Why Your Skin-Lightning Creams Don't Work

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Light Skin Is Beautiful

 

Skin-lightening products reduce the amount of Melanin in the skin. Melanin is the pigment that gives skin its color and protects it from sun damage. The more Melanin in your skin the darker your Skin tone. Reducing the Melanin helps to produce a brighter and lighter appearance.

Many consumers complain about purchasing skin lighting creams and lotions that prove to be ineffective. It could be that they are effective for just a short time and then stop working or it could be that they are not effective at all.

There are several reasons why a skin-lightening product may not give you the desired results. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of the products that cost you hard-earned money:

Skin-Lightening Products

1) Skin Lighteners are more effective at night

Many experts recommend applying skin-lightening products at night, rather than during the day. Nighttime is when the skin repairs and regenerates itself. This means that the skin is more receptive to the active ingredients in the products and can absorb them better.

The body is at rest during the night and that's when many healing and skin rejuvenation processes take place. It's the best time to apply your product. Also at night, the skin produces less melanin, which makes it easier for the products to block its production and lighten the skin.

Skin lighteners such as Hydroquinone, Vitamin C, Glycolic acid, Licorice and Kojic are very sensitive to light and can cause skin photosensitivity and or even sunburn if used during the day. It's much safer to apply them at night to avoid sunlight.

Some skin-lightening ingredients like Kojic when exposed will quickly turn dark brown (you may noticed this around the cap of some intense lightening lotions and creams). Also, be sure to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 50

Skin-lighteners are best at night

2) Skin-lightening is only a part of complete skin care

Skin lightening solutions should be balanced with a complete skin care regimen that includes cleansing, moisturizing, exfoliating, and protecting the skin from harmful environmental factors (like free radicals). A complete skin care regimen can help prevent further damage to the skin, enhance the effectiveness of skin-lightening solutions, and improve the overall appearance and texture of the skin. Here are some things you need to do in addition to applying your skin-lightening product:

Use Cleansers

Cleansing removes dirt, oil, makeup, and impurities from the skin surface, which can clog pores and cause breakouts. Cleansing also prepares the skin for better absorption of other products.

 

Use Moisturizers

Moisturizing hydrates and nourishes the skin, preventing dryness, flakiness, and irritation. Moisturizing also helps restore the skin’s natural barrier function, which protects it from external aggressors. Moisturizing hydrates and nourishes the skin, preventing dryness, flakiness, and irritation. Moisturizing also helps restore the skin’s natural protective barrier function protecting the body from external threats.

Exfoliating occasionally

Exfoliating helps remove dead skin cells from the skin surface, revealing a smoother and brighter layer of skin. Exfoliating also improves blood circulation and stimulates collagen production, which enhances the skin’s elasticity and firmness giving it a healthy brighter look.

Use Broad Spectrum Sunscreen

Protecting the skin from sun exposure, pollution, and other environmental factors is essential to prevent premature aging, wrinkles, sagging, and discoloration. Protecting the skin also reduces the risk of skin cancer and other diseases. Combine your skin tightening products with an effective broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF50 or higher and apply it regularly when you go out.                                                                                  

Using skin lighteners can boomerang if you don't apply them as part of a complete daily process of cleansing, nourishing, and rejuvenating your skin. This means your skin is getting a sufficient dose of vitamins, emollients, antioxidants, and skin-protective ingredients daily. If you have skin infections and acne beforehand your expensive investment will only further expose these existing problems. It could even make matters worse.

Beautiful Skin Needs Special Care

3) Monitor your skin response and take necessary precautions

Try to avoid doing that can make matters worse like scratching, picking, or rubbing the affected areas. Doing this irritates the skin further and could cause more damage by triggering allergic reactions or releasing allergens that cause flare-ups

.

Some ways to monitor your skin conditions include:

• Examine your skin regularly for any new or changing spots, blemishes, bumps, rashes, or lesions. You can use a mirror or ask someone to help you check areas that are hard to see.

• Keep track of your symptoms and triggers by writing them down in a journal or using an app. You can also take pictures of your skin condition to compare over time.

• Use gentle and hypoallergenic products that are suitable for your skin type and condition. You should avoid harsh chemicals, fragrances, or dyes that may irritate your skin. Practice good hygiene and regularly wash your hands to remove bacteria.

Carefully monitor your skin's response to a skin-lightening product. It is unwise to continue using it after you have reached your desired level of brightening. Skin lightening is a "treatment" not an all-year-long affair. If your skin reacts to a product stop using it immediately.

How to do a Patch Test

4) Conduct a patch test for any new skin lightener before use

Always conduct a patch test for any new product. If you can get a sample from your beauty care vendor or even a friend it would enable you to determine if your skin will tolerate a particular product. A patch test will help you avoid wasting money on a product that will only react with your skin. Remember that no two people have the same type of skin with the same characteristics. See how to conduct a patch test here

Good Skin Care Products Cost Money

5) Good skin-lightening products cost money

Every beautiful thing comes at a cost. The same can be said for skin-lightening products. Although you may not need to spend hundreds of thousands you can expect to pay a premium for the most effective products. These products contain ingredients that provide a complete diet of everything your skin needs to feel and look beautiful. Skin lightening is not for the faint of heart or the lean pockets.

Skin care is not just a matter of vanity, but also of health and well-being. The skin is the largest organ of the body, and it performs many vital functions, such as protecting us from infections, regulating our body temperature, and sensing touch. Therefore, taking good care of our skin is essential for our overall health.

Skin lighteners are perfectly okay if they are used carefully and safely. Those who say skin lightening and hydroquinone are bad are living in the past. These products will get better and be more readily available as the years go by and technology improves. More and more people will take to skin lightening to keep up with styles and trends. After all,  white folk see nothing wrong in a summer tan so we Africans should not be afraid to search for the keys to our most beautiful skin. It can be done safely and healthily.

    

About Me

       ***This article contains AD's and Affiliate links***

Hi!
My name is Udo,

My name is Udo Anyanwu

I'm a writer and content creator behind Sugarwhite Beauty Solutions Blog. This is where I share all I've learned over the past 10 years of being a marketer, retailer, and distributor of beauty and cosmetic products. In that time I've learned so much relating to the cosmetics industry. I've learned about its value chain, market dynamics, and its products and services. In addition, I have also developed skills and experience relating to sales, marketing, distribution, logistics, retail operations, and even product design and formulation. Oh, I almost forgot the business development and management skills that enable me to be able to set up a business from scratch and follow through until it's fully operational.

I read Mechanical Engineering but then went on to spend over 12 years as a banker. The sad day came when I was asked to leave because our bank was downsizing. After that experience, I decided to go into business for myself and try to explore my other skills and talents. It was a difficult and insecure period in my life and I had to make many difficult personal and career decisions. It cost me many friends and I sacrificed important relationships because of my choices.

Crazy about Tennis

Search for a way forward

After much soul searching I tried my hands on different small businesses but I found that none of these was challenging or exciting. They also didn't seem to be as lucrative as I had expected (or maybe I wasn't patient enough?) The worst thing was I wasn't making enough money to pay my bills or cover expenses and take care of my family.

                          

Things went from bad to worse. I spoke to an aunt of mine who lived in the United States. She offered to send me some cosmetics to sell in the hope that at least it would help to put some money in my pocket. We agreed to share the profit. I was skeptical because I had never really sold anything in my life by direct sales or networking. I had zero experience. However, there is no motivation like empty pockets so I started by reaching out to friends and acquaintances.

                  Relationships are Important

My Beauty Products Journey Begins

Surprisingly, in a few days, I had sold most of the products sent by my aunt. It included items like perfume, moisturizing lotion, bath soap, and makeup. I called up my aunt with the good news and she was amazed at how quickly I had sold my products. This led to her sending more products but most importantly I became fascinated by the industry and the opportunities it provided.

It was not long after this that I decided to go all in as a cosmetics retailer. I did a lot of research, developed a business plan, and started an apprenticeship with an established cosmetics retailer. I've been involved in cosmetics and beauty products ever since. 

I opened and managed my shops and stores. I also supplied products to large departmental stores and supermarkets. It's been an amazing journey filled with new and exciting experiences. You get to meet many wonderful people. I've gone to seminars, trade shows, training sessions, product launches, and even fashion shows.

How I Started My Blog

I started this blog several years ago as a way to gain knowledge and expertise. Each headline requires lots of research and study. It was like a super energized way of learning. The knowledge I gained was not only helpful in sales and marketing but it also gave me a wider perspective and greater appreciation for the industry. This blog was an important part of my growth and development as a cosmetics and beauty products marketer, retailer, and distributor.

I still remember the early days when I couldn't tell the difference between mascara and lipstick. Today some companies seek my advice and opinion when it comes to beauty products marketing and sales. It's quite humbling to realize just how far I have come but like the great Kobe Bryant once said "...It's not over yet!"

First to Beauty is a fitness

Sugar White Beauty Solutions Limited

My objective with Sugar White was to establish a retail products outlet and possibly go into wholesale and distribution. At the time I didn't realize the size of my undertaking and just how diverse and complicated the market was. However, my initial vision helped me to approach every segment of the Industry on equal terms and without bias. I gained an immense amount of knowledge as a result. Here is my simple breakdown of the Cosmetics and Beauty Industry.

Cosmetics and Beauty Industry is very wide and diverse. It consists of 5 distinct product segments:

1. Makeup

Makeup is the application of cosmetics to the face to enhance or alter one's appearance. Makeup includes foundation, concealer, eyeshadow, bronzer, mascara, lipstick, powder, and blush to mention just a few. Other uses of makeup include covering imperfections and creating different looks to compliment or contract one's moods and personality. Makeup is highly influenced by popular trends in fashion.

Some of the benefits of makeup are increased confidence, creativity, and self-expression

Some examples of Makeup brands are MAC, NARS, and Maybelline.

   

2. Hair Care

Hair care is the practice of maintaining, styling and enhancing the appearance, health, and texture of one's hair. Hair products are many and include lotions, gels, creams, sprays, shampoos, conditions, and various other items used to cleanse, style, protect and restore the condition of the hair. The various combinations of products combined with skilled stylists and other hair care professionals give the hair unique and sometimes dazzling appearances.  Some of the benefits of hair care are improved hair growth, reduced hair loss, increased shine and softness, and prevention of scalp problems.

Some examples of Hair Care brands are L'Oreal, Pantene, and Dove.  

 

  

3. Perfumes and Fragrances

Perfumes and Fragrances are fragrant products that are the result of the creative blending of aromatic substance in appropriate and distinct proportion These can then be applied to clothing, hair on the skin where it continues to permeate throughout the immediate environment. Perfumes are designed to be pleasant and attract favorable reactions and responses. Fragrances and perfumes can be classified as floral, woody, pungent, sweet, and spicy to name a few. Perfumes and fragrances can have various effects such as enhancing mood; attracting others; expressing personality; or evoking memories,

Some examples of Perfume and Fragrance brands are Chanel, Dior, and Gucci 

4. Skin Care

Skincare is the practice of taking care of our body's largest organ, the skin. This is done by using a wide range of products and product combinations plus various skin care routines and regimens. These are all dependent on the various skin types. Although no two people have the same type of skin, skin type can be broadly classified into dry, oily, and neutral. Skin care product types include moisturizers, cleansers, serums, sunscreen, face creams, exfoliators, toners, and facial masks. Skin care procedures include micro-blading, microdermabrasion, laser therapy, exfoliating, skin peels, and facials. Some of the benefits of skincare are improved skin health and appearance. 

Some examples of Skin Care brands are Clinique, Olay, Neutrogena, and The Ordinary.

5. Personal Care

Personal Care (or body care) products promote the general well-being and hygiene of the human body. It regularly overlaps with the 4 other groups but remains a distinct group in itself. Personal Care products include oral hygiene products like toothpaste and floss, grooming products for men, and private hygiene products for women. Others are toiletries, cleaning, and sanitation products like disinfectants and sanitizers. Personal care is important for a person’s dignity, health, and happiness. Some examples of  Personal Care brands are Colgate, Gillette, and Dove.

                Winning is a life's journey

Planning for the future

Presently I've decided to renew my commitment to the industry by refreshing my blog with new content and also updating existing posts and articles (old success formulas never fail) Hopefully I can also provide more value to my audience who appreciate honest and unbiased information on products and services. I will try to be more engaging, insightful, and succinct in the quality and quantity of information I provide.

Please feel free to make comments and ask questions. I promise to respond to as many as I possibly can. If all else fails you can contact me by email which will appear at the end of each post.

Family is everything 

Questions and Answers:

What is your niche and who is your target audience?

My inch is cosmetics and beauty products. My target audience are consumers.

What kind of beauty topics do you want to focus on?

I want to focus on retail and consumer products only.

Who are you writing for?

I'm writing for everyone who consumes beauty and cosmetics products and desires accurate information on these items

What can readers benefit from your content?

My audience are consumers that are interested in beauty and cosmetics. They can learn a lot about products basic benefits and applications. I try to follow events and activities within the local Industry and beyond.

How do your address concerns of your readers with regards to product authenticity, quality, pricing etc?

The majority of my audience desires a better user experience with beauty and cosmetics products. I advise them to consult experts such as cosmetologist or a dermatologist. I only provide basic information.

What can readers expect from your blog?

Readers can expect concise, honest, and entertaining content that adds value to their consumer experience.

What are some of your best or most popular posts?

It's really hard to choose my best posts but I will try and list 5 that come to mind below

How can readers join your community?

I'm working hard to update my presence on social media. Follow me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. See the links below.

Please make sure you don't go without leaving a comment. I would love to hear from you!

What's my email address?

It's sugarwhitebeauty@gmail.com

It means so much that you support my blog by reading the latest post. Also, check out top products and follow important discussion topics. Share our content with friends and relatives. We will try our very best to keep you informed and entertained.

Thanks so much!

Udo

***This article contains AD's and Affiliate links**

Product Review: Dove Fair Body Lotion

**Post Contains Affiliate Links & Ads**

Dove Fair Body Lotion

What is it?

This is Dove Fair Body Lotion. It's an affordable moisturizer that can be used for most skin types.

What will it do for your skin?

Dove Fair Body Lotion has a bit of a misleading name, especially in our society where “fairness” is mostly associated with skin lightening and toning. Dove Fair Body Lotion is not a skin-lightening lotion. It does not cause any noticeable changes to skin tone. Instead, it provides the basic needs of most skin types. 

The makers of the product appear to be focused more on affordability. Of course, there are many advanced moisturizers with an even wider array of benefits. Some are made under the same brand name "Dove" which is owned by English-Dutch company Unilever.

Product Ingredients

Its ingredient base is mostly Coconut oil and Apricot kernel oil. Apricot especially is very rich in vitamins A, C, and E which provide the necessary ingredients to keep the skin fresh, clear, and smooth. To fight bacteria, microbes, and other environmental hazards there is Tea extract (Camelia Sinensis) which contains powerful antioxidants that help protect the skin. Finally Linoleic acid is a powerful source of Omega -3 and Omega-6 which are skin hydrating and nourishing elements. This is altogether a robust moisturizer with and well-formulated array of basic low-cost ingredients. Simple yet effective.

 

Protect Your Skin

Most cases of acne, breakouts, and skin reactions are the results of environmental hazards. It's important to remember that our tropical environment makes protective anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties very important for all categories of skin care. Consumers should be conscious to make sure their products provide them with the necessary level of protection.

Other Benefits

Dove Fair Body Lotion is a very good moisturizer that will provide healthy bright skin most consumers desire and meet all the skin's basic needs. It will equally serve as an effective family body lotion.

What of the pricing?

Dove Fair Body Lotion is very inexpensive at N2,500-3,000 or USD$2.50-3.50 (most recent market survey) and is an excellent option as an affordable body lotion for the whole family.

Any Concerns?

There are no concerns here. Dove Fair Body Lotion is a very simple and basic moisturizer that's safe for the whole family.

The Final Word

If you are looking for an affordable low-cost body lotion that meets your basic skin care needs then Dove Fair Body Lotion is a reasonable and good choice. We rate it a healthy 6/10

Health Risk of Papaya Extracts during Pregnancy

Skincare Products With Papaya Extract

What is Carica Papaya (Pawpaw)?

Carica Papaya (Papaya) or Pawpaw (as it is called in Nigeria) is a fruit that appears all the time as an extract in a wide variety of beauty products. Beauty companies claim it has dramatic skin-lightening properties but we know that it's more of an exfoliate and possesses only mild skin-lightening benefits. 

A Cocktail Of Deadly Substances

Scientific evidence has shown that Papaya contains an enzyme called Papain. Papain is a soothing agent which is regularly used as a meat tenderizer. The Papain enzyme contains Latex and appears in the form of a gummy substance that drips from the skin and neck of unripe papaya fruit. 

Unripe Papaya Fruit

Latex acts as a prostaglandin and oxytocin. Prostaglandins are essential fats that act like hormones triggering body responses in the form of inflammation, contractions, while Oxytocins are chemicals that are released naturally in the body to induce childbirth. 

The broader picture is that these are chemical substances that induce labor or strengthen labor contractions during pregnancy. It is suggested that latex can also poison the fetus and cause birth defects. So, it's clear that this is a cocktail of dangerous substances for any pregnant woman.

Avoid Papaya During Pregnancy

FDA Issues Warning

The American FDA has issued warnings recommending that women do not eat unripe or semi-ripe papaya during pregnancy. Existing research data including a 1978 study by Hornick, Sanders, and Lin supports the FDA’s warning that unripe and semi-ripe papaya consumption is a health risk for pregnant women. A more recent study appeared in the 2002 British Journal of Nutrition by Adebiyi, Adaikan & Prasad of the National University of Singapore which supports earlier findings. However, no evidence has appeared to suggest that consuming ripe papaya is hazardous.

Ripe Papaya Fruit

Conclusion

Regardless of existing research, so much remains unclear about papaya and its effects during pregnancy. Further studies are needed. Most experts still agree that it is best to avoid papaya completely during pregnancy. There is no need for unnecessary risks during pregnancy. There are lots of alternative fruits which are healthy and affordable.

Papaya Cubes

References:

Webmd.com

Livestrong.com

Wikipedia.org

Paulaschoice.com

Journals.cambridge.org

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov