Skin Whitening Tips for Beginners

1. Choose the right skin whitening products.

A lot of products promise to whiten your skin and while some deliver on that promise, they may not be the safest choices. As Gluta-C’s own Jodi Sta. Maria would say, dapat mag-ingat sa mga pangako. Be a smart shopper pagdating sa skin whitening products.

Don’t just buy any commercial whitening soap or cream without looking at the ingredients. Avoid products that contain hydroquinone: experts say that it is the biological equivalent of paint thinner. It is reportedly so toxic it can abrade the epidermis or the outermost layer of the skin.

Pwede din daw magdulot ng cancer ang excessive use of skin products na may hydroquinone.
Other ingredients that you need to avoid are sulfates and parabens. Both are preservatives responsible for the bubbles or foam that your commercial soap or shampoo makes. A nice lather is always welcome, but sulfates and parabens are not. Scientists discovered that parabens can increase the risk of breast cancer, while sulfates can trigger asthma, dermatitis, hypotension, and even abdominal pain and diarrhea.

Hindi worth it ang pumuti pero nagkaroon ka naman ng sakit. Anu-ano ba ang mga ideal na skin whitening ingredients?

• Kojic acid – This famous whitening agent comes from a fungus that grows in Asia and has long been widely used in Japan. The American Academy of Dermatologists also declared kojic as clinically proven to speed up skin whitening
• Citrus extracts – Lemon, key lime, grapefruit, and citron are examples of citrus extracts that may be included in skin whitening products. These are excellent at skin lightening ingredients because they are rich in Vitamin C (which is believed to reduce hyperpigmentation), contain antioxidants, and can mildly exfoliate skin.
• Papaya extract – Papaya contains papain, which is the active ingredient that brings the whitening power in papaya-infused soaps and creams. Papain is also a mild exfoliant and rejuvenates skin, giving it a healthy, brighter glow.
• Glutathione – Glutathione products have taken the market by storm, and for good reason. This antioxidant exists in the human body. As a supplement, it can be taken as oral pills or injected in the bloodstream. It whitens the skin by targeting the melanin in the skin and stopping tyronisase, the enzyme that produces melanin pigments.

2. Follow a good skin care routine.

Aside from choosing good products, it’s also important that you commit to a regular skin care regimen. Remember the three basic steps: cleanse, tone, moisturize. Pagkatapos ay idagdag ang fourth step: whiten. Use the safe and effective skin whitening products na napili mo based on your skin type and the ingredients included in their formulations.

Don’t forget to exfoliate 2-3 a week too! By washing off dead skin cells, dirt, and excess oil, the active ingredients of your moisturizer, whitening cream, or facial serum can penetrate deeper into your skin. Exfoliation also encourages cellular regeneration, which allows young and healthy skin cells to emerge on the epidermis.

3. Get plenty of sleep.

Totoo ang concept ng beauty sleep! This is because the skin repairs itself during slee. Kaya kung hindi ka nakakapagpahinga, the repair process is interrupted at naiipon ang damages sa skin. Adults need seven to nine hours of sleep to achieve full bodily function, which includes skin repair and regeneration. Most people only average six hours of sleep, but experts from the National Sleep Foundation warn that this can lead to sleep deprivation.

Hindi ba’t mas masigla ang umaga kapag mahimbing at sapat ang ating tulog? When you lack sleep, nagiging maputla at dull ang balat sa iyong mukha. Hindi ito ang healthy-white glow na gusto mong ma-achive. So develop good sleeping habits, at huwag kalimutan na gawin ang iyong skin care routine before going to bed. We recommend applying an eye serum for dark circles, too, so that you’ll wake up with a radiant face.

4. Keep a healthy diet.

Malaki ang impact ng kinakain mo sa health ng skin mo. If you eat foods high in vitamins A, C, E and other nutrients that nourish the skin, it can help you achieve healthy, whiter skin. Add these skin-boosting foods in your diet and don’t forget to drink plenty of water as well.

Besides maintaining a balanced diet, you should also avoid unhealthy habits like drinking, smoking, and eating excessive amounts of sweets. Alcohol and nicotine can dry out your skin and make it dull and rough over time. Too much sugar consumption, meanwhile, can trigger breakouts for people prone to acne or afflicted with eczema and rosacea.

5. Apply sun protection before going out.

The number one cause of many skin problems is the sun and its harmful UV rays. Before you go out, protect your skin with Gluta-C Intense Whitening Body Lotion with SPF 25 and Gluta-C Intense Whitening Facial Day Cream with SPF 25 on the face and neck. For extra skin protection, use an umbrella or wear a hat to keep the sun’s harsh rays away from your face and arms. You should also avoid going outside and staying under the sun between 10:00 in the morning and 4:00 in the afternoon. These are the hottest hours of the day, especially during summer.

With these simple steps, you’ll be well on your way to achieving whiter, brighter skin.