Fair complexion is admired almost everywhere, which makes us inclined towards use of various fairness products. Skin lightening and brightening strategies used by various fairness brands make us target of such products. It is true that the sunscreen contents of fairness creams may prevent tanning of the skin to some extent by preventing the secretion of skin coloring pigment, melanin. By this, these products can make a difference in shades of skin on their regular use. However, when these products are discontinued, the original complexion appears back.\
Majority of these products do not completely disclose the ingredients and the percentage of contents present in such products. To add to the things, even we are not bothered to read about these ingredients on product labels most of the times. Even if we read these, many of us do not understand what they all are meant to do.It has been recorded that most of the skin lightening products contain steroids like corticosteroids and clobetasol propionate, which are advisable to be used only on a dermatologists prescription.
These high-strength steroids might give faster and better results, however, these products containing high-strength steroids also suppress body's natural steroids. This may end up with some other side effects like permanent stretch marks, darkening of the skin, pimples, skin allergy, hypersensitivity to sun exposure and dis-figuration, etc.Many faster acting fairness creams also contain hydroquinone, which is a chemical having bleaching properties that can adversely harm the skin and may lead to sun sensitivity as well as white patches.
Products which contain more than 4% hydroquinone can severely damage the skin.
Some of these products may also contain high levels of mercury that may cause hazards even to our nervous system.We should understand that fairness of skin is purely genetic, and none of these products can make a person permanently fair. Therefore, it is advisable to better take care of your skin with natural and healthy ways, like eating and drinking healthy foods. Some of the homemade face-packs which include aloevera, honey, milk, turmeric, lemon juice etc. may help in lightening darker skin tones without causing any side effects. We will discuss about the foods for a healthier skin in our next discussion.
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