Skin Brighteners - Know Utility Of Them!

As we grow older, our skin cell growth slows down. The outer skin becomes lustreless and faded. It loses its radiance. Our skin loses its luster when we spend too much of our time in the sun or are exposed to pollution. The dead skin, over a period, is deposited on the outer skin giving us a faded look. Skin brightening helps people shed their dead skin in a natural way. The best skin-brightening products contain micro-exfoliants that remove the dead skin cells in a natural way.

What should a skin brightening cream contain?
There are many skin brightening and lightening agents in creams but only one- hydroquinone-is approved in the United States. This chemical inhibits the functioning of an enzyme called tyrosinase, which helps in the production of melanin. Melanin is the pigment that causes the dark colour of the skin. Typically, the concentration of hydroquinone in most of the over-the-counter creams do not exceed more than 2 percent. In case you need a stronger cream, ask your dermatologist.
In many countries, excluding the US, brightening creams contain mercury. This substance is poisonous and can be passed on to the baby if the user is pregnant.

How do skin brighteners work?
Our skin becomes dark because of a pigment called melanin. The pigmentation of the skin increases when we spend long hours in the sun or are exposed to pollution. In the process, collagen- an important part of the protein that holds our skin together- gets depleted. Skin brighteners simply stem the production of melanin. Continued application of skin brighteners restores the original tone of our skin, to some extent.

Natural Skin Brightening Agents

1. Gram Flour and Chickpeas: Chickpeas contain essential vitamins and proteins that remove the blemishes on your skin caused due to sunburn. The best part of the chickpea is that it does not strip the skin of its essential oils.
2. Facial Masks: Many such masks are available in the market but keep in mind that not every mask is appropriate for your skin type. If your skin is oily or dry, then buy one that matches your skin characteristics.
3. Coconut Oil: This substance has been found to contain antioxidants. Antioxidants destroy the free radicals or unstable molecules that deplete collagen in our skin. Apart from a skin brightening agent, coconut oil also replenishes the skin of its natural oils.
4. Orange Peels and Yoghurt: Skin brightening by orange peels is quite a popular practice among ladies. Orange peels contain Vitamin C which is a good de-pigmenting agent. Dried orange peels are ground into a fine powder and later mixed with yoghurt. The resultant mixture is then applied on the face to achieve desired results.