Not Everyone Wants a Tan

It seems like most people in the western world want to get a so called healthy tan and the traditional way to do that is to go on holiday to the sunnier parts of the world. Nowadays, however, the fear of cancer and malignant melanoma in particular, has resulted in a move away from sunbathing and an increased usage of sun block creams.

But what about that huge number of the world’s population who for various reasons want to travel in the opposite direction and lighten their skin color? In most Asian, African and Latin American countries, fair skin radiates an aura of sophistication. So, the motivation to change ones appearance is different.

The dilemma of individuals affected by their perceived hyper-pigmentation problems lies not only in choosing a good product, but the proper way to lighten skin color . Skin lightening products have grown in demand as the answer for uneven pigmentation such as melasma, age spots, freckles, dark underarms, knees, elbows or inner thighs. Regardless of race or skin color, it concerns a lot of people and these problems are caused by the skin's melanin content. Melanin, in its simplest definition, defines the color of our skin.

An effective skin lightening or whitening regimen is supported by four vital factors. The skin lightening product should be safe and potent and not include ingredients such as mercury. Sunscreens should block both UVA and UVB rays. Also, you should take at least 500mg Vitamin C supplement daily. This acts as a powerful antioxidant and helps promote healthy skin and also inhibits the production of melanin. Plus, make sure you use your favorite moisturizers with skin lighteners. Exfoliated skin, which can resurface as a result of the skin lightening procedure, needs hydration to give a rosy, whiter, effect.

Another alternative to treat dark skin spots is laser treatment but the price tag is high and can cost over a thousand dollars. And expensive skin products don't necessarily imply more effective than the more economical ones.

Many people take the view that we should accept the way we are born and that beauty is only skin deep and that the motivation to change is just market driven!

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