Skin Whitening

Light skin is usually associated with beauty, which is why many people today are trying ways to lighten their skin. While it might be possible to lighten your skin, it will take some time. However, the time it takes to achieve a brighter skin will depend on the method you choose.

That means there are a few methods of bleaching your skin. Skin lightening can be a great thing to you, but you should know that it is something that is typically irreversible.

Before you decide to lighten your skin, it is essential to discuss with your spouse, partner, family member, or a health practitioner. Above all, you should understand if it is safe to lighten your skin.

Causes of Skin Discoloration

Skin discoloration can have a variety of causes, including:

  • Sun exposure: Excessive exposure to the sun can cause the skin to produce more melanin, resulting in dark patches on the skin.
  • Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes during pregnancy, menopause, or while taking birth control pills can cause discoloration on the face, often called melasma.
  • Age: As we age, our skin loses its elasticity and becomes thinner, making blood vessels under the skin more visible, leading to discoloration.
  • Inflammation: Inflammation due to acne, eczema, psoriasis, or other skin conditions can cause discoloration, also known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
  • Genetics: Some people are predisposed to developing certain types of skin discoloration due to their genetic makeup.
  • Medications: Certain medications, such as antibiotics, antimalarials, and chemotherapy drugs, can cause discoloration as a side effect.
  • Trauma: Any injury to the skin, such as cuts, burns, or bruises, can cause discoloration.
  • Chemical exposure: Exposure to certain chemicals, such as those in hair dyes or cleaning products, can cause discoloration of the skin.

Skin Whitening Tips

Find ways of bleaching your skin, so you decide which one goes well with you.

#1. Skin Lightening Soaps

You can choose to go with the skin lightening soaps, which are quite effective. When using the skin lightening soaps, you will bathe with them just like your regular bathing soap. You still need to be careful when choosing one. For instance, always look at the ingredients of the soap before you purchase them.

The ingredients of the soap are what will facilitate the skin whitening. Some of the must-have ingredients include apple cider vinegar, papaya, kojic acid, and lemon juice. These ingredients are effective, and they tend to work faster than those without.

#2. Skin Whitening Pills

There are skin bleaching pills that are well-known on the market, and even pills that are highly-recommended by trusted dermatologists.

The skin bleaching pills will work as a regular medication. You swallow according to the prescription and watch them do the magic.

These pills also depend on the ingredients to whiten your skin. Usually, there’ll be an active ingredient or a blend of ingredients that work together. However, you should know that they don’t exactly ‘bleach’ your skin. Instead, the pills will work at reducing the skin melanin: the lesser the melanin, the brighter the skin.

Some of the active ingredients used in skin bleaching pills include Glutathione, L-Glutathione, and Vitamin C. Glutathione is responsible for blocking tyrosinase, which is an enzyme that triggers the production of melanin. In this case, there will be a reduced production of melanin.

One thing about the skin lightening pills is that they work faster than the soaps and other remedies. The reason for this is that pills will work internally, which makes the process typically natural.

According to those that have used the skin lightening pills, it would take four to six months to get the results. Nonetheless, it is not a guarantee that it would work the same for every person.

Here are some skin bleaching pills tips to help you stay safe when using them.

#3. Skin Whitening Creams

The skin bleaching creams are also quite popular, and they’ve been around for a long time. These are used just like the normal creams. You’ll need to bathe properly before applying the skin whitening cream. If you apply the cream on dirty skin, it may not work as you expect.

Here, you’ also need to be careful when picking one. Consider the ingredients and the brand of the cream before you buy. But some of the top ingredients you should look out for include kojic acid, glycolic acid, and hydroquinone. These ingredients would work well even for the sensitive skin.

The best way to avoid any serious reaction or unexpected result from the skin bleaching creams is by performing a patch test. Ideally, take some cream and apply on a hidden section of your skin. This will help to test for any rashes or any other unwanted results.

Always test the cream before using them.

#4. The Natural Remedies

You might be concerned about experiencing harsh side effects from the skin whitening pills and soaps, which is not always the case. But if you are not into the pills and soap, you can still go the natural way using home-based remedies. However, you should keep in mind that the natural remedies take a longer time, and they will need consistency and a lot of patience.

Also, you will have to be extra careful for the natural remedies to work. For example, if you want to apply milk, lemon, and yogurt face mask, you’ll need to wash your face thoroughly and dry it properly. If you don’t wash your face properly, the home-made face mask may not work.

Other home-based remedies include orange peels, cucumber juice, tomato or potato juice, and even aloe vera juice.

The gel in a mature aloe vera is a good bleaching agent that will work naturally on your skin. To use it, wash your face and dry it, then apply the juice and let it stay overnight. You can then peel it out in the morning and wash the residue with warm water.

With the cucumber juice, you can mix it with lemon juice and apply it to your face whenever you want. Ensure that you leave it for 30 minutes or so before washing off. Also, use warm water so that you don’t leave any residue of the remedies on your face.

The home-made facial masks should be applied two to three every day for perfect results. Ideally, you can apply in the morning after bathing, during the day, and at night before going to bed. Even though most natural remedies won’t have any serious damages or side effect to your skin, you still need to contact your dermatologist.

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#5. Manage stress

Stress can have a negative impact on the skin in several ways. It can lead to the release of stress hormones, such as cortisol, which can increase oil production and contribute to acne and other skin problems. Stress can also reduce blood flow to the skin, leading to a dull, tired-looking complexion.

Managing stress can help reduce the negative effects on the skin. For example, practicing relaxation techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing, can help reduce cortisol levels and promote relaxation, leading to a healthier-looking complexion. Exercise can also improve blood flow to the skin and promote healthy skin. Additionally, getting enough sleep and practicing time management can help reduce stress levels and improve overall well-being, which can have a positive impact on the skin.

#6. Exfoliate regularly

Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. Regular exfoliation can help improve the texture and appearance of the skin by removing the buildup of dead skin cells that can clog pores and make the skin appear dull and lifeless.

Exfoliation can be done in several ways, including mechanical exfoliation using the best exfoliating gloves, scrubs, or brushes, or chemical exfoliation using products that contain alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs).

It’s important to choose an exfoliation method that is appropriate for your skin type and to avoid over-exfoliating, which can cause irritation and damage to the skin.

Conclusion:

Talk to your dermatologist before using any skin bleaching remedy, even if it is homemade. Your skin might still react harshly with the natural remedies, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Remember to go through the user instructions before using skin bleaching pills, creams, or soap. Don’t forget to choose wisely and check out the user reviews of those skin bleaching products prior to making a purchase.