I have been trying to lighten since 3-4 years but could not due to shitty products available in the Indian market. Some products that will never lighten u-
Fair & lovely (classic :p)
Olay
White beauty by Pond's
Lakme
Emami
Lotus
Clean & clear (pimple products are good but skin lightening products are crap)
Himalaya
Shehnaz
Nafia (sold online)
St.Dalflour (online)
Neoprosone (ebay has some sellers)
Oh god! I don't even remember the names! There are so many.
Thumb rule- if it's an Indian product, 99% chances are that it won't work. A product may work for you because everyone's skin is different but these didn't for me.
After years of researching, I have come to realize some things:
1) Hydroquinone (HQ)+ retin a (ra) work well for most people. However, you need to use these for 3-4 months and stop. Take a break for 2-3 months, use natural lighteners like Kojic Acid cream or Vitamin C lotion and then, start again.
2) Caro white (cw) by Dream cosmetics and Caro light (cl) by Angel cosmetics are good and have worked for most when cw/cl tub and oil are used together. They contain hq.
3) Skin lightening thins your skin. You need to use a moisturizer to build up your skin. RA also helps though it can cause dryness.
4) Use of RA and Alpha-hydroxy Acids (aha) will help in preventing and eliminating wrinkles. So can a good diet and exercise. Keep stress at bay to prevent ageing.
5) Use of SPF 30 is a must but most Indian sunscreens make you look darker except Lotus Matte sunscreen. Wearing sunscreen indoors is also good.
I am no dermatologist but these observations are based on my experience.
Fair & lovely (classic :p)
Olay
White beauty by Pond's
Lakme
Emami
Lotus
Clean & clear (pimple products are good but skin lightening products are crap)
Himalaya
Shehnaz
Nafia (sold online)
St.Dalflour (online)
Neoprosone (ebay has some sellers)
Oh god! I don't even remember the names! There are so many.
Thumb rule- if it's an Indian product, 99% chances are that it won't work. A product may work for you because everyone's skin is different but these didn't for me.
After years of researching, I have come to realize some things:
1) Hydroquinone (HQ)+ retin a (ra) work well for most people. However, you need to use these for 3-4 months and stop. Take a break for 2-3 months, use natural lighteners like Kojic Acid cream or Vitamin C lotion and then, start again.
2) Caro white (cw) by Dream cosmetics and Caro light (cl) by Angel cosmetics are good and have worked for most when cw/cl tub and oil are used together. They contain hq.
3) Skin lightening thins your skin. You need to use a moisturizer to build up your skin. RA also helps though it can cause dryness.
4) Use of RA and Alpha-hydroxy Acids (aha) will help in preventing and eliminating wrinkles. So can a good diet and exercise. Keep stress at bay to prevent ageing.
5) Use of SPF 30 is a must but most Indian sunscreens make you look darker except Lotus Matte sunscreen. Wearing sunscreen indoors is also good.
I am no dermatologist but these observations are based on my experience.
Love your blog and this is some sound advice. I use CL tub and oil and it works beautifully. I would say I am a will smith type shade from the scale you have provided. Currently am working on my knees elbow and knucles 💉🔪🔫💣💊. Lol trying everything to get them to listen to me.
ReplyDeleteYou have a simple and solid routine I hope you'll keep us updated on your progress. Any recommendations for products to use when resting from HQ would also be helpful. Am going off HQ from Dec to March 😱. Don't even know what I will use to maintain
i could not continue with hq as it is very oily and i have acne-prone skin. i am using glutathione cream, pills and injections.
DeleteHello.... I am also looking for skin lightening... Actually lightening skin is not that easy but ofcourse it's not that difficult.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all hydroquinone is considered to be the best skin lightening agent. But before using hydroquinone exfoliating the skin is very important. It not only gives you a beautiful and shiny skin... But also it helps the skin lightening agent penetrate better into your skin.