Make up for Flawless Skin
1st of July, 2024
Suddenly noticing the appearance of dark spots or pigmentation can be a real blow to your confidence, but as with many flaws – a great make up technique can be your saviour.
TOPICAL BLEACHING CREAMS
A skin bleaching cream can be used to visibly reduce the appearance of: sun damage, age spots, freckles, acne marks, old scars, birthmarks, melasma and uneven skin tones.
A skin bleaching cream works in two different ways:
• Absorbing the UV rays preventing the sun from darkening
your skin
• Reducing the production of melanin, the pigment
responsible for skin darkening
Most skin bleaching creams contain ingredients that can reduce the amount of melanin production by inhibiting tyrosinase, a key enzyme to melanin synthesis. A skin bleaching cream is not a product you should buy in a rush. You need to choose wisely and carefully, because some skin bleaching creams may contain ingredients with serious side effects. The first thing to do before buying a skin bleaching cream is to check the ingredients it contains. This will allow you to discard the creams that contain chemicals that can be harmful or that are banned.
NOTE: ALWAYS seek medical advice before using these creams.
At home remedies for
hyperpigmentation
We can’t say for sure whether these DIY tips are going to help
your hyperpigmentation, but we’re pretty sure they’re worth
a shot...
AVOCADOS
Enriched with fatty acids, vitamin C and oleic acid, avocados can effectively help reduce the appearance of hyper pigmentation. Plus, the various enzymes and high amount of vitamin E in avocados can also reduce pigmentation. Mash one ripe avocado into a smooth paste. Apply the paste on the affected area. Leave it on for half an hour, and then wash it off with lukewarm water. Follow this remedy twice daily for at least one month to get positive results. Alternatively, mash half of a ripe avocado into a smooth paste and mix in two teaspoons of honey and one teaspoon of milk. Apply the paste on the affected area. Allow it to dry on its own and the rinse it off with lukewarm water. Do this once daily for a month.
ORANGE PEEL
Next time you eat an orange, keep the peel. It contains citric acid that has bleaching properties and can help get rid of dark patches on skin. Add one teaspoon each of lemon juice, milk and honey to one tablespoon of dried orange peel powder. Mix all the ingredients well to get a smooth consistency. Apply the paste on the affected skin. Leave it on for about 20 minutes, and then massage gently. Finally wash it off
with lukewarm water. Follow this treatment at least three or four times a week to encourage cell renewal and reduce dark skin patches. Yes, it might get a little messy!
ALMONDS
Being a rich source of vitamin E, almonds are good for skin and especially hyper-pigmented skin. Soak five almonds in water overnight. Next day, remove the almonds from the water and grind them, adding milk to get a fine paste. Add one teaspoon of honey and few drops of lemon juice to the paste and mix well. Spread the paste over the affected skin before going to sleep. Wash it off in the morning with cold water. Follow this remedy every night for two weeks, and then do it twice weekly. You can also eat almonds on a regular basis to minimise hyperpigmentation.
OATMEAL
Oatmeal is great for alleviating skin irritation and inflammation due to its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is excellent for rashes caused by poison ivy, eczema, sunburn, chicken pox and allergies. Grind oatmeal in a blender, food processor or coffee grinder. Mix one cup of finely ground oatmeal in warm bath water. Soak in it for at least 15 or 20 minutes. Do this daily until the rash is gone. Alternatively, combine one-half cup of oatmeal, one-quarter cup of milk powder and two teaspoons of honey. Put this mixture in a muslin cloth, tie it strongly with a string, ribbon or rubber band, and place it in a bathtub filled with warm water. Soak in the milky bath water for at least 15 minutes. Finally pat dry and moisturise your skin. Repeat daily for a few days. For rashes on your face, apply a thick paste of equal amounts of oatmeal and plain yogurt mixed with a little honey. Leave it on for about half an hour before washing it off. Do this daily until you see improvement.
Nothing beats prevention!
To avoid the most common pigmentation problems, you need to avoid excessive sun exposure and if required to go in the sun then apply a sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30. Hypo pigmented skin sunburns easily, and hyper pigmented skin may get even darker. Re apply sunscreen every three hours. Plus, to enjoy healthy skin you must follow a proper skin care routine – cleansing, toning, moisturising and exfoliating.
