Is it safe to bleach your skin? Here’s what an expert has to say
A cosmetic practice, many people bleach to lighten their skin tone. A 2018 meta-analysis found that 27.7% of respondents had tried to bleach their skin. Further, a report by the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that by 2024, the skin bleaching industry will be worth $31.2 billion. In simple words, bleaching works by reducing the concentration or production of melanin in the skin, a pigment produced by cells called melanocytes. When you apply a skin-bleaching product, it decreases the number of melanocytes in your skin. There are several active ingredients that can help in skin bleaching: Vitamin C may reduce spots of hyperpigmentation, including those from acne. It can bind to melanin, thereby reducing melanin production and addressing hyperpigmentation. A 2020 study found that niacinamide could reduce hyperpigmentation when used as a part of a blend. The study found that niacinamide used with antioxidants can address hyperpigmentation in skin of ...