ESSENTIAL SUMMER CARE FOR CURLY HAIR

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So guys it is the time of the year when you dash through the beachy waves so why not flaunt your beautiful curls! Here are some tips to keep your curls looking great during the humid and hot summer months.

Make Your Own Hair Spray

Salt spray and sea water turn waves into curls and make curls more tight and springier. Here is the recipe to make a salt spray: Take 8 ounces of warm water and dissolve 1 tablespoon sea salt in it; mix a few drops lavender oil, shake well, and apply onto wet or dry hair.

Protect your hair from chlorine and provide it with a pre-pool treat, soak it in tap water before a swim, then spread on conditioner or a little oil gently. Hair that is saturated with clean water won’t soak up much of chlorinated pool water. Swim cap gives extra protection, and do not allow chlorinated water to stay in your hair. Rinse out the seawater too, as dryness can be caused by salt over time. Further, using an oil spray can protect your hair from its dehydrating effects.

If your hair needs more hydration, use conditioners that have fruit sugars and saccharides as well as oil-based softeners and emulsifiers like behentrimonium methosulfate. Aloe vera, agave, honey, lactamide MEA, Hydroxypropyltrimonium and simple fruit extracts or juices are all moisture-attracting ingredients. Have a deep conditioning treatment atleast once a week which won’t require more than 5 to 10 minutes of work.

Hydrate Your Hair Inside and Out

Iced tea and coffee, mixed drinks, wine or beer are refreshing but also dehydrating. For all non-water beverages, drink a glass of cool water. Add cucumber or lemon slices to get a refreshing taste.

Seal the Moisture to Your Hair

Now comes the most important part, that is to seal in moisture once your hair is hydrated. These syrupy, glazy gels are great for reducing frizz, enhancing curl patterns and helping hair retain moisture  — tgin Curl Bomb Moisturizing Styling Gel, Palmers Coconut Oil Formula Curl Styling Cream Pudding, or a flaxseed-based moisturizing gel like Eco Style Olive Oil Shea Butter Black Castor Oil Flaxseed. Continuing the sugary trend, , African Pride Shea Butter Miracle Curl Styling Custard and Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie contain ingredients that attract moisture, thus keeping the hair hydrated. To seal in moisture, apply gels over your leave-in conditioner. Leave-ins with protein help in discouraging frizz and smoothing curls.

Be Protected from the Sun

Your hair can also be sunburned like your skin. Products like sesame oil and shea butter have natural UV filtering properties. Your hair products should have an SPF rating or a known sunscreen ingredient if they claim sun protection. Wear a stylish hat or scarf if you plan to stay out in the sun for more than an hour.

The sun’s warmth can also be used to your advantage as they help the hair to soak up the conditioners. After swimming, you can apply a deep conditioner for protecting your hair. Smooth in moisturizer or a conditioner before piling your hair into a twist or a bun, and then you are ready to face the sun shine!

Cool Your Hair Products

Refrigerate your stylers and conditioners to have a refreshing wash and wear. It will help your cuticle to close and thus you can pamper your scalp by give it a cool shot on a hot day. Use products that have pH that’s more on the acidic side so that the cuticles stay closed.

Co-Wash Frequently

During the summer months, you need to wash your hair more frequently to remove refresh the scalp by removing the sweat. But being sweaty doesn’t always mean being dirty. A simple condition wash, or also a thorough water rinse can be enough to remove impurities and sweat from your hair before you style. But make it a point to always keep your hair clean.

Refresh Using Emollients

After a workout are you facing a time crunch to rinse your hair? A fragrant emollient product gives the hair a fresh look and prevents the hair from drying up between washes. Luster’s Scurl Hair Texturizer Styling Gel when smoothed over hair adds lustre and a protective barrier. For tighter curls, Camille Rose Naturals Curl Maker Agave Leaf Extract applied to dry hair can rehydrate without leaving your hair hard or crunchy. It is perfect when style with it after a hair wash.

So these are the hair tips to give you the added beauty this summer season. Let me know which tip you tried out and proved beneficial. Also would love to hear in the comments your tips and suggestions.

How to Dye Your Weave at Home

Photo by Alieza Rizvie on Unsplash

The internet is often both a magical place and scary. A fast Google search on any topic can take you to tons of information—or, often, misinformation. And once it involves dyeing your extensions at home, the recommendation out there is…lackluster, to mention the least.

As different hair types can respond to the hair dyes differently, dyeing extensions is a tough job to do.

You can always use the safest way to switch up your hair color that is going to a hair salon, but, you can DIY the hair job at your home if you know what you have to do first. So here I give you tidbits taken from expert talks and blogs as to how to color your hair without causing damage to them.

STEP 1: Know if your DIY hair dye is suited for you

So the bad news is: Your DIY dye journey stops right here, if your weave is made from synthetic hair. Though now synthetic hair is far more advanced than its old plastic-y counterparts, the fibers: polyester, acrylic, Kanekalon and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) aren’t suited for commercial hair dyes, as they lack a cuticle, which is important for bleaches and pigments to work.

For synthetic hair it is best not to try at home and you can chat with your colorist before taking any actions.

But, natural, human hair is what your weave is made of then yesss!! You may move to Step 2.

STEP 2: Know Your Color Limits

We all applaud and love rule-breakers, but when we are talking about at-home color, a bit of self-restraint needs to be practiced. If you are first timer, try for a subtle change of shade (like a cooler/warmer shade, or an unexpected, bright color), rather than a doing major change, as it will help prevent damage, dryness, and possible breakage. So yes, those who dream of getting platinum highlights, or going from white-blonde to jet-black in a day, will have to go to the salon.

And whatever be it don’t even try using a bottle of bleach. It is way too risky and lifting or lightening the color of your hair should be left to experts. As they now how to deal with it.

STEP 3: Get the Right Supplies

You do not need to spend large amount of money on your at-home color. Use hair dyes such as Dark and Lovely, that aren’t too strong.

Choose whichever dye you want but make sure you get enough from it as always have more on hand rather than trying to buy one and then stretching with it.

So when at the store, ensure to buy a fine-tooth comb, wide tooth comb,  mixing bowl and dye brush and also some extra trash bags to cover surfaces and floors, since to prevent your surroundings from becoming messy.

STEP 4: Dye It

So finally we are at our final and the most important step. First you always need to do a quick strand test, to ensure that your weave doesn’t have a weird and adverse reaction to the dye.

Each box of dye normally has instructions on ways to conduct a patch test, but here’s I give you a basic guide: Mix a spoonful of dye and a spoonful of developer in a plastic bowl (simultaneously ensure that the bottles are resealed), take a very small section of the hair and paint the last few inches of it. Then similar to the way you would treat your natural hair, let the color stay for as long as it is mentioned on the box, then rinse nicely, shampoo, condition, and dry you hair.

It is lot of steps but this part is important as it is a test to check if your hair is healthy enough to accept the essence of the color. If you’re satisfied with your results, you may apply the rest of the dye to the other parts of your extensions, needless to stay but, following the instructions exactly as mentioned on the box.

Best way to color your hair for better color placement is, before it is installed on your head. Because, if you apply dye to extensions after they are fixed , you might have the risk of getting pigment on the natural hair, which can be too difficult to correct when you remove your extensions eventually.

STEP 5: Make it last for long

Once your weave is dyed officially, you need to take special care of it to keep the hair healthy and the color vibrant. Use something like Bonfi Natural Oil Free Wig Shine Spray to help strengthen and protect the hair from breakage, along with weekly hair masks. There are also moisture masks available that will seal moisture to the hair strands. You can use Cantu Argan Oil to restore the shine and health of hair after coloring, and a deep treatment masque from Shea Butter. Use them regularly to keep hair vibrant and glossy, long after you do your dye job.

The Summary

All you wig and weave lovers, can always DIY your dye job at home—but do follow the instructions as mentioned above perfectly. And still if you find too difficult to follow these steps, I recommend you head to a colorist. It may cost you only a few more coins extra, but then the job would be done perfectly.

So let me know what all products you are using or if you have any other tips to add on!! Comment below.

Essential Beauty Products for Black Girls

1. Sunscreen:

Palmers Cocoa Butter Moisturizing Lotion With Sunscreen SPF15

There is a famous saying, “Black don’t crack?” Well, it is not fully true. The melanin production of black skin is high, that protects against damaging UV rays from the sun and helps us to keep looking younger for a longer time. In that case the need to worry about wrinkles is less. But melanoma is a serious danger for black skin. So experts say sunscreen is a daily must for all skin types. Here we have Palmers Cocoa Butter Moisturizing Lotion With Sunscreen SPF15 with Vitamin E that nurtures and moisturizes your skin daily. SPF 15 helps to prevent the damage caused by sun exposure and decelerates the process of aging

2. Glycolic Acid

SUPERMUD Activated Charcoal Treatment Mask

Everybody hates dark spots on their other spotless skin. The reason behind this is hyperpigmentation. While it common to anyone, black women are more prone to it, and it can be triggered by hormones, sun exposure or even acne. The safest way to prevent hyperpigmentation is to use glycolic acid which is a type of alpha hydroxy acid. Glycolic acids have chemicals that work to expose the healthy layer of the skin below the uppermost layer of the epidermis thus making your skin to glow. This SUPERMUD Activated Charcoal Treatment Mask contains glycolic acid and not only minimizes and de-clogs the pores, but also helps to clear scarring, hyperpigmentation, and breakouts. Apply it daily to your skin as a mask or spot treatment.

3. Body and Face Exfoliators

Queen Helene Mint Julep Scrub For Oily & Acne Prone Skin
Palmers Cocoa Butter Formula Body Scrub

Black is beautiful, but a build of dead cells on your skin can dim your glow, and make your skin look gray and ashy. Thus we need to slow the process of any flaky, dead skin buildup on a routine basis by exfoliating at least once a week using a gentle exfoliator. For face, use the Queen Helene Mint Julep Scrub For Oily & Acne Prone Skin, which cleans the skin deeply and impurities are drawn out while the skin moisture balance is maintained by the hydrating Glycerin. For body, use Palmers Cocoa Butter Formula Body Scrub that has natural exfoliating ingredients to refine, moisturize and polish your skin.

4. Moisturizer

Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Body Lotion

The dryness of your skin is shown by the ashiness, but it is a problem if it robs off the radiance from your skin. When you come out of the shower, right after that, apply a moisturizer when your skin is still damp. We know that a wet sponge absorbs moisture faster than a dry one, your skin absorbs more moisture when it’s hydrated because you have your skin pores still open. Use Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Body Lotion which has a non-sticky formula that provides a burst of hydration thus smoothening, brightening and softening your skin. This treatment is perfect for dry and sensitive skin.

5. Oil-Free Foundation

Vital Oil Free Cream to Powder Foundation

You want your face makeup to stay flawless the whole day and not turn it into an oily mess before the day gets over. But that is the case always. Black people mostly have more oily glands and that too are larger in size that produce unwanted amount of oil. If this seems familiar to you, then use Vital Oil Free Cream to Powder Foundation controls oil and it has light diffusers that help to minimize imperfections.

6. Hydrating Hair Oils and Moisturizing Masks

Creme of Nature Argan Oil Moisturizing Hair Lotion
Hollywood Beauty Argan Oil Treatment Hydrating Hair

Do you feel your hair has become dry and rough? Well African-American hair has a natural dryness factor, but it’s something you can take care off. Lack of moisture in your hair would lead to serious hair breakage. This can be treated by moisturizing your hair daily with hair oil from mid-lengths till ends and give it an extra boost of serious hydration with a hair mask and do it at least once a week. Apply the Creme of Nature Argan Oil Moisturizing Hair Lotion daily before styling as it restores moisture, protects against heat styling, deeply nourishes, and strengthens damaged hair and then use a heavier mask, like Hollywood Beauty Argan Oil Treatment Hydrating Hair Mask weekly. This hair mask deeply delves into the hair cuticle and provides intense conditioning and repair. Remember use a silk pillowcase while sleeping or wrap a silk scarf protecting your hair as helps to hold the moisture to the hair; other fabrics like cotton can steal the much needed hydration from your hair.

7. Heat Protectant Sprays

Cantu Shea Butter Thermal Hair Shield Heat Protectant

No matter you have a natural or relaxed hair, putting direct heat on the hair can cause severe breakage or excessive split ends. If regular use of hair tools has damaged your hair, try to reduce the amount of heat you use to style your hair or try avoiding it altogether. In case it is a necessity, use these settings in the lowest heat setting possible and also use thermal sprays, like Cantu Shea Butter Thermal Hair Shield Heat Protectant prevents damage caused by flat irons and other heated hair styling tools. Made with pure Shea Butter, it adds moisture to the hair strands making the hair smoother and frizz-free.

8. Co-Wash and Scalp Soothers

Head & Shoulders Moisture Scalp Soother
Cantu Shea Butter Complete Hair Conditioning Co-Wash

Do you have an itchy scalp and the constant urge to keep on scratching? Celebrity Hairstylist Lacy Redway says “Dryness, itchiness, and dandruff are three of the biggest scalp problems black women experience,”. But if you scratch your scalp with the finger nails or pat it with your forearm you are not treating it, but, making matters worse. Applying hair grease to the scalp is not a solution either, since it might clog the hair follicles thus making the dandruff even worse and stopping hair growth. Instead provide moisture to your hair to nourish your dry and flaky skin. Try using Cantu Shea Butter Complete Hair Conditioning Co-Wash; it has a unique blend of natural butter and oils that fight the dandruff and hydrates the hair. Then, to prevent any itchiness during the day time, scalp needs to be sprayed with Head & Shoulders Moisture Scalp Soother, which helps to instantly calm an itchy scalp also hydrates it.

How to Grow Your Hair Faster

Hair growth is not more than half an inch every month but this you can fasten up the process. There are quickest and effective ways to get longer hair fast. African American hair easily gets damaged by extreme heat and chemicals too faster.

Here are some essential tips that to grow your hair faster and healthier:

Use a pre-shampoo

A pre-shampoo is a type of conditioning treatment applied to the hair before using the actual shampoo. Being thick in consistency it forms a coat over hair strand. It protects the hair from breaking because of over dryness.

Use the right shampoo

Generally, African American hair being brittle gets damaged very easily. Most shampoos are brutal due to their harsh ingredients; therefore, you need to be very careful about the shampoo you use.

Use sulfate-free shampoos as they make your hair frizzy. Additionally, shampoos with organic oils protect hair from dryness and make your strands supple and soft. Some of the best oils used in shampoos include jojoba oil and argan oil.

These are a few recommended shampoos that can help you grow your hair faster:

Use a conditioner after every wash

A conditioner helps to restore oils and moisture to your hair as well as nourish it. After using a conditioner, hair should become softer. When shopping for a conditioner buy one designed specifically for dry or African American hair.

These are a few recommended conditioners that can help you grow your hair faster:

Moisturize your hair

Adequate moisture protects hair from breakage and split ends and encourages fast growth. Also, gives the hair a bright look and a soft feel.

Drink enough water always as it ensures that your hair is always adequately hydrated. The best moisturizer ingredients for black hair include olive oil, grape seed oil, coconut oil, and pure Shea butter.

Protect your hair ends

Every three to four months your hair should be trimmed which gets rid of any split ends so that your hair continues to grow properly without further damage. Keep your hair ends in great condition, by using protective hairstyles such as not-so-tight braids and buns. If you let your hair fall freely the ends are exposed to damage. At night time, sleep on a satin pillow or wrap the hair in a silk scarf.

Give your hair a rest

The more you wash and style the more it would take a toll on your hair. But using good hair products like heat protectants and non-damaging tools such as Camille rose natural almond butter, will style without compromising the cuticle layer, so that washing and styling isn’t be a problem.

Add safe supplement to your daily hair care routine

Major results are seen by hair supplement packs. Groganics pack contains Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Vitamin B-1, Grape Seed and Green Tea which all work together to support healthy hair growth.

How to enhance your hair growth?

Coconut Oil Supplements

They promote thicker, stronger, and more beautiful hair. Being fully organic and certified supplement, this is one of the best ways to maintain healthy and beautiful hair.

Here are recommended hair oil to grow your hair faster

Protein Treatments

They help in nourishing it and making the hair stronger thus enhancing the hair growth. Protein packs are for regular use with people having slight hair damage. Light treatments such as using a deep conditioner are done for hair with a bit more damage. Deep penetrating treatments are suitable for fairly damaged hair. Reconstructions encourage quick growth in severely damaged hair.

Vitamin supplements

They supply the hair with multiple nutrients to keep it strong, healthy and growing. Hair products do a good job by keeping your hair good looking but your body is the creator and source of your hair. If you supply your body with all the nurients it needs it will start to grow strong healthy hair.

Thus follow these tricks and tips and grow your hair to glory!!!

Best Hair Styling Tools 2019

Why do we our precious time and money at the hair salon? There is a reason behind it. We think it is almost impossible to create salon-beautiful hair sitting at our home. Styling your own hair by yourself can in quickly turn into an expensive mess of tangled cords and stressed out arms. But now you need not worry anymore as there are tons of top-rated styling tools at all different price points so that you can recreate salon hairstyles by yourself at home.

From excellent curling wands and irons to super effective straighteners equipped with great safety features, to hair dryers that take out the stress from hair styling, I’ve rounded up the best tools for your hair regime. Is your hair kinky-curly, damaged, super fine, or full of cowlicks? No matter what hair issue you are dealing with, I have got you covered with the top picks for your hairstyle this year.

Best Hair Styling Tools 2019

Magic Collection Wave Brush 7709

Magic Collection Wave Brush 7709 detangles and straightens your hair, as well as massages your scalp. It is a medium – sized wooden brush that also releases negative ions that have a beneficial effect on different types of hair: they promote the efficient and equal distribution of moisture in the hair shaft, protect your locks from excessive drying and neutralize positively charged ions responsible for static electricity. The brush is available in one color and handle is made of natural boar bristles.

BaByliss Pro GT Ionic 2000w Hairdryer

Powerful and compact, the BaByliss Pro GT Ionic 2000w Hairdryer combines Ceramic and Ionic technologies to give the most desired results for silky, shiny and manageable hair. This BaByliss Pro GT Ionic 2000w Hairdryer features 6 heat/speed settings and 2000-watt power so you can adjust the temperature and use it as per your desire.
With the added cold shot you can blow your hair at the end with cold air to lock the shine and luster and leave strands softened and smoothed. The salon length cord and hanging loop make the dryer really easy to use and convenient to handle.

Aphrodite Salon Professional Hair Dryer Ionic 3000

Aphrodite Salon Professional Hair Dryer Ionic 3000 is a professional quality hair dryer with power of 2100 watts & ionic capabilities for making the hair smoother and softer as you dry.
This salon professional dryer comes with 2 attachments along with ionic capabilities to style your hair with ease. It is comfortable to hold and easy to use making it the ideal choice for professional or home use.
The key to the ionic technology lies in the blue diode on the top of the dryer. This diode creates negative ions that are blown onto the hair and charge them negatively to avoid static charges and create a smooth and silky feel and make styling the hair easy and quick.

BaByliss Nano Travel Dual Voltage Hair Dryer Pink 1200W

Now travel in style with the small and powerful BaByliss 1200 W Nano hair dryer. Ideally designed for traveling, the Nano hair dryer is lightweight and compact enough to be taken in a carry-on bag. It also has the advantage of being multi-voltage thus it can be used anywhere. Voltage settings can be changed simply by turning the screw on the side of the dryer to set the voltage for the country you are in. With two speed settings, two heat settings, and a heat concentrating nozzle, the Nano hair dryer gives you styling control and optimum results in minimum time.
Start by drying and detangling your hair. Then use the high heat/speed setting for initial drying, followed by the low heat/speed setting as hair starts to dry and for scrunch drying and styling. Use the concentrator nozzle to direct heat exactly where it is required.

Aliza Ceramic Hair Straightener

The Aliza hair straighteners are specifically designed to both nourish and protect hair while straightening, so that your hair isn’t exposed to heat damage. The Aliza Ceramic Straightener has up to 30 different heat settings from 80°C to 230°C, with an easy to use key so you can use exactly the right temperature for your hair type, be it a low heat for fine, thin hair or intense heat for thick hair.
The Aliza Ceramic Hair Straightener is a versatile and customizable product that also includes 1-inch true grip ceramic plates, specially designed to eliminate gaps for a smooth and easy gliding. Thanks to Aliza’s high-quality, cutting-edge ceramic technology, these Aliza hair straighteners are quick and easy to use for a smooth and elegant finish every time.
The ceramic technology also means that your hair will be more protected from the heat, so your hair stays gorgeous and hydrated – even if you use the Aliza hair straightener every day.

Babyliss Pro Ceramic Dial-A-Heat Hair Curler Tongs

BaByliss PRO tongs guarantee faster, long-lasting results thanks to upgraded heating performance. It reaches a maximum temperature of 210°C and heats up faster with improved heat recovery for fast, consistent styling performance. The ceramic barrel ensures shine and smoothness and the 25 different temperature settings allow the required amount of heat for specific hair types.
It is available in a complete range of 6 different sizes to create a variety of curl effects from well defined free-flowing curls to soft, loose waves. These classic curling tongs are favorites for hairdressing which are used all around the globe. There is a 24mm medium barrel that creates natural curls.

How are different hair styling tools used?

A gorgeous blowout

While nothing can truly replace the feeling of walking out of the salon with a stellar blowout, you can get pretty much closer experience at your home. To start, you’ll need a modern blow dryer with an attached nozzle. If your old dryer is emitting a glowing red light, replace it because it will burn your hair by overheating. Spray a thermal protectant on damp hair and add a smoothing cream to speed up the process.
Then, let your hair dry a bit to reduce blow-drying time, which will reduce the risk of damage. The trick is to be fast and work in a circle. The hairstylist Tricomi’s “ABC” method for blow drying results in the ultimate blowout of hair without over-drying the ends.
First, separate your hair into four sections. Take the first section (clip up the rest) and blow-dry it. Hold a round wooden brush with boar bristles under the first few inches of hair “A” and point the nozzle down the shaft and dry only this section. Next, focus on the mid-shaft area “B” until it’s dry, and, finally, finish the last few inches at the end, part “C.” Repeat the same steps for the other three sections.

The perfect curls

Sometimes it only takes a few curls to add that extra punch to your look. Always go for a curling rod with a 1½-inch barrel (the smaller the barrel, the closer the curls). Look for an iron with adjustable heat-settings: the finer your hair is, the less heat you need. If the heat setting is between 1 and 10, set it to 6 for fine hair and 10 for coarse hair.
First, spray a heat thermal protector on dry hair and untangle the knots. Then, clip up hair and leave a 1½-inch section at the nape of your neck. This section is then mist with a lightweight hairspray, which sets, maintains curls, and keeps them shiny. Then, wrap the section around the wand, leaving the ends intact, for roughly five seconds. For curling the sides, avoid unsightly burns by tilting your head to maintain a safe distance between your skin and the rod. Mist and curl consistently section by section. Finally, finger-comb the hair gently for a natural finish.
Note: Novice curlers should wrap a towel around their neck.

Super sleek strands

It is essential to choose a high-quality flat iron with ceramic plates that tend to cause less damage. Additionally, get one with a heat setting display. For fine or damaged hair, set the temperature to 300 degrees maximum. Iron hair of average-weight between 300 and 380 degrees. Reserve 400 degrees for thick and coarse strands. Hair straightening follows a process similar to that of curling. First, apply a heat protection spray onto tangle-free hair. Once dry, spray a light hairspray over a 1½-inch section to seal the cuticle at the nape of the neck, making hair shinier and flatter. Then, run the straightener from root till the end, and repeat throughout your head. Note that speed matters here. If you go too fast, your hair will not straighten and if you go too slowly, it is when your hair burns and gets damaged. So, be careful when using straightening iron.

What is Skin Lightening, Skin Brightening and Skin Whitening?

Regardless of the age or ethnicity all women desire for a radiant skin. But with time the original shine and natural radiance fades for any skin tone. Exposure to pollution, dirt, sunlight, stress and many other factors affects deepest layers of the skin. Pale, dull, dry and fatigued skin is not something that you desire for. Few of the indications of damaged skin are fine lines, aging, dark spots, wrinkles, age spots, changes in the skin tone, and hyper pigmentation.

What is hyper pigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation is a harmless condition in which few patches of skin that are commonly exposed to sun are darker compared to the surrounding regions. This condition occurs when an excess of melanin, a brown pigment that gives color to our skin, forms deposits at certain parts on our skin. Even though it is harmless, few people are uncomfortable with the appearance it gives them. Acne and other skin diseases or allergies may cause hyperpigmentation, leaving dark spots after the condition clears. To deal with hyperpigmentation, skin lightening products are formulated to remove the imperfections in the skin tone and restore the skin’s natural color.

Skin Lightening:

The main purpose of skin lightening is not to just to bleach your skin, but to reduce unwanted blemishes by restricting melanin production and thus giving your skin its natural color. Basal layer is the innermost layer of our skin in which skin cells form and divide and the older cells are pushed outwards to create the outer skin layer. The basal layer has a cell called melanocyte that is responsible for transporting melanosomes, which contain melanin pigment that gives your skin true color. Tyrosinase enzyme located in the melanocyte cell plays an important role in the production of melanin, the over-production of this enzyme results in hyperpigmentation that causes blemishes and dark spots in the skin.

Skin lightening products decreases discoloration, reduces pigmentation, rules out blemishes and even improves skin tone. Skin lightening products target at skin issues like discolorations such as age spots and bruising and acne breakouts. Lightening creams decrease the melanin pigmentation in a specific area of the skin. Eventhough skin texture, tone and complexion are determined genetically it needs to be potentiated, exemplified and accentuated.

The skin lightening creams protect from the negative effects of UV rays, sunlight, pollution, and stress. The main element of almost all the skin lightening creams are compounds that directly aims at curbing the melanin synthesis mechanism, thus putting an end of the process at its source.

Few ingredients that will lighten your skin naturally:

Kojic Acid

Kojic Acid is used for treating melasma effectively. It is generated from fermented mushrooms and helps in preventing the overproduction of melanin in unevenly pigmented skin. Thus it is able to brighten everything from freckles to melasma. Kojic acid is thus worldwide popular  and is found in several skin lightening products.

Licorice Root Extract

Licorice root extract is a natural skin lightener often used to treat hyperpigmentation such as sunlight damage, age spots, melasma and much more. It also controls formation of excessive oil on your skin. Licorice root extract has amazing anti-irritant abilities helps in reducing puffiness, redness, and itching.

Azelaic Acid

This skin lightening agent, which helps in treating numerous skin conditions effectively, is found in grains like rye, wheat, and barley. Originally, azelaic acid is used to treat acne but it also helps in reducing inflammation and decreases the production of keratin which promotes the growth of acne bacteria.

Azelaic Acid inhibits melanin production and helps in reducing hyper-pigmentation by preventing growth of melanin-producing cells. Azelaic acid effectively focuses at hyperpigmentation while has less effect on normally pigmented skin like freckles.

Citrus Extracts

Citrus extracts being rich in vitamin C helps in destroying free radicals, the cells that result in aging, in the body. Citrus extracts give a glowing radiance to your skin while rejuvenating it from the inside.

Lemon juice helps in skin whitening naturally, removes darks spots effectively, exfoliates the skin mildly by peeling off the top layer of your skin. Researchers have also found that citric extracts can be helpful to reverse the process of sun damage significantly.

Glycolic Acid

Glycolic Acid is used as a natural moisturizer and skin exfoliant agent. It is used for treating skin discoloration and also helps in minimizing wrinkles and fine lines. Also, Glycolic Acid enables other ingredients in skin lighteners to penetrate farther into the skin.

Lactic Acid

Lactic Acid has similar properties as that of Glycolic Acid but is best for individuals who have sensitive skin. Lactic Acid can alike Glycolic Acid assists other ingredients in skin lightening by allowing them to penetrate farther into the skin.

Skin Lightening Creams

Few skin lightening creams that can only be obtained with a prescription. Prescription lightening creams generally contain hydroquinone and corticosteroids. These are only available with prescriptions as they have dangerous side effects if not used with prior advice. Mercury is one such restricted substance often found in skin lightening creams. Ensure to check the ingredients when you buy products over the counter.

Skin Brightening:

The lightening of the skin acts specifically on improving and restoring the radiance of the skin. Skin lightening products help remove dull cells and further brighten the skin. Skin lightening products are an integral part of a skin care regimen to combat aging and smoothen the skin.

The ingredients you should look for in a skin brightener are:

  • Vitamin C
  • Retinol
  • Alpha & beta hydroxy acids
  • Brightening with Oralight Supplements

A skin brightener should be formulated with special compounds to lighten skin tone as well as reduce freckles and other sunspots. A skin brightener will also provide anti-wrinkle benefits to further promote the youthful appearance of the facial skin along with a brighter appearance. Of the many skin brightening products available on the market, Fair and White So White is one of the bestselling brightening creams today.

Skin brightening products aim to improve the health and radiance of the skin and to protect it against free radical damage. These creams for the skin are specifically intended for various skin tones. Many skin brighteners do not contain hydroquinone or other similar bleaching agents. Like Makari Day Treatment cream that contains several plant extracts that have beneficial effects on fortification of the skin.

It helps to clarify and clean the skin of its impurities. Makari Day Treatment Cream is a nourishing cream formula that smoothens fine lines, moisturizes skin, lightens dark spots & blemishes, brightens the complexion, protects against sun damage that slows down the effects of aging. It makes the skin more supple and radiant in appearance.

Key Features of Makari Day Treatment Cream for Skin Brightening:

  • clears dark spots, pigmentation, & blemishes
  • improves the appearance of skin texture
  • Promotes a radiant complexion
  • Provides SPF15 sun protection

Professional Remedies for Skin Treatment

Visit your dermatologist and ask for a cream that will work best for your skin. Skin lightening peels are recommended for many who want a much fairer skin. These lightening peels include the fruity fatty acid peel, followed by a skin brightening agent formula that not only eliminates excessive tanning from the face but also reduces pigmentation. These treatments are usually expensive, but if you can afford it, and have decided to choose these lightening peels, you can expect them to maintain your skin whiter and radiant for quite a long time.

Dermatologists around the world recommend that applying sunscreen to your skin is the most preventive and effective way to take care of your skin. Therefore, it is not recommendable to leave the house without applying sunscreen on the skin as it lightens the skin faster than any other skin product. So, choose wisely a sunscreen lotion with a higher SPF. Incorporating few of these healthy tips in your everyday skin care routine is the golden key to get the desired results. 

Skin Whitening: 

I personally believe that the brightening & lightening tips and products mentioned above are safer and far effective than these skin whitening products. Let us learn what skin whitening is.

Skin whitening may make you fairer but it has several side effects and recovery might take time. Laser whitening can cause skin dryness, bruising, tightness, sensitivity to the sun, scars, swelling, infections and a difference in skin texture, redness, and irritation. Although deep chemical peel treatments can permanently damage the skin, such as hypopigmentation and hyperpigmentation. If you undergo a serious skin whitening process, your skin may become rough and scaly, forming crusts.

Before you undergo a skin whitening process, check the side effects of this process. Check if there is a better solution than the one with side effects and risks. There are few products that are safe, effective, and natural. They will help you to feel safe in your own skin and give you a natural beauty.

The main purpose of skin whitening products is to lighten the complexion providing the natural skin tone. Skin whitening is not widely accepted and may have potentially dangerous side effects.

Hope you are clear with differences between skin brightening, skin lightening, and skin whitening. Do let me know your favorite skin products in the comments below.

At the end a beautiful soul and for that all you need is LIVE.LOVE.LAUGH. 🙂