The hormone progesterone is responsible for skin whitening. Research has shown that when melanocytes, the cells responsible for skin pigmentation, are exposed to progesterone, they produce less melanin, resulting in lighter skin.
This is in contrast to estrogen, which has the opposite effect and can actually darken the skin. This interplay between estrogen and progesterone explains why some women experience changes in skin tone during their menstrual cycle or pregnancy.
It is important to note that skin whitening is a complex process influenced by various factors, including genetics, sun exposure, and other hormones. While progesterone plays a role in lightening skin, it is not the only factor involved.