Beware Of These Whitening Treatments | Horror Stories

Face inspection
Face inspection

Skin whitening treatments have become increasingly popular as people strive for a brighter skin tone. However, many of these treatments come with a host of risks and horror stories. In this article, we will discuss the dangers of these treatments and why they are not worth the risk.

How does your skin actually whiten?

Cross section of melanin in skin
Cross section of melanin in skin

Skin whitening treatments work by reducing the amount of melanin in your skin, the pigment responsible for giving skin its colour. Melanin production can be suppressed through the use of various chemicals, such as hydroquinone or steroids.

Why are whitening treatments so dangerous?

Whitening treatments can have a range of negative effects on the skin and body. For example, skin-lightening injections can cause skin irritation, scarring, and even skin necrosis. In addition, some of these treatments can cause damage to the liver, kidneys, and other internal organs.

Banned whitening treatments in Singapore:

The death of Shyril Gee Distor in Manila on February 3, 2020, serves as a harsh reminder of the risks associated with whitening treatments, Shyril was a 33-year-old restaurant manager who underwent a "glutathione session" at a spa in Sampaloc, Manila, which ultimately led to her untimely death. Glutathione is a commonly used ingredient in skin whitening drips, but it can also have dangerous side effects when used in excessive amounts or by individuals with pre-existing health conditions. This tragic incident serves as a warning to always thoroughly research and understand the potential risks of any cosmetic procedures before undergoing them.

Here are the treatments that were banned in Singapore:

1) Whitening IV drips

Vitamin c drip
Vitamin c drip

Whitening IV drips are a skin whitening treatment that involves administering high doses of substances, such as Vitamin C and Glutathione, directly into the bloodstream through an IV. These treatments are marketed as a fast and effective way to achieve a lighter skin tone. However, they have been banned in some countries due to the potential health risks they pose.

High doses of Vitamin C and Glutathione can put a strain on the liver and other internal organs, leading to serious health problems. Some of the substances used in skin whitening drips have been found to be toxic and carcinogenic, making them a serious threat to health and well-being. Due to these risks, many countries have banned whitening IV drips to protect the public's health.

2) Whitening injections

whitening injections
whitening injections

Whitening injections, a type of skin lightening treatment, entail injecting high doses of substances such as Vitamin C and Glutathione directly into the skin. The goal is to achieve a brighter skin tone quickly and effectively, however, these treatments have been banned in various countries as they pose significant health risks.

Direct injections of high doses of Vitamin C and Glutathione into the skin can put strain on internal organs including the liver, resulting in severe health problems. Some of the substances utilised in skin whitening treatment have been found to be dangerous and potentially cancer-causing, making them a serious threat to overall health and well-being. To protect public health, many nations have banned whitening injections.

3) Skin Bleaching

Skin bleaching is a skin lightening treatment that involves the use of chemicals to lighten the skin. These treatments are often marketed as a way to achieve a lighter skin tone and even out discolouration and counter pigmentation formation. However, they have been banned in some countries due to the potential health risks they pose.

The chemicals used in skin bleaching can be highly toxic and carcinogenic, and can cause serious health problems when applied to the skin over an extended period of time.

Additionally, skin bleaching can damage the skin's natural protective barrier, leaving it vulnerable to infections and other health problems. Due to these risks, many countries have banned skin bleaching to protect the public's health.

Why these whitening treatments are not worth the risk?

The risks associated with skin whitening treatments far outweigh any potential benefits. In addition, many of these treatments are performed by unprofessional and unethical salons, increasing the risk of adverse effects. We do not think risking organ failure is worth it to get fair skin.

Beware: Unprofessional and unethical salons offering these treatments

It is important to do your research and choose a reputable and professional salon for any skin whitening treatment. Unprofessional and unethical salons may offer banned treatments or use substandard products, putting your health and skin at risk.

In conclusion, skin whitening treatments, such as whitening drips, can be dangerous and should be approached with caution. It is important to consider the risks and choose a professional and reputable salon if you do decide to go ahead with a treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is whitening drip permanent?

Whitening drips are not permanent, but they can provide long-lasting effects. While the exact results of a whitening drip will depend on individual factors such as the amount of time since the last treatment and how often it is repeated, generally most people who undergo whitening drips will experience lighter, fairer skin tone for a few weeks to several months.

Is glutathione legal in Singapore?

Glutathione is legal in Singapore and is widely used as an ingredient in skincare products due to its potent antioxidant properties. It is also known to help improve skin tone and promote a brighter, more even complexion. Please note that in IV drip form, it is banned in Singapore.

Is whitening drip harmful?

While there is no definitive answer to this question as it largely depends on the individual's health and skin condition, most experts believe that when administered correctly, a whitening drip should not cause any harm. However, since whitening drip (Singapore) are banned, it is likely that the person administering the drip is unlicensed and untrained, which could lead to health complications such as organ failure.

Is Gluta Drip effective for whitening?

It is unclear; while anecdotally, Gluta Drip claims to be an advanced brightening and lightening treatment that can help improve skin tone and provide long-lasting results. This is because contains ingredients such as Vitamin C and Glutathione which have been clinically proven to help lighten pigmentation, reduce the appearance of dark spots, and the uneven skin tone. However, there have been no scientific evidence that it whitens the skin and the risks you'd have to take to get this treatment in Singapore is too high.