How Celebs are Turning WHITE overnight | Science of Skin Whitening

Recent questions

• What are the risks of skin lightening treatments?

  Skin whitening treatments can lead to severe side effects like peeling, wrinkles, dark spots, ochronosis, redness, irritation, itching, rashes, and even fatal heart attacks. These treatments often involve manipulating melanin production through methods like glutathione injections, mercury salts, kojic acid, and laser procedures, which can have harmful consequences on the skin. The FDA cautions against intravenous glutathione injections due to severe side effects like cardiac arrhythmia and skin disorders, while other substances like hydroquinone and mercury salts used in skin whitening products have carcinogenic potential and toxicity. Illegal skin whitening drugs have also been uncovered in India, leading to severe skin issues like burns, hyperpigmentation, and even cancer or death from overdoses. It is essential to be aware of these risks before considering skin lightening treatments.

• How is skin color determined genetically?

  Skin color is a polygenic trait influenced by genetic factors, geographical location, UV exposure, and diet. The presence of melanocytes producing eumelanin and pheomelanin determines skin darkness or fairness. Melanin concentration and ratio are predetermined genetically, influencing the range of skin colors observed in different populations. Caucasians genetically have light skin due to their Caucasian ancestors, while Indians exhibit a range of skin tones due to an admixture of Caucasians and Australozoites. The migration of early humans from Africa to different regions led to adaptations in skin color due to varying UV radiation levels, showcasing the complex interplay between genetic factors and environmental influences in determining skin color.

• What is the Fitzpatrick Scale used for?

  The Fitzpatrick Scale categorizes skin tones from pale white to darkest brown based on eumelanin and pheomelanin ratios. This scale helps in classifying different skin tones based on their melanin production and determining the susceptibility to sunburn and skin cancer. By categorizing skin colors, the Fitzpatrick Scale aids in understanding the variations in skin tones observed in different populations and the genetic factors influencing melanin production. It serves as a valuable tool in dermatology and cosmetic procedures to assess skin types and tailor treatments accordingly.

• How do celebrities lighten their skin?

  Celebrities often use glutathione injections to inhibit tyrosinase activity, reducing eumelanin production and boosting pheomelanin production. By manipulating the tyrosinase enzyme or cysteine supply, the production of eumelanin can be reduced or pheomelanin production increased, leading to skin lightening effects. Other methods to block tyrosinase include substances like mercury salts, kojic acid, and retinoids, which can temporarily lighten the skin. Additionally, semi-permanent procedures like laser treatments can destroy melanosomes, resulting in long-term skin lightening effects. However, it is crucial to be aware of the potential risks and side effects associated with these skin lightening methods before considering them.

• What influences skin color adaptations in different populations?

  The evolution of skin color is linked to the presence of melanocytes producing eumelanin and pheomelanin, determining skin darkness or fairness. Skin color adaptation is influenced by genetic factors, geographical location, UV exposure, and diet. The migration of early humans from Africa to different regions led to adaptations in skin color due to varying UV radiation levels, showcasing the impact of environmental factors on melanin production. Melanin concentration and ratio are predetermined genetically, influencing the range of skin colors observed in different populations. These factors contribute to the significant differences in skin color observed between populations and regions worldwide, highlighting the complex interplay between genetics and environmental influences in shaping skin color adaptations.