What can whiten the skin?
Nov 18, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Han Xuefeng
Introduction
In general, foods rich in vitamin C, dietary supplements, skin-whitening skincare products, photorejuvenation, chemical peels, and picosecond laser treatments can help lighten the skin. It is recommended to visit a reputable hospital and undergo these procedures under the guidance of a qualified physician to ensure safety and effectiveness. After treatment, it is important to keep the treated area clean, avoid contact with water and scratching, and strictly protect the skin from sun exposure.
Generally, foods rich in vitamin C and vitamin C supplements, whitening skincare products, photorejuvenation (IPL), chemical peels, and picosecond laser treatments can help lighten the skin. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Foods Rich in Vitamin C and Supplements
Fruits high in vitamin C such as lemons, tomatoes, oranges, and kiwis, as well as vegetables like broccoli and green peppers, possess antioxidant properties that inhibit melanin production and promote skin whitening. Vitamin C supplements can also contribute to a brighter complexion, but intake should be moderate to avoid potential side effects from excessive consumption.
2. Whitening Skincare Products
Select skincare products containing ingredients known for their brightening effects, such as vitamin C, hydroquinone, arbutin, and niacinamide, which help suppress pigment formation. These components effectively reduce melanin synthesis and achieve a skin-lightening effect. However, it's important to understand your skin type before use, choose suitable products accordingly, and follow instructions or professional advice carefully.
3. Photorejuvenation (Intense Pulsed Light, IPL)
Photorejuvenation uses a broad-spectrum pulsed light that penetrates deep into the skin, selectively targeting pigmentation or blood vessels beneath the surface. It helps break down age spots, reduce redness, and close abnormal capillaries, while stimulating collagen production to improve skin texture and achieve a brighter, smoother complexion. The typical cost ranges from 1,000 to 3,000 RMB per session. Results are usually visible within 1–2 weeks after treatment, though mild redness or discomfort may occur temporarily.
4. Chemical Peels (Glycolic Acid Peel)
Chemical peels use high-concentration alpha-hydroxy acids (such as glycolic acid) to exfoliate the outer layer of dead skin cells, accelerate epidermal cell turnover, and stimulate dermal elastic fiber regeneration. This treatment is effective in improving dull skin tone and fading dark spots. The average cost is between 300 and 1,000 RMB per session. Improvements typically become noticeable within 1–2 weeks post-treatment, although temporary side effects such as mild redness or stinging may occur.
5. Picosecond Laser
Picosecond laser therapy delivers ultra-short, high-energy laser pulses that shatter pigment particles in the skin more quickly and precisely than traditional lasers, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. The fragmented pigments are then naturally cleared by the body’s immune system, while collagen production is stimulated to improve skin texture and achieve whitening and spot-removal effects. Typical pricing ranges from 2,000 to 5,000 RMB per session. Noticeable improvements appear within 1–3 weeks after treatment, though temporary redness, swelling, or pigmentation may occur.
It is recommended to seek treatment at a reputable medical facility under the guidance of qualified professionals to ensure safety and effectiveness. After any procedure, maintain cleanliness of the treated area, avoid water contact and scratching, strictly apply sun protection, use prescribed post-care products, eat a light diet, and avoid strenuous physical activity.
