They say, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder”. However, what makes people feel truly beautiful physically is how they see it from their own perspectives. What are the criteria? From the head to the feet; we have the hair, skin, eyes, facial appearance, neck, bosom, waist, and so on.
Now, let’s look at the skin. Generally, a healthy one is considered beautiful. For beautiful skin consider tanning solution australia. When we take it further, many feel that the tone matters. Some people with dark tones have tried to change them to lighter ones. Some have gone several shades lighter!
If you are one of those that are thinking of skin lightening or brightening, then you should read further to understand the basics. Thinking about hitting the mall or online stores to purchase products? Thinking about checking product reviews? Read this first before you visit Skin Lightening Beauty Guide’s site for 2019 updates. When you are done with this, the reviews would be easily understood.
Understanding the Difference between Skin Lightening, Brightening, and Whitening
Ever faced the need to tackle dark blemishes or dull tones? If yes, then you may have considered buying products to get that much needed radiance and glow. Of course, the steps taken would include purchasing lightening, whitening, and brightening products to transform your complexion and give more life to your skin.
Utilizing such products has some merits and can improve your appearance if used the right way. The problem is the wide range of bleaching products out there that can get consumers really confused. If caution is not exercised, you may end up buying something that can be disastrous and make you feel regretful later. The bad products may look flashy with their tempting promises. Do not be deceived!
The words “lightening”, “brightening”, and “whitening” are used to describe how a product may work. However, there are differences. These terms are used interchangeably to explain the strength of the ingredients used in a product’s formula. Whitening is described as the strongest, while brightening is the least. This puts lightening in-between the two.
What you need to do is to learn about the major ingredients contained in products that state the aforementioned terms. Be your own expert. However, this does not rule out the need to see a specialist that will guide you on which part of the bleaching strength spectrum to go for. It is advisable to consult a dermatologist so you can make a safe and informed decision.
Let’s discuss the major ingredients used in formulating products in the three spectrum categories. You can conduct further research though. These are just basics.
Brightening
Skincare products labelled with this term are not made to lighten or whiten your tone. They are formulated to rejuvenate or refresh your skin by taking care of dryness and dullness. This will leave you looking radiant. Of course, such “glow up” comes with compliments from others wanting to know the “secret”. Brightening formulas transform your skin from tired-looking to healthy and appealing.
Some of the products may be formulated with sufficient amounts of lightening ingredients though. The ingredients are added to tackle dark spots, age spots, and freckles so that your skin can be evenly toned. The major ingredients used in brightening products are exfoliants. Other main components are listed below:
- Fruit enzymes
- Beta hydroxy acid (BHA)
- Vitamin C
- Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs).
Lightening
There is a great contrast between this part of the bleaching spectrum and the one above. Lightening does more than just giving you an even-toned glow up. What such formulas are capable of may sound magical, but they are very potent. Lighteners reduce the visibility of dark spots such as melasma and hyperpigmentation. Their potency extends to treating scars caused by acne and blemishes caused by harsh sun rays.
Some lighteners are able to change your skin tone by a shade if used continually. This is also good for those that have suffered from unwanted sun tanning and want their complexion to be back to normal. Melanin inhibitors are contained in lighteners. The good news is that some of them are made for all skin types and formulated with natural components.
Hydroquinone, which is a chemical lightening component that has often been the subject of controversy, is one of the major ingredients in this part of the bleaching spectrum. It is also used in whitening formulas. Hydroquinone is very powerful and you will surely see the difference within a short time. In fact, it is recommended for short-term use only. This chemical agent is not considered suitable for all skin types.
The most popular lightener is kojic acid. It is a natural component that is considered to be a better alternative to hydroquinone. Azelaic acid is another major lightener. It is popular among people seeking to get rid of hyperpigmentation and dark blemishes on the skin. However, this component is not potent for getting rid of age spots and freckles.
Whitening
As stated earlier, this is the strongest in the spectrum of bleaching strength. Products that are labelled as such may just be made for the purpose of brightening or lightening. This kind of marketing tactic is mostly used in Asia. It may seem like deception, but not really. Many components in whiteners are found in both lighteners and brightening products.
The major ingredients in whitening products are higher in concentration. Dark-skinned people that try to whiten their complexion may be taking a drastic step. Whitening involves getting rid of the skin’s natural pigments. One well known whitening agent is mequinol. It is a chemical compound that is derived from hydroquinone. Read more about here.
Mequinol destroys the cells responsible for pigment production in the epidermis (melanocytes), thereby making the skin appear pale and white ― if not ghostly. Another major whitener is monobenzone. Whitening products consist of formulas that should be taken for granted. It is essential to learn enough about them before deciding to make a purchase.
You would be able to understand the various product reviews available online after reading the explanations above. Remember that extra caution is required for products in the category of the last two subheadings.
