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Human skin color ranges from the darkest brown to the lightest hues. Differences in skin color among individuals is caused by variation in pigmentation, which is the result of genetics (inherited from one's biological parents), exposure to the sun, disorders, or some combination thereof.
Actors Rosario Dawson, Thandie Newton and Zoe Saldana have quite muted skin tones, which you can see when they're not wearing makeup. Even Kareena Kapoor and Kim Kardashian have that "hazy" greyness of a muted olive undertone, IMO (so many Ks 😂). Gallery of people with muted olive skintones.
In this article, we reviewed several cases of skin color adaptation in various populations of modern humans and archaic hominins. These cases show the similarities and differences of mechanisms of skin color adaptation across populations, and provide some insights into human evolutionary history.
In the interwar period, drawing on ethnographic records, Jan Stanisław Bystroń described the flaws and defects commonly ascribed to the other, including those that could be categorized as demonic in origin: blackness, low or common birth, an unpleasant scent or filthy appearance, and witchcraft. 6 The blackness of the “black” is a stark antithes...
- Overview
- What is melanin?
- Can you remove existing melanin deposits?
- Can you slow melanin production in the skin?
- Home remedies that should be avoided
- Is it possible to reduce melanin production permanently?
- Skin lightening precautions
- Takeaway
Skin lightening treatments can temporarily reduce your skin’s melanin production. Here’s how to do it, as well as important precautions and potential side effects.
Melanin is the pigment that gives color to your skin, hair, and eyes. It’s created by cells called melanocytes, which are found in the outer layer of your skin.
We all have about the same number of melanocytes. However, some people’s cells make more melanin, as well as certain types of melanin, than others. Having more melanin means you have darker skin.
Sometimes, melanin can build up in certain areas and cause darkening of the skin, which doctors may call hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation results in some parts of your skin being darker than others.
While it’s possible to spot-treat existing melanin deposits, there are risks and limitations. It’s also possible to lower melanin production in the skin.
Laser therapy
Laser therapy uses a pulse of light to remove the top layers of skin. It decreases melanin in the treated areas. There are several types of laser treatments, including: •Ablative lasers: These remove outer skin layers and are ideal for severe discoloration. •Nonablative lasers: These are gentler than ablative lasers. They promote collagen growth, which increases the skin’s plumpness. •1064 nm laser: This specifically targets melanin and destroys it selectively. It does not remove the top layer of the skin. As with any medical procedure, laser therapy is not for everyone. It can also cause side effects like discoloration, scarring, and infection. Extra caution must be exercised on skin of color, as excessive use of lasers may lead to noticeable depigmentation and other adverse side effects. Talk with a dermatologist to see if you’re a good candidate for the procedure.
Other light-based therapy
Intense pulse light (IPL) uses pulses of light energy to target sunspots by heating and destroying the melanin, which removes the discolored spots. Unlike a laser, which uses a single frequency of light, IPL employs scattered light of many wavelengths. In IPL therapy, light energy penetrates down to the dermis and is converted into heat which clears the unwanted pigment. IPL is not recommended for people with darker skin. For people of color, the 1064 nm laser is a safer option.
Topical creams or ointments
You can also use topical creams or ointments to lighten skin. These products decrease existing melanin in the areas in which they’re used. Skin lightening products are available by prescription or over the counter (OTC). Typically, a product will have one of the following ingredients: •kojic acid •vitamin C •glycolic acid •azelaic acid •retinoid •hydroquinone (only available by prescription) •arbutin (a milder form of hydroquinone) Many of these suppress tyrosinase, the main enzyme needed for melanin synthesis. This slows down melanin production and results in lighter skin. However, skin lightening products are known to cause side effects like: •dryness •irritation •redness •itchiness It’s important that you consult a dermatologist before using lightening creams or ointments.
Sunscreen and sun exposure
The purpose of melanin is to protect your skin from sun damage. When you’re exposed to the sun, your skin creates even more melanin. Wearing sunscreen limits this process. Sunscreen protects the skin from UV rays, which slow down your melanin production. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the best sunscreen is: •broad spectrum •SPF 30 or higher •water resistant Sunscreen does not block 100% of the sun’s UV rays. To further limit how much melanin your skin makes, you may want to consider these tips: •limit your sun exposure •stay indoors from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., when the sun’s rays are strongest •wear protective clothing, such as sunglasses, long sleeves, and hats •avoid tanning beds
Natural remedies
Some people claim some natural remedies can lighten the skin. It’s not clear how long these remedies take to work, so it’s important to be patient if you decide to try them. Additionally, they’re all temporary, so you’ll need to continue using them routinely.
Not all home remedies are created equally. Some remedies can cause skin irritation, redness, or damage.
These include:
•hydrogen peroxide
•bleach
Every person’s body continually creates melanin. The amount is determined by genetics.
You can lighten and perhaps remove existing hyperpigmentation, but it may return.
There is one permanent OTC skin lightening treatment available called monobenzyl ether of hydroquinone (monobenzone). It’s used in cases of extreme vitiligo to lighten isolated dark spots so they match the affected skin more closely.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning letter in 2022 asserting that OTC products containing hydroquinone have the potential to be unsafe, citing reports of skin rashes, facial swelling, and discoloration. The FDA states that these products are not generally recognized as safe or effective.
Skin lightening poses several risks. If you try to lower melanin, you may have:
•Higher chances of sun damage: Less melanin means less protection from the sun’s rays. This raises the risk of wrinkles, uneven texture, and discoloration.
•Increased risk of skin cancer: The high risk of sun damage also increases your chances of developing skin cancer.
•Irritation and sensitivity: The actual process of skin lightening is harsh on the skin. Many treatments can cause side effects like redness, itchiness, and contact dermatitis.
Skin lightening treatments can temporarily reduce your skin’s melanin production. Most of them work by suppressing the enzyme that’s needed to form melanin.
However, aside from wearing sunscreen and limiting sun exposure, you cannot lower your body’s overall melanin production.
Permanent reduction is not advised since melanin formation is determined by genetics. The one product currently known to be permanent is not FDA recommended.
If you have hyperpigmentation, consider talking with a doctor about how to reduce melanin in the affected areas. They can suggest the appropriate treatments or remedies for your needs.
Oct 27, 2023 · A team of Penn State geneticists is pursuing the answers to an age-old question of human biology: the genetic origin of fundamental variations in skin pigmentation between people of different ethnicities.
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Jul 21, 2014 · Despite 80 years of skin color research, the dialogue continues as to whether variation in skin tone influences racial identification and perceptions of self. Additionally, questions remain as to whether or not skin tone biases disproportionately affect darker skinned African Americans and females.
