Skin lightening has long been popular in countries like China and India, but the concept now has more global appeal as people seek an even skin tone. John Woodruff examines the technologies that make it possible
Research recently described by Paul Matts showed that perceived age was very much affected by skin tone. Human appearance was driven overwhelmingly by interaction with visible light and this was affected by skin surface topography and melanin concentration. Distribution of collagen and melanin becomes uneven with age, caused primarily by sun exposure, and moderation of melanin synthesis improves visual appearance, said Matts. In North America and Europe skin whitening is seen as an anti-ageing treatment while in Asia a lighter, even complexion is associated with higher social status.
Areas of hyperpigmentation take various forms: freckles are
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