Technology has allowed humans to enhance their appearance by lengths which were once thought to be unreachable. It's hard not to run into someone these days that hasn't undergone some form of cosmetic procedure, even something minor like Botox, mole removal, or laser teeth whitening. Regardless, these advancements in technology have made us more apt to identifying our own physical flaws - even the most miniscule ones.
Our skin tends to get the most time under the magnifying glass when it comes time for us to assess our physical appearance. Some of us struggle trying to locate an imperfection, especially when we've taken time to ensure that our skin's well cared for. Others of us who've had the misfortune of having to deal with acne or some other disfiguring skin disorder don't face as much of a challenge. In either case, once we do find a discolored patch of skin or some other abnormality, we want it corrected as soon as possible. Here lies the reason why laser skin lightening treatments have continued to enjoy a massive amount of popularity. There are over-the-counter skin lightening solutions, such as topical hydroquinone cream. Hydroquinone does not bleach the skin, but rather alters the way that melanin pigment is produced so that the skin becomes lighter. Since this pigment is responsible for normal skin color as well as skin hyperpigmentation, inhibiting its expression makes the skin appear naturally lighter. You will sometimes see this used in combination with glycolic acid for enhanced effectiveness. Other medical treatments for uneven skin tone and for skin darkening include topical azelaic acid, kojic acid, alpha hydroxy acids, and herbal remedies such as creams and ointments containing
