WHEN I was growing up, whitening was the biggest beauty trend. Every girl with a dark skin tone aimed for a fairer complexion, and beauty brands cashed in on this.
In advertisements, the lonely, miserable dark-skinned girl was often shown experiencing a streak of good luck once her complexion turned fairer, from landing the job (and man) of her dreams, to turning heads everywhere she went.
Fair skin was equated with beauty. This essentially left a generation of women with deep-seated insecurities over the colour of their complexion.
Today, the trend has shifted towards embracing your natural skin tone, and the buzzword in beauty is brightening. Almost every skincare brand has a brightening range.
A GENTLER APPROACH
Brightening is different from whitening as it doesn't attempt to alter or reduce skin's natural pigmentation, explains Innisfree training manager Yap Yung Fui.
The goal is to enhance rather than alter skin tone and give skin a glow, stresses Yap who works for the Korean skincare brand.
Most women who look for skin-brightening products have certain issues such as uneven skin tone or dark spots, and they want to even out their skin tone, reduce the visibility of spots, and appear brighter and more radiant.
"Unlike whitening, brightening doesn't breach skin barrier. The goal is to enhance one's skin tone, making it more radiant."
Yap adds that brightening products can be used by anyone, but it's always wise to look for products that adhere to safety standards because reactions can happen, especially if one has sensitive skin.
It's also best to be cautious of products that promise results within a very short period.
"Skin brightening is a process that takes time. It's not going to happen after just one bottle. A consistent routine with the right products has to be established.
"It's also important to combine this routine with adequate sun protection as UV rays have a significant impact on skin," says Yap.
Dr Shazril Shaharuddin, popularly known as "Dr Say" on social media, agrees with Yap that there's a significant difference between skin brightening and whitening.
ENHANCE NOT ALTER
The main goal of brightening is to increase and restore natural radiance and glow, and even out skin tone, he explains.
"It's about bringing skin back to its original complexion by removing dull and dead skin cells," says Dr Shazril, who spoke during the launch of Nivea, Extra Bright C&HYA recently.
Dr Shazril says compared with brightening, whitening is more aggressive and dangerous as it bleaches and whitens skin to achieve a lighter tone.
The process involves the use of harsh chemicals that may damage skin and prolonged use may cause various other health concerns too.
On the other hand, vitamin C is one of the most commonly used ingredients in skin brightening products.
Dr Shazril says it is one of the most effective and safest solutions for dull skin and uneven skin tone.
"It is a powerful antioxidant. It's able to even out skin tone and reduce dullness. Vitamin C is not only good for the body but skin too."
When used correctly, it can work with skin biology to make skin healthier, brighter and hydrated.
Since vitamin C is loaded with antioxidants, it also helps to neutralise free radicals and enhances tissue repair in healthy skin.
Dr Shazril says consumers should always check the ingredients before purchasing any skincare product.
"If there are things you are unsure about, you can do a quick search online. However, if you have serious skin concerns,visit a doctor for proper guidance."
USE WITH CAUTION
SKIN brightening products can trigger reactions in certain people, especially those with sensitive skin:
Reactions include:
*Stinging
*Burning
*Itching
SKIN BRIGHTENING TIPS
*Exfoliation - facial scrubs remove dead skin cells to give skin an instant glow or brightness.
*Moisturisation - adds hydration to skin, protects it from environmental pollutants and reduces dullness.
*Face Rollers - help reduce puffiness and boost blood circulation on skin for a brighter complexion.
Source: Medical News Today - https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/how-to-brighten-skin#ways-to-b...
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