White injection, is it really effective to brighten the skin?

White and smooth skin is still a dream for most women. Apart from whitening creams and lotions, there is another beauty trend that claims to whiten skin instantly and ward off various causes of dull skin, namely white injections.

The results obtained from this treatment are also considered more satisfying than other methods. However, are white injections safe and effective? What do you need to consider before choosing this treatment?

What are white injections?

White injection is a skin lightening treatment by injecting a combination of a solution of vitamin C and other ingredients, such as glutathione or collagen. This solution is slowly injected into a vein in the crease of the arm or back of the hand.

When you are exposed to sunlight, ultraviolet (UV) radiation triggers a reaction called melanogenesis. This is a reaction to the formation of melanin, a pigment or dye that gives your skin its dark color.

Melanin formation is actually intended to protect the skin from the effects of UV rays. However, this can also make the skin dull. Especially if your skin gets oily easily or is not treated with regular exfoliation.

Vitamin C is an important vitamin needed for a number of basic body functions, one of which is skin health. Vitamin C together with glutathione and collagen works as a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the skin from UV radiation.

The three of them also provide ammunition for the immune system to fight back the skin aging process and skin damage caused by UV rays. As a result, the skin tissue recovers so that the skin looks brighter, firmer, and hydrated.

Is it true that white injections can brighten the skin?

According to a study published in the International Journal of Aesthetics and Anti-Aging Medicine, participants of Asian ethnicity who underwent vitamin C injections for 7-10 days showed a drastic improvement in their appearance.

A month after the last vitamin C injection, 95.4% of the participants reported that their skin was firm and moisturized, bright red, fresh, and felt like a baby's skin. Only 4.6% of participants reported no changes in their skin.

The total satisfaction score given by participants reaches 5 out of 7 points. In other words, this research supports the claim that vitamin C can lighten skin tone and improve overall skin appearance.

However, it should be understood that the effect of injecting vitamin C only lightens the skin tone and restores its original complexion. This treatment does not automatically whiten the skin as it has been said so far.

In addition, the white injection process is very dependent on the number of doses and the timeliness of dosing. Most of the participants experienced a much better skin appearance effect from the second to sixth session.

During this period, participants felt the return of skin moisture followed by a healthy facial tone and bright skin. This suggests that to get optimal results, the injection must be given in the correct and regular dosage.

Are there any dangers from injecting white?

Vitamin C is generally safe when used in normal doses. Vitamin C also dissolves easily in water and will be excreted in the urine if the amount is excessive. This treatment is also carried out under a doctor's supervision so the procedure is very safe.

However, for people who are sensitive to vitamin C, taking this acidic vitamin can cause disorders such as:

stomach ache,
chest pain,
teeth grinding,
dizziness or headache,
diarrhea,
fatigue,
a skin rash that makes the face flush,
hard to breathe,
nausea or vomiting,
skin irritation, and
urinary disorders.

The study above used vitamin C in high doses, reaching 1,000 - 1,800 mg in each 5 mL ampoule. In comparison, the need for vitamin C for adults according to the Nutritional Needs Figures is 40 mg per day.

Only 3 of the 283 participants complained of mild ulcer symptoms, 2 people reported experiencing chills, and 2 other people felt dizzy after completing six vitamin injection sessions. There were no serious complications or reports of vitamin C overdoses.

White injections under a doctor's supervision rarely cause side effects. In fact, what you have to watch out for is the self-contained white injection products. This product is very risky, so its use is not recommended.

What should be considered before injecting white?

Although classified as safe, there are a number of things you need to consider before undergoing white injection treatment. This is so that you can get the benefits of white injection without experiencing side effects. Here's what you need to do.

1. Knowing the material being injected

The main ingredients of the white injection solution are vitamin C, collagen, and glutathione. Some clinics may provide solutions with additives such as vitamin E or transamine. Make sure you have information regarding the ingredients to be injected.

2. Know the benefits and side effects

Each ingredient in the injection solution has its own benefits and side effects when used in large doses. Don't forget to ask your doctor what side effects can occur and how likely they are.

3. Do blood tests and allergies

Before undergoing a white injection, it's a good idea to do a blood test first to check the health of your kidneys. The reason is, the intake of large amounts of vitamin C will be excreted through urine and this can be burdensome for the kidneys.

Also avoid this treatment if you have an allergic reaction to vitamin C or other supporting ingredients. You can choose alternative methods to lighten the skin such as the use of creams, scrub, etc.