Skin Whitening Facts
Looking beautiful is every woman’s desire. Everyone wants to have the best physical version of themselves portrayed out to the world. The need to look good at all times is an added pressure women carry with them. Some fail to deal with it and that leads to depression, being excessively self-critical and lower self-esteem.
Another all-time rage has been the privilege, benefit, and acceptance given to fairer skin tone than any other. The women with darker skin tones like brown and black, feel neglected and sometimes even ugly. No woman can bear to be called as ugly!!! This love for fair or white skin tone has given birth to so many treatments, techniques, products, facials, medicines all claiming to give the desired skin tone. They promise to lighten the skin tone and make it better looking.
All these treatments are not all bad to an extent, but the problem arises when people decide to damage their natural skin colour. The skin may have some pigmentation issues, dark spots, suntan, acne, blemishes and like, which can very well be and should be treated. The issue arises when some go a step further and try to change their natural colour. Honestly, one must never play with the work of Nature.
SKIN TREATMENT METHODS
There are three major skin treatment methods, which most people mistakenly confuse one with the other. These three treatments serve a different purpose and should be taken only on a recommendation of a dermatologist or an expert. They are –
Brightening
Brighteners help create a new skin by replacing old dead skin. They help skin shed the dead skin naturally. The dead skin makes skin dull and tired. This treatment is best used to treat hyperpigmentation, sun scars, and acne.
Lightening
The Lighteners reduce the production of melanin in the skin and thereby reducing the colour of the skin. They are mostly used to prevent tan in the sun. They are strong and hence should be used only for spot treatment. They return the shade of the skin, which was there post the exposure to the sun.
Whitening
This is the most dangerous skin treatment people follow. The use of strong chemicals can hamper the skin in the long run. Under the Whitening treatment, the skin is bleached to lighten the skin shade lower than the natural shade of the skin. The main chemical used in this is dangerous Hydroquinone, which is actually banned in UK and Europe. For products what do not contain hydroquinone, check out this article here.
NATURAL WAYS OF SKIN WHITENING
There is no need to run after unhealthy and dangerous methods of skin whitening. There are some natural and healthy ways to succeed at skin whitening. The skin that glows on the outside is the result of what happens inside. There are some very basic steps and points to be kept in mind, which slowly and steadily lead to whiter, brighter and healthier skin.
DIET
It is true what you eat shows on your skin. Here are some things to include and exclude from your diet for that whiter skin you’ve been waiting for.
INCLUDE
Kiwi, Papaya, Guava, Watermnelon
Aloe Vera Juice
Saffron with Milk
EXCLUDE
Aerated Drinks
Processed Food
Excessive Sugar
SLEEP
A sleep deprived body starts to show an early sign of ageing. The skin becomes dull and starts sagging. A sound sleep of 6-8 hours is important to rejuvenate skin and re-energize the brain. Less sleep also makes the eyes puffy and lead to dark circles, wrinkles, and redness in eyes.
WATER
Water is the magic ingredient to treat any problem, disease or illness. The more the water one drinks, the more toxins are flushed out of the body. This helps to keep the skin glowing, healthy, and bright. Around 6-8 glasses of water in a day is considered optimum to maintain a good health.
These were some of the internal ways for skin whitening. The external creams, facial and treatments work better if we follow to maintain the internal system. Some of the external factors that promote skin whitening are –
SUNSCREEN
Sun is always the major culprit when it comes to skin problems. The harmful UVA, B, and C-rays extremely damage the skin. It is always advised to never step out in the sun without using a sunscreen or a sun blog. Apply the cream at least half an hour before stepping out into the sun. Apply the cream generously on the exposed parts of the skin. It is also important to choose the cream best suitable for your skin type. Applying a heavy cream based sunscreen on an oily skin will only worsen the situation. For oily skin water based or gel or matte based creams are best suitable. Likewise, choose cream according to your skin.
Also, select a cream with the right SPF, else it will defeat the entire purpose of applying the sun cream. In summers go for higher SPF as compared to winters. Also note that no matter if it is winters or the monsoon, one must always use a sunscreen whenever outdoors.
FACE PACKS
- Use saffron and milk to massage the skin to improve the colour and texture of the skin
- Use rose water on a daily basis to cleanse off all the dirt and dust.
- Apply Aloe Vera gel to prevent greasy and oily skin.
- Apply a mix of sandalwood powder, turmeric, and milk or water or rose water weekly for cleaning and nourishing the skin.
- Use tomato or potato pulp mixed with lemon juice to reduce tan and lighten the skin tone.
OTHER POINTS
- Get regular facials to improve skin quality
- Regularly scrub and exfoliate the skin.
- Use a face wash that fights skin darkening and blemishes
- Keep the scalp dandruff free to prevent acne.
Taking good care of the skin by following a ritual of cleaning, toning, moisturizing and scrubbing can help improve the quality of the skin. Nice, clear, glowing skin is not a day’s work. It needs dedication and sincerity to follow a skin regime. One can adopt methods that give back the natural glow and colour to the skin.
