How Celebs are Turning WHITE overnight | Science of Skin Whitening

Summary

The video discusses the science, methods, costs, and cultural implications of skin whitening treatments. It explores how various treatments like lasers and glutathione injections aim to lighten skin by targeting melanin production, but also highlights the significant risks and side effects, including scarring, infections, and potential health hazards. The video critiques the deep-rooted cultural preference for fair skin, stemming from colonial history, and urges individuals to embrace their natural skin tone. Ultimately, it emphasizes that confidence in one's appearance is the key to true beauty and attraction.

Takeaways

• 😀 Skin whitening treatments, such as glutathione injections, laser treatments, and tyrosinase inhibitors, are used to lighten skin but come with significant risks and high costs.
• 😀 These treatments often involve either killing melanocytes, blocking melanin production, or breaking down melanin pigment, with varying degrees of effectiveness.
• 😀 The high cost of treatments like laser whitening and glutathione injections can range from thousands to lakhs of rupees, with repeated sessions required for long-term results.
• 😀 Glutathione injections can cause severe health risks, including heart attacks, due to their impact on the body’s detoxification and vital processes like heart rhythm regulation.
• 😀 FDA has banned intravenous glutathione injections for skin whitening due to dangerous side effects like rashes, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and toxic epidermal necrolysis.
• 😀 Hydroquinone, a common skin lightening agent, can lead to ochronosis (skin discoloration) and is banned in many countries due to its carcinogenic potential.
• 😀 Mercury salts, often used in skin whitening products, are highly toxic and can cause severe health problems like poisoning and Minamata disease even in small doses.
• 😀 Kojic acid is a less harmful whitening agent but can still cause skin reactions like contact dermatitis, with potential risks if used long-term.
• 😀 There is a significant issue with illegal skin whitening drugs in markets like India, with many fake or unregulated products causing severe skin damage, hyperpigmentation, or even cancer.
• 😀 The desire for fair skin is largely driven by historical colonial influences, where lighter skin was associated with power and social status, a mindset still prevalent in many cultures today.
• 😀 True beauty is subjective and culturally constructed, and embracing one’s natural skin tone with confidence is far more attractive than conforming to external beauty standards.

Q & A

What are the two primary methods used for skin whitening treatments mentioned in the script?

The two primary methods for skin whitening are: 1) Blocking tyrosinase activity to reduce melanin production, and 2) Destroying melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin, either through laser treatments or other methods.

What is the third method for skin whitening discussed in the script?

The third method involves breaking down melanosomes, which are the packets containing melanin pigment. This is often done with lasers, after which the broken-down particles are either absorbed by the immune system or naturally shed.

Why is glutathione used for skin whitening, and what is the recommended dosage?

Glutathione is used for skin whitening because it traps free radicals and has a skin-lightening effect. The recommended dosage for skin whitening is 900 milligrams per week, typically administered through injections over several weeks.

What are the risks associated with glutathione treatments?

Glutathione treatments can cause severe side effects, including heart problems like cardiac arrhythmia, and in extreme cases, death. The FDA has banned its use for skin whitening purposes due to dangerous side effects like rashes, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and toxic epidermal necrolysis.

How expensive are laser and glutathione treatments for skin whitening?

Laser skin whitening treatments can cost between ₹4,000 and ₹40,000 per session, with at least 6 sessions required, totaling ₹1 to ₹2 lakhs. Glutathione injections cost around ₹40,000 each, and multiple sessions are needed, with the total cost reaching up to ₹3.6 lakhs.

What are the potential side effects of laser skin whitening treatments?

Laser skin whitening can cause scarring, infections, and in some cases, the skin may become excessively light, leading to conditions like leucoderma. These risks highlight the dangers of using such treatments.

Why is hydroquinone controversial in skin whitening products?

Hydroquinone is controversial because long-term use can lead to ochronosis, a condition that causes the skin to darken and become disfigured. It is also considered a potential carcinogen and has been banned by the FDA for skin whitening purposes.

What is the problem with mercury salts in skin whitening products?

Mercury salts are highly toxic and can cause mercury poisoning, with just 0.0001 mg being enough to induce severe health issues. These salts are considered hazardous and are dangerous to use in skin whitening products.

What are the societal and cultural factors contributing to the obsession with fair skin?

The obsession with fair skin stems from colonial history, where lighter skin was associated with power, royalty, and superiority. This mindset has persisted, influencing beauty standards in India and many other countries.

How does the global perspective on skin color differ across cultures?

Different cultures have unique standards of beauty. For example, South Koreans prefer more feminine, fair looks, while in places like Mauritius, overweight women are considered attractive. The irony is that while many in India aspire for lighter skin, countries like the U.S. have a tanning industry that promotes darker skin.