Skin whitening or skin lightening is almost an obsession in Asia. It is not just the girls, but even boys who are searching for newer and more effective ways to lighten their skin. Large number of people in Taiwan, Hong Kong, South Korea, Malaysia and the Philippines use the products to get a pale white appearance. There are reasons why skin lightening is a controversial topic. Most of the face creams and other products that claim to make your skin white, are marketed in such a way that it portrays fair skin as the definition of beauty and attractiveness. So this marketing strategy has been debated for long by those who believe that it creates an inferiority complex among the dark-skinned people.
There are also people who genuinely need to use skin lightening creams to lighten their skin. Some skin get darkened due to hyperpigmentation, hormonal imbalance, sun exposure, pollution, etc. Along with skin care products like moisturizers and toners, use of whitening products becomes necessary to even out skin tone. Hence, proper skin care, along with use of good quality skin whitening products not only improves the complexion, but also the texture of skin. Uneven skin with dark patches can lead to low self-esteem and embarrassment. People with age spots, acne scars and uneven skin tone know that living with these imperfections is not fun.
Products for Skin Whitening
People try out different products in a desperate attempt to lighten their skin. With numerous products, all claiming to turn you fair-skinned and beautiful, it becomes difficult for a buyer to choose one. But a good whitening product should be effective in either absorbing UV rays and preventing the sunrays from darkening your skin. Or in reducing melanin formation to prevent darkening.
Pills
There are several whitening pills available online and at your nearest drug store. Most of the whitening pills contain glutathione, which is an amino acid obtained from cell of a living organism, that works as antioxidants. Glutathione whitening pills inhibit the melanin activity, thereby slowly lightening the skin. Apart from being a complexion lightener, it also claims to have anti-aging properties.
Soaps
Most of the skin whitening soaps contain ingredients like glutathione, kojic acid or licorice. With many soaps in the market failing to give the desired result, it is important to buy a skin whitening products that work. Since, soaps target the outer layer of the skin, they mostly work by peeling the darkened outer layer of skin to reveal a fresh skin underneath. Prolonged use of bleaching soaps that contain hydroquinone, mercury and high pH can cause several side effects like skin discoloration.
Creams
Whitening creams are the highest selling product among various products for skin whitening. Different types of medicated creams can be bought over the counter. There are also many cosmetic brands that sell lightening creams, all claiming to even out skin tone along with whitening. Though used topically, a good face bleaching cream and whitening cream should not only have a slow skin peeling effect, but it should also target the formation of melanin.
Best Products for Skin Whitening
With several face whitening creams available in the market, it is difficult to name few as the best. As per various review online, there are few products that are not only devoid of harmful chemicals, but also highly effective in whitening skin. Clinique Even Better Skin Tone Corrector, though a new entrant in the market, is considered one of the most effective and safe product. Meladerm Skin Lightener is another over the counter product that does not contain harmful ingredients like hydroquinone, mercury and steroids. Proactiv Skin Lightening Lotion is another popular product available in market today.
Home Remedies for Skin Whitening
There are numerous skin whitening products available today, and it is difficult to judge its quality. Some expensive product could also contain harmful chemicals. Using natural products that would have minimum negative effects on your skin is of utmost importance. Below are two of the best known home remedies for skin whitening:
Tip 1: Take 1 tsp each of honey, lemon juice and milk powder. Mix with tsp of almond oil. Apply the paste on the face and neck and allow it to dry for 15 minutes. Wash off with cold water. It is highly effective for tanned skin and to lighten dark spots.
Tip 2: Take 1 tbsp gram flour. Add 2 tsp of raw milk and 1 tsp lemon juice. Apply on your face, neck and darkened areas and leave it to dry for 15 minutes. Wash off with water. Repeat this twice a week to naturally lighten your skin.
Whatever may be the reason for you to lighten skin tone, remember to choose products that do not contain harmful ingredients. Obviously, the products are less expensive than other forms of treatments like lasers and deep peeling, leading to a huge market worldwide. But it is better to be safe than sorry. So instead of spending hundreds of dollars trying out different products to lighten skin, use a good sunscreen and follow a proper skin care routine of cleansing, toning and moisturizing for a glowing flawless skin.
