The Secrets of Skin Whitening

The first and most significant secret of skin whitening is that it does not necessarily involve chemicals. Regardless of the reasons for whitening the skin, the process can be carried out with successful results using natural compounds. Users need not fear any instance of scaring or disfigurement, such as in the case of using bleach or other chemicals. Let’s take a closer look at what makes skin have color.

Almost every group of organisms on earth produces melanin. Melanin is a pigment that can be found in various biological forms. Eumelanin, for example, is a brown-black polymer in human skin. Phenomelanin is a red-brown polymer that produces red hair and freckles in humans. When we get too much UVB radiation exposure (usually from the sun), it causes DNA damage which in turn stimulates the production of melanin. This process is called melanogenisis, and is responsible for delaying the appearance of a tan in Caucasians.

Melanin has vital photo-protectant properties, helping to prevent further indirect DNA damage. It is also present in the iris of our eyes, determining the color of the iris. Melanin is in our hair, the brain, and inner ear and of course the skin. In the skin, melanin is produced by melanocytes. When a genetic defect inhibits the production of melanin from the melanocytes, Albinism occurs. Certain ethnic groups are genetically programmed to produce higher than normal melanin varieties, and therefore have darker skin.

Other parts of the body produce an enzyme called glutathione, a powerful antioxidant. Glutathione is important as a protector at the cellular level, especially against free radicals and peroxides. It is also an essential antidote to overdose, particularly in the case of acetaminophen. In the case of human skin, studies have shown with definitive success that glutathione reduces the production of melanin by interrupting the function of L-DOPA (a natural biological chemical in the body).

The most effective natural skin whitening products on the market are those which use glutathione as their base ingredient. Glutathione can be harvested from plants and animals, or made synthetically. Most of the time glutathione supplements for the purpose of skin whitening are combined with alpha lipoic acid, an organosulfur compound. As an addition to the glutathione, the lipoic acid is meant as an energy booster. There are also studies showing some benefits in reducing inflammation, preventing migraines and organ dysfunction, even in hastening the healing of wounds.

The media is full of horror stories about people becoming disfigured or dying from using skin whitening products. For example, In Cambodia a young woman of 23 passed away after using a toxic amount of skin whitening cream imported from Vietnam. Yet the public needs to understand these cases are due to the use of skin whitening formulas using a toxic level of mercury. Sure, the results will be faster than with natural ingredients, but the personal cost of mercury-laced skin whiteners can be astronomical.

If lightening up your skin is in your thoughts, do your research and only use naturally based products. By carrying out this alteration on your body, you are changing the natural composition of your skin. So be sure to do it naturally, and in prevention of other more troubling side effects. Drink lots of water, get lots of rest and use Glutathione.