Skin bleaching refers to the use of products to lighten dark areas of the skin or achieve an overall lighter complexion. These products include bleaching creams, soaps, and pills, as well as professional treatments like chemical peels and laser therapy.
Efforts to lighten the skin date back to at least the 1500s in Asia. Several chemicals have been shown to be effective in skin whitening, while some have proven to be toxic or have questionable safety profiles. This includes mercury compounds which may cause neurological problems and kidney problems. In a number of African countries, between 25 and 80% of women regularly use skin whitening products. In Asia, this number is around 40%. In India, specifically, over half of skin care products are sold to whiten skin.
There are many complex terminologies in use when it comes to skin bleaching. For example Skin whitening is a term that is used differently depending on the source. This is where you have to be extra diligent in looking at your ingredients and the company before purchasing or using a skin whitening product. For example, it’s very common among individuals of Asian descent to use the term skin whitening for products that lighten darker skin spots. In this case, skin whitening is referring to the use of creams that combat hyperpigmentation.
Contrast this with skin bleaching products which change the color of your natural skin. Bleaching is achieved through the use of very harsh and possibly dangerous chemicals and is not recommended.
Irish Gold Cream
Irish Gold Body Lotion is a brand of skin nourishing lotion that, among a number of functions, improves the tone of the skin, improves radiance, and fades out dark spots and scars from the surface of your skin. The Irish Gold Cream range comes in 4 popular variants which include the Complexion maxi tone body lotion, Fade milk body lotion, Carotene extract toning formula and the Egg yolk extract toning formula.
Skin toning products such as Irish Gold Cream can offer several benefits to the skin, depending on the specific product and its ingredients. Here are some potential benefits of using Irish Gold Cream:
- Restores skin’s pH balance: Skin toners are designed to restore the skin’s natural pH balance, which can be disrupted by harsh soaps and cleansers. A balanced pH level can help the skin maintain its moisture, reducing the appearance of dryness and irritation.
- Cleanses and unclogs pores: Skin toners like Irish Gold Cream can help remove impurities, such as dirt and oil, from the skin’s surface and unclog pores. This can help prevent breakouts and promote clearer, healthier-looking skin.
- Helps to control oil production: Irish Gold Cream can help control excess oil production, which can lead to clogged pores and breakouts. They can also help to reduce the appearance of oily shine on the skin.
- Provides hydration: Some skin toners like Irish Gold Cream contain hydrating ingredients, which can help to lock in moisture and keep the skin hydrated and supple.
- Enhances absorption of other skincare products: Using Irish Gold Cream can help to prep the skin for other skincare products, such as serums and moisturizers, by removing any residual dirt or oil and allowing these products to penetrate more deeply into the skin
Does Irish Gold Cream Bleach?
Skin-lightening creams contain ingredients that work to decrease your body’s production of melanin. Melanin is responsible for the pigment in your skin, and is made by cells called melanocytes. Bleaching products work by lowering the number of melanocytes in your skin. Most skin-lightening creams contain hydroquinone, which is known to decrease melanocytes. Irish Gold Complexion Maxi Tone Lotion tones your skin by altering the production of Melanin. Irish Gold Fade Milk is also formulated with natural lighting and sun filters. It prevents dark spot formation and skin aging.
Skin lightening precautions
Skin toning is generally safe when done properly and with the right products. Skin toning refers to the use of products that help to balance the pH of the skin, remove excess oils, and unclog pores. It can help to improve the appearance of the skin and promote a healthy glow.
However, some skin toning products may contain harsh or irritating ingredients that can damage the skin or cause adverse reactions. It is important to choose a skin toner that is appropriate for your skin type and free from harmful chemicals. It is also recommended to do a patch test before using any new skincare product to check for any allergic reactions or irritation.
Skin lightening poses several risks. If you try to lower melanin, you may have:
- Higher chances of sun damage. Less melanin means less protection from the sun’s rays. This raises the risk of wrinkles, uneven texture, and discoloration.
- Increased risk of skin cancer. The high risk of sun damage also increases your chances of developing skin cancer.
- Irritation and sensitivity. The actual process of skin lightening is harsh on the skin. Many treatments can cause side effects like redness, itchiness, and contact dermatitis.
Additionally, it is important to not overdo skin toning. Overuse of toners or using toners that are too strong for your skin type can lead to dryness, redness, and irritation. It is generally recommended to use a toner once or twice a day, depending on your skin type and the specific product.
Injectable skin-lightening products are available, but the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not recommend them. There is not enough evidence that they work, and there may be health risks.
Skin lightening treatments can temporarily reduce your skin’s melanin production. Most of them work by suppressing the enzyme that’s needed to form melanin.
However, aside from wearing sunscreen and limiting sun exposure, you can’t lower your body’s overall melanin production. Permanent reduction isn’t possible, since melanin formation is determined by genetics.
If you have hyperpigmentation, ask a doctor how to reduce melanin in the affected areas. They can suggest the appropriate treatments or remedies for your needs. Read: What Are The Advantages and Disadvantages of Skin Bleaching?
