Every time we go out, our skin gets exposed to the sun, pollution, bacteria, and other harmful elements that make our skin rough, dry, dark, and dull. And gradually, they make our skin look older than its actual age.
Needless to say that when a person deals with dull skin every day, their confidence also gets hurt. Thankfully medical science has a segment name cosmetology that includes treatments to give our skin a new lease on life.
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If you are also facing the same issues with your skin and want to improve the appearance of visible signs of aging and impurities, skin whitening treatments can be helpful.
Different skin whitening treatments in India improve your skin tone by reducing the concentration of blemishes, birthmarks, dark patches, and melasma.
But no matter how many skin whitening treatment options you have, it is a big decision to go ahead and be sure that you need one of those procedures to make your skin look beautiful and youthful. And there is nothing better than gathering as much information as you can about skin whitening treatments to make sure you are making an informed decision and resting assured that the procedure you are taking up is appropriate for you.
Remember, like any other cosmetic treatment; skin whitening techniques can bring about severe side effects and complications if any wrong decision is made.
To protect you against all those possible side effects and consequences of skin whitening treatment, we are writing this article to put together every detail you must know about skin whitening treatments in India and how to take the plunge of opting for one such treatment.
What Is The Purpose Of Skin Whitening Treatment?
Skin whitening treatment is also known as skin lightening treatment. And no matter what you call it, it is a cosmetic procedure to lighten dark areas of your skin to achieve a generally lighter skin tone. The practice of skin whitening involves using different chemical substances, techniques, devices, etc., that are effective in treating skin problems such as acne scars, age spots, and discoloration that make your skin look uneven and dark.
The History Behind Skin Whitening
Skin whitening treatment has a deeply rooted history. And often, skin whitening was misreported in the media, leading to many misconceptions and myths about it.
By flipping the pages of history, we found out that skin bleaching was initiated in the Victorian era when it was the age of powder and paint. European women used to paint their faces with lead paint. Even Queen Elizabeth is also known to take arsenic complexion wafers. Now you probably know how she used to get her ghostly look.
At the same time, white women used to invest in whiteness because they considered their skin tone to be their way of communicating purity. And back then, the race was being solidified as a concept, whereas whiteness used to be defined as pure. Thankfully that is not the case now. But back then, white women used different products to attain a healthy level of whiteness. Later the practice of using arsenic and paint was exported to the Americans.
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In the colonial era, the colonial countries and powers used commodity racism, and they used whiteness as a way to sell products. Commodity racism is the practice of using black bodies to demonstrate the potential of a whitening product. And if you want to have some recent examples of commodity racism, the scandals of Dove and Nivea can be considered. Those brands were accused of advertising for using black bodies before using the product.
In the 50s, European countries used whiteness to sell products as people back then believed that they could gain some level of power and privilege by attaining whiteness.
The Motivation Of Skin Whitening Today
Undoubtedly, we are independent of the colonial era, and now racism is not such a big problem as it used to be. But still, many people are associated with the same practice of using soaps, creams, and other cosmetics to lighten their skin tone, expecting a few shades lighter skin or some more extreme transformations.
On the other hand, there is a particular set of people who are free from the outdated concepts of a class defined by skin color and opt for skin whitening treatment to get rid of the visible impurities on their skin.
What Are The Best Possible Skin Whitening Treatments Available In India
Everyone who opts for a skin whitening treatment does not want to look flawless and beautiful. Some suffer from severe skin problems, for which dermatologists suggest skin whitening treatments. However, many home remedies promise to protect our skin against the harmful elements that make our skin look dull, dark, and uneven. But the results that home remedies bring are not permanent. And therefore, people prefer something more sustainable, like different skin whitening treatments, to get that lighter skin tone they desire.
The Most Popular Skin Whitening Treatments Available In India Include:
MICRODERMABRASION
Microdermabrasion is the most popular minimally invasive procedure that renews your overall skin tone and texture. Your dermatologist might suggest microdermabrasion if your skin looks dull and dark due to sun damage, fine lines, age spots, melasma, wrinkles, and other skin problems.
In microdermabrasion, dermatologists use a unique applicator with an abrasive surface that can gently sand away the outermost layer of the skin to rejuvenate. There is another microdermabrasion technique in which fine particles of sodium bicarbonate or aluminum oxide are spread with suction to achieve the same result.
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The Ideal Candidate:
Microdermabrasion is a safe procedure appropriate for any skin type and color. If you have the following skin concerns, you can go for microdermabrasion:
- Fine lines
- Wrinkles
- Age spots
- Brown spots
- Hyperpigmentation
- Blackheads
- Acne scars
- Dull skin
- Uneven skin texture
- Melasma
- Sun damage
The Procedure:
Microdermabrasion is an in-clinic procedure; it takes not more than an hour for a complete microdermabrasion session. A licensed skin care professional or dermatologist generally performs the procedure. There is no involvement of any anesthesia or numbing agent in microdermabrasion. During the procedure, the dermatologist will make you sit on a reclining chair and use a handheld device to spray the particles on your skin gently and gently sand away the outermost layer of the skin in the targeted area. At the end of the procedure, your dermatologist will apply a good layer of moisturizer and sunscreen.
The microdermabrasion procedure was first approved in 1996 by the Food and Drug Administration, and since then, hundreds of microdermabrasion devices have been produced.
The most common microdermabrasion devices are:
- Diamond tip handpiece– It is designed to exfoliate the dead skin cells and suction them off immediately at the same time. The depth of the abrasion in this device is impacted by the pressure applied and how long the suction is allowed on the skin. This microdermabrasion applicated is appropriate for sensitive facial areas, especially those close to the eyes.
- Crystal microdermabrasion-In this microdermabrasion, crystals are emitted through a handpiece and are gently spread. Later those crystals are used for rubbing away the outer layers of the skin. Like the diamond tip handpiece, crystal microdermabrasion also includes suctioning off the dead skin cells immediately.
- Hydra Dermabrasion: This new microdermabrasion method involves simultaneous crystal-free exfoliation and infusion of collagen production stimulators.
The Cost:
The cost of a single session of microdermabrasion treatment ranges from ₹2000 to ₹5000. However, the price may vary depending on the severity of the concern and the number of sessions required. Some other factors, including the clinic’s location, the type of microdermabrasion device used, and the dermatologist’s experience, impact the total cost of microdermabrasion in India.
CHEMICAL PEELS
When flawless skin is a goal, there are 1000 different paths you can follow, but the one treatment that seems to be a universal favorite is chemical peels. It is a non-invasive treatment that targets a wide range of issues and improves the general properties of your skin. And chemical peels are arguably the most efficient treatment you can get in India. Chemical peel treatment is highly suggested to patients who want to diminish or eliminate different skin problems and improve the appearance of the skin.
Chemical peel treatment is more like a chemical exfoliation of the outermost layer of the skin in which the skin layers are removed by destroying the dead skin cells that result in a layer of the skin peeling off.
In this treatment, dermatologists or skin care professionals generally use different acids depending upon the severity of the condition.
Ideal Candidate:
In general, we would say that anyone can benefit from a chemical peel treatment. It diminishes all the little imperfections and gives our skin healthy refreshment. The dermatologist decides the intensity of the chemical peel, and it’s not something we get on a whim. And therefore, it is mandatory to consult with an experienced skincare provider who assesses your skin to decide what chemical peel will be best for you. However, chemical peel treatment addresses a range of skin problems, including:
- Fine lines
- Acne scars
- Age spots
- Wrinkles
- Large pores
- Tough skin
- Dull skin
The Procedure:
Before starting the chemical peeling procedure, your dermatologist will thoroughly clean the face with an agent that removes excess oils. Throughout the procedure, the dermatologist will take special care of your eyes and keep them protected. Then the dermatologist will apply a unique chemical solution. Typically glycolic acid, trichloroacetic acid, lactic acid, and salicylic acid are used in different concentrations. Different chemical solutions offer different results, and the choice of the chemical and the concentration depends upon the goal of your treatment. The dermatologist works closely with you in determining the depth of the peel.
The three types of peels used in skin whitening treatment are:
Light peel: It brings a subtle improvement to your skin over time and is often done in multiple sessions. In this procedure, the aim is to remove the outermost layer of the skin. This chemical peel treatment can promote a healthy glow if you have uneven skin tone, dry skin, damaged skin, or fine lines and wrinkles. The recovery time associated with this peel is meager, and no downtime is associated with this treatment.
Medium peel: Medium chemical peels bring you a smooth and fresh look. And like all chemical peels, this peel also aims at removing the upper part of the middle skin layer. These chemical peels work best if you have uneven or moderate skin discoloring, acne scars, moderate wrinkles, and age spots. It might take up to a week to recover after a medium chemical peel treatment since your skin will peel off and require some downtime.
Deep chemical peels: Thesepeels produce the most dramatic results and can penetrate down to the lower middle layer of your skin. The recovery time associated with these peels is high. This treatment can be the best choice if you have moderate fine lines and wrinkles, excessive sun-damaged skin, deep acne scars, or actinic keratosis. It might take up to 8 weeks for recovery after the treatment, and your doctor will give you specific instructions to take care of your face.
The Cost:
The cost of chemical peel treatment in India depends upon many factors, such as the type of clinic, the type and intensity of the peel you choose, and the dermatologist’s experience. However, the chemical peel treatment starts anywhere from around ₹2000 to ₹4000 per sitting. Remember that you have to go for multiple sessions for a chemical peel treatment, and the cost you pay for the treatment does not include the expense of the lotions and other skin care products suggested by the dermatologist.
Laser Skin Whitening Treatment
Laser skin whitening is a procedure that works best for an uneven skin tone. The working mechanism of laser skin whitening treatment is by directing concentrated beams of light energy on your skin that penetrate multiple layers and remove the layers. In laser skin whitening treatment, different light wavelengths are used to create heat and treat the problem through destruction. Laser skin whitening treatment has proven to be the most effective lightening dark skin.
The Procedure:
Laser skin whitening treatment takes several sessions like any other skin whitening treatment. During the procedure, the dermatologist uses a handheld device emitting an intense beam of light to destroy the epidermis. The procedure takes up to 2 hours depending upon the technique used, the size of the area treated, and the problem’s severity. There are different types of lasers used in a skin whitening treatment, including:
Fractional lasers: This treatment is best for treating melasma and is approved by FDA. This procedure has pretty good results. But the only thing you need to know about fractional lasers is that people with darker skin types are not appropriate candidates for fractional lasers.
Q-switched laser: Q-switched laser is famous for treating melasma and hyperpigmentation. When combined with topical treatments or other light-based therapies, Q switched laser works wonders. This laser is appropriate for any candidate.
Intense pulsed light: This is not technically a laser, and high-intensity light is used during the procedure. This treatment is popular because it can target particular chromophores in the skin, such as melanin. This therapy also improves melasma, and the doctors combine this treatment with other therapies for better results. However, this treatment is suggested for any skin type.
Ablative lasers: These are effective for certain types of hyperpigmentation, such as flat seborrheic keratosis and sun spots. However, this is not used for treating melasma because it might have a high risk of hyperpigmentation.
The Cost:
The cost of laser skin whitening treatment ranges from ₹4000 to ₹5500 per session. However, factors such as the clinic’s geographic location, the dermatologist’s expertise, the equipment used, the modality selected, and the total number of sessions required determine the cost of laser skin whitening treatment.
Some FAQs Answered About Skin Whitening Treatment In India
Is Skin Whitening Treatment Safe?
All the treatment options mentioned above, including chemical peels, laser, and microdermabrasion, are considered safe as they aim to reduce the production of melanin in the skin. It is always advisable to talk to a dermatologist to know which option is best for you.
How Many Sessions Are Required For Skin Lightening?
The total number of sessions depends upon many factors, including the severity of the problem, your skin type, the desired result, and more. However, it takes around 4 to 6 sessions to achieve visible results from skin lightening treatment.
Is Laser Skin Whitening Treatment Permanent?
No skin whitening treatment is permanent. However, laser skin whitening is a long-term solution, even though it is a bit more expensive than other procedures. After following the instructions given by the dermatologist and going for maintenance sessions, you can preserve the result derived from laser skin whitening treatment for longer.
Conclusion
We all want to look beautiful. And the definition of beauty is different for everyone. Therefore, if you are going for a skin whitening treatment to achieve your lost confidence, you must be utterly nonjudgmental about yourself. Remember that thousands of people prefer skin whitening treatments to maintain their complexion and keep their skin free from scars or marks.
While going for a skin whitening treatment anywhere in India, you must remember that it is a cosmetic procedure that requires expertise. Therefore getting it done from our board-certified dermatologist or skin care provider is mandatory to avoid severe side effects of the treatment. If you are in Hyderabad or Bangalore and looking for a dermatologist or skin clinic that offers skin whitening treatment, choose.clinic can help. We have a list of many dermatologists in both locations, and you can find the most convenient one from the comfort of your home.
