Many people have felt compelled to use skin-whitening products to conform to the "ideal" beauty standard, despite the presence of harmful (or life-threatening) ingredients like hydroquinone, mercury, and steroids.

Skin lightening, also referred to as skin whitening, is when a chemical substance is used to lighten the skin and/or even out the color by reducing the melanin (the pigment that gives human skin, hair, and eyes their color) in the skin. Your morning cup of coffee can wake you up and increase your energy level, but it can also stain your teeth. Additionally, lichenification (hard, leathery skin with hyperpigmentation) from eczema scratching may require a prescription treatment instead of an over-the-counter whitening cream. The darker the hyperpigmentation, the deeper it’s located under your skin, and the longer it will take to see results. However, it’s recommended you test the product on a section of your skin first to ensure it doesn’t irritate your skin or cause an allergic reaction.Use your fingertips to rub the honey (preferably with 80% sugar or more) into your skin and leave it on for 20 minutes, then rinse it away with lukewarm water. Papaya is used for the treatment of the skin and is used in the form of lotion, soaps or facial peels. This action could very well be a sign that there’s a massive movement across the beauty industry – at least, the OTC (over-the-counter) one. Aim to use the minimum amount necessary, once or twice a day, only on the hyperpigmented area of the skin. As with any new product, conduct a patch test first — even if it’s over-the-counter — especially if you have sensitive skin.

From risk-benefit analysis, oral glutathione consumption shows skin-whitening effects only in some areas.Some whitening creams require a prescription (like if they include hydroquinone), but many are available over the counter or online. if you undergo very aggressive treatments to whiten your skin it may become raw and ooze forming crusts all over. Ultimately, it’s always ideal to consult with your doctor or dermatologist to see if whitening creams would be beneficial to treat your concern. Pharmacokinetics of glutathione and its metabolites in normal subjects,” Journal of Korean Medical Science, vol. Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis with Marine and Botanical Oils: An 18-Month, Randomized, and Double-Blind Trial.