmukh RS.The effect of vitamin C on melanin pigmentation - A systematic review.J Oral Maxillofac Pathol. 2020;24(2):374-382. doi:10.4103/jomfp.JOMFP_207_20Harper K, Choma BL.Internalised white ideal, skin tone surveillance, and hair surveillance predict skin and hair dissatisfaction and skin bleaching among African American and Indian women.Sex Roles80, 735–744 (2019). doi:10.1007/s11199-018-0966-9Daftary K, Krishnam NS, Kundu RV.Uncovering the roots of skin bleaching: Colorism and its detrimental effects.J Cosmet Dermatol. 2023;22(1):337-338. doi:10.1111/jocd.15049
Sagoe D, Pallesen S, Dlova NC, Lartey M, Ezzedine K, Dadzie O.The global prevalence and correlates of skin bleaching: a meta-analysis and meta-regression analysis.Int J Dermatol. 2019;58(1):24-44. doi:10.1111/ijd.14052
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Board-certified dermatologist warns consumers about the dangers of skin bleaching to achieve a lighter complexion.
NHS.Skin lightening.
Charoo NA.Hyperpigmentation: Looking beyond hydroquinone.Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2022. doi:10.1111/jocd.14746
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.Mercury.
Mount Sinai.Mercury.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.Physiologic effects of arsenic exposure.
Benn EK, Alexis A, Mohamed N, et al.Skin bleaching and dermatologic health of African and Afro-Caribbean populations in the US: New directions for methodologically rigorous, multidisciplinary, and culturally.Dermatol Ther. 2016 Dec;6(4):453-459. doi:10.1007/s13555-016-0154-1
Hollinger JC, Angra K, Halder RM.Are natural ingredients effective in the management of hyperpigmentation? A systematic review.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2018;11(2):28-37.
Desai S, Ayres E, Bak H, et al.Effect of a tranexamic acid, kojic acid, and niacinamide containing serum on facial dyschromia: A clinical evaluation.J Drugs Dermatol. 2019;18(5):454-459.
Sanadi RM, Deshmukh RS.The effect of vitamin C on melanin pigmentation - A systematic review.J Oral Maxillofac Pathol. 2020;24(2):374-382. doi:10.4103/jomfp.JOMFP_207_20
Harper K, Choma BL.Internalised white ideal, skin tone surveillance, and hair surveillance predict skin and hair dissatisfaction and skin bleaching among African American and Indian women.Sex Roles80, 735–744 (2019). doi:10.1007/s11199-018-0966-9
Daftary K, Krishnam NS, Kundu RV.Uncovering the roots of skin bleaching: Colorism and its detrimental effects.J Cosmet Dermatol. 2023;22(1):337-338. doi:10.1111/jocd.15049
American Acemdemy of Dermatology Association.Board-certified dermatologist warns consumers about the dangers of skin bleaching to achieve a lighter complexion.National Health Service.Skin lightening.
American Acemdemy of Dermatology Association.Board-certified dermatologist warns consumers about the dangers of skin bleaching to achieve a lighter complexion.
National Health Service.Skin lightening.
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