Quick Take
A social media post claims that one can instantly whiten their skin, especially their private parts, armpits, knees and elbows by applying a cream. We fact-checked and found this claim to be Mostly False.
The Claim
A Facebook post advertising an intimate whitening cream reads the caption as, “10 Seconds Instant Whitening Cream
Whiten all skin areas: underarms, necklines, private areas, shoulder straps, cuffs and bikini prints, and for elbows and toes…
Only PHP 1/day, instantly smooth pink and white skin Confident in bikini showing off hot body.
We use an innovative and advanced formula for this dark spot cream to evenly and gently improve uneven skin tone, and insist on using it to significantly improve dull skin.”
Fact Check
Which factors determine skin color?
Human skin is available in a variety of tones and colours. Several factors influence skin colour, but genetics determines constitutive skin colour. The enzyme tyrosinase is primarily responsible for the genetic mechanism that controls human skin colour. Melanin, the primary determinant of human skin colour, is produced in the skin by melanocytes. Thus, it should be noted that the genes that determine skin colour are controlled by melanin quantity and quality. Also, genetic factors influence skin color, but this can be further affected by exposure to sunlight, which can trigger the production of melanin and tanning reactions.
Vitamin D, like melanin, has been shown to regulate cellular proliferation and differentiation in various tissues, including the skin, which may influence skin colour.
Can an intimate whitening cream work instantly?
Not exactly. There is no scientific evidence to support that an intimate whitening cream can whiten skin in 10 seconds. In fact, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved any over-the-counter skin whitening creams that can whiten skin instantly.
Some skin whitening creams contain ingredients that can lighten the skin over time, but these ingredients do not work instantaneously. Skin-lightening products usually work by reducing the production of melanin, a pigment that gives color to the skin. These ingredients include hydroquinone, kojic acid, and azelaic acid. These products usually require regular and consistent use over a period of time to see any noticeable results, and individual results can vary. However, these ingredients can also irritate the skin, and they should only be used under the supervision of a doctor. Apart from the potential risks, the effects will quickly dissipate.
On redirecting to the mentioned link on the claim, we found the product named, “Body Whitening Cream Intimate Area Pink Essence” which claims to lighten various skin areas. However, throughout the description of the products, no list of ingredients could be found which can either confirm that its ingredients might be helpful in changing the skin color. The purported use of this product doesn’t have any scientific evidence as no record could be found for its clinical testing.
Skin whitening products, including creams and lotions, often claim to lighten or brighten the skin tone. However, it is important to approach such claims with caution. Instant skin whitening is not possible with any cream or product.
Dr. Jyoti Agarkar, MD (Dermatology) sums it up by stating, “God has given us a very beautiful body and skin. We should cherish it instead of trying to change its colour. I always prescribe my patients a healthy diet, regular exercise, enough sleep, and good water consumption. This helps in bringing out a natural glow that cannot be matched by any artificially induced whitening products. Also, when choosing skincare products, choose according to your skin type.”
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