How to Decrease Melanin

Melanin within your skin is responsible for defending your body from unwanted ultraviolet radiation. It also effects your pigmentation levels. Managing your melanin levels allows you to alter your skin pigmentation. This alteration of your melanin levels can be temporary or permanent, depending on the medicine you use. Either method requires you to take specific precautions to protect your body from the physiological problems associated with low melanin levels. Decreasing your melanin is a long process that requires repeated use of medicines, as outlined by your physician, and patience while the medicine does its work.

Things You'll Need

• Hydroquinone
• Monobenzone

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Instructions

• 1

  Speak to your doctor about Hydroquinone. This is no longer available over-the-counter since its OTC sales were revoked by the Food and Drug Administration in 2006. This is available as a topical cream. Hydroquinone uses a hydrogen peroxide base to temporarily reduce the level of melanin in your skin. You sustain this reduction through repeated use of the cream, as prescribed by your physician. The result is a depigmentation of your skin in the affected area. You can discontinue use of the cream and your melanin levels will rise. This allows your original skin pigmentation to return. Hydroquinone is the preferred choice due to this reversibility.

• 2

  Discuss the use of Monobenzone with your physician. This topical cream decreases the level of melanin released from melanocytes in your body. This reduction is permanent and cannot be reversed later. The reduction of excreted melanin creates a permanent depigmentation of the affected areas. Your doctor will need to manage your use of this drug to help you avoid complications.

• 3

  Remain patient throughout the depigmentation process. This process requires repeated use of the creams to cause a significant decrease in your melanin levels. The cream must be used on all areas of skin where you wish to see a decrease in your melanin levels. Discuss your objectives with your physician and let him guide you through the process. Avoid overusing the cream as this could damage your skin and cause irritation.

• 4

  Take all necessary precautions involved in the decrease of melanin. Melanin is responsible for protecting your body from harmful ultraviolet light. Do not expose yourself to direct sunlight without adequate protection. This includes high SPF sunblock, long and thick clothing, hats and sunglasses. Unprotected contact with the sun after prolonged depigmentation leads to skin irritation, sunburns and even skin cancer, in extreme cases. Even short contact with direct sunlight after a depigmentation process puts you at risk.