Review: Mentholatham Whitening Hand Veil

Finally this review is out, after a long wait. Pardon my tardiness!

Mentholatham Whitening Hand Veil SPF 15

I took awhile to review this as I wanted to give it a fair chance to work on my poor, neglected hands. So did it deliver? Let's see!

Pros:
-Hands remained the same colour even after sun exposure. No new sun spots.
-Hands were left well moisturized

Cons:
-A little oily, and took awhile to absorb. Left an oily feel if I applied too much.
-No visible whitening effect after about 2 weeks of use. (Hmm, maybe I wasn't using it regularly enough?)
-Overly strong scent

Verdict:
A fairly good basic handcream. Just don't expect whitening miracles from the product. As The Belle has some tiny spots on her hand, she will have to find an alternative product when this product is finished. Recommendations, or suggestions anyone? Please do let me know.(Or I will have to resort to more extreme measures...*cue evil laugh*....muhahahha......Kidding....)

See you back here soon, my beauties!

Review:Little Twin Stars X Sophie Monk Body Lotion (Whitening)

My recent holiday in Sunny Malaysia left my skin ravaged by the merciless sun. This, of course led to a frenzied trip to the pharmacy in search of remedies.

I spotted this adorable tube (together with the Mentholatham Whitening Hand Veil, which I will review later), and, tossed it, albeit unceremoniously, into my shopping basket at the pharmacy.

Little Twin Stars X Sophie Monk Body Lotion (Whitening)

 Needless to say, I was attracted to the packaging, but more importantly, printed on the tube, loosely translated from Chinese, was  "diamond brightening whitening body lotion".  The ingredient list also stated goodies like sodium hyaluronate, diamond extract, and tourmaline extract as the first 3 ingredients. The lotion claims to 'nourish, hydrate, soften, refine, smooth, and prevent dryness' Just what my poor skin was in dire need of.

But did it deliver? Let's see!

Pros:
-Left skin smooth, well hydrated and protected, even throughout the next day. My dry, cracked feet, interestingly, showed no signs of dryness even after a day of walking in slippers.
-Skin feels visibly softer. Again, attested to by my horribly neglected feet. Soles were visibly softer, and dry skin on the foot came off easily with scrubbing. Cuticles look less ravaged.
- Patchiness on toes and elbow areas from sun exposure are also almost gone with about a week's worth of daily use.
-Non irritating (for my finicky skin, at least)

Cons:
-Can take awhile to absorb. But no biggie if you apply less and add more only where needed. Once absorbed, skin does not feel oily any more.
-Whitening effect not pronounced. I did see fading of the patchiness due to sun exposure, but the less 'damaged' areas didn't seem to fade as fast. Maybe it needs a little more time to work. Ok, I am being impatient, it's only a week...
-Lacks SPF

Verdict:
I am in two minds about repurchasing this. Definitely, pocket friendly- I found this retailing at around SGD5 when it was on discount. It works well enough that I would want to keep it in my arsenal of body lotions. My   only real gripe would be that it lacks SPF--which means that I have to layer on another SPF product if I were to use it during the day. The hot, humid tropical weather in Singapore does not bode well for layering of products. Perhaps I will reserve this product for night time use, and use my faithful Nivea for daytime.

*Yes, I do know this is not a new product, but I thought I would review it since I didn't find many reviews for this little gem.

More coming up soon. Till then, take care, my beauties!

Review: Garnier Sakura White Pinkish Radiance Intensive Whitening Mask

I was on the lookout for skincare to give my dull, sleep deprived skin a boost, and my eyes fell on the gorgeous baby pink and white colours of the Garnier Sakura White range.

I was initially tempted to get the whole range, but remembering the bottles of my beloved Hada Labo (Yes, I still love you), and in the interest of my wallet, I stopped myself and had to be content with purchasing just the mask instead. (I will come back for you later! Haha...)

This skincare range claims, after use, in 4 weeks:

Rosy Radiance

Luminous Fairness

Even Skin Tone

Satin Softness

Dewy Clear Skin

Did it deliver? Let's see!

Garnier Sakura White Pinkish Radiance Intensive Whitening Mask (Pardon the reflection on the mask packaging!)

Pros:
-Gorgeous baby pink mask! Got to love that.

-Fits very well-the best of the sheet masks I have tried over the years (and that's a lot of them)-thanks to the second skin technology.

-Left skin visibly smooth, radiant, and glowy after use

-Non irritating, skin was well hydrated and plump following usage

-Effects lasted well through the next couple of days

Cons:

-None! I am in love...

Verdict:

A definite repurchase! The mask contains sakura extract (and hence the namesake) which helps soothe and recover skin from damage. Vitamins CG and B3 protect and shield skin from pollution. Perfect for recovering from the recent haze. Its going at the discounted  price of $17.50 instead of the usual price of $21.90, so now would be a good time to give it a try!(and no I do not work for them, nor am I sponsored or advertising for them. I am just excited because I really like this product.)

Its time for the Belle to retire for the night now. Come back soon for more reviews coming up next! Good night, my beauties! (Or good morning? Never mind. Bedtime it is!)

Review:Dermal White Collagen Essence Mask

Finally, the Belle is back. My most sincere apologies. I am glad I am (almost) back to functioning normally. More about my bout of sickness later.

Here is one of my long delayed reviews!

Dermal White Collagen Essence Mask

Pros:
-Visible glow and bounciness after use that lasts throughout the next day.
-Skin feels well hydrated and soothed. Dry lines were greatly reduced.
-Non sticky after essence was patted in (tested in Singapore's extremely humid weather)

Cons:
-Did not fit very well, especially the awkward slits at the nose area.

The verdict?A definite keeper in my routine! I used this after almost a week of skipping masking in favour of sleep, and the results did not disappoint. The pocket friendly price, at SGD1 , gives me even more reason to repurchase.

Thank you for your patience! The Belle will be back again soon with more reads!

See you again soon, my beauties!

Review: Dermal Vitamin Collagen Essence Mask

Another one of my recent purchases. Without further ado, here is the review!

Dermal Vitamin Collagen Essence Mask

Pros:

-Skin was left visibly more even, brighter and more luminous
-Brightening effect lasted throughout the next day
-Non irritating to skin

Cons:

-Left a sticky after feel.
-Again, mask did not fit well as with the others in the same range.

The verdict? As with the others in the same range, great value for money. Although the effect, again, was not as pronounced as the Pearl Collagen Essence Mask,I would still repurchase it. It is a good basic brightening sheet mask,that is very economical at SGD$1 per sheet, that does its job. I would recommend it for those on a budget.

Stay beautiful, and see you again soon, my pretties!

Review:Dermal Gold Collagen Essence Mask

Gold has been long touted as a beauty secret, and used in many high end beauty treatments. Now, you can experience it in the comfort of your own home,  for a fraction of the price.

Dermal Gold Collagen Essence Mask

Now, I do not expect gold particles on my SGD$1 purchase, of course. But does it work? Let The Belle give you her 2 cents worth.

Pros
-Skin is left well hydrated and fine lines around the eye, as well as dry lines at the jowl area were significantly reduced.
-Non irritating to skin.
-Non sticky, as compared to the  Dermal Pearl Collagen Essence Mask

Cons
-Brightening effect not as pronounced as the Dermal Pearl Collagen Essence Mask
-Fit was a problem, especially around the eye area. The eye flaps were uncomfortable and ended up looking like I had white eye bags while I was doing my mask. Similar to other masks in the range. (Or maybe it's just me.)

The verdict? It does assist in hydrating and reducing minor lines, but did not do much for brightening. Regular use should help with those who have a minor problem with fine, dry lines. Repurchase, however, is only a maybe for me, because I prefer my masks to have more of a brightening effect.

*The Belle is on the road to recovery, and is trying to resume normal operations . Please be patient with me!

See you again soon, my beauties!

Review: Dermal Pearl Collagen Essence Mask

My skin has been looking rather dull and tired lately, no thanks to my terrible sleeping habits.  Masking is a great solution, but can get rather costly if you have to do it often. So, I have been on the lookout for cheap, efficient masks. This is one of those that I found during my jaunts at the local Unity Pharmacy, which cost about SGD$1 each.

Dermal Pearl Collagen Essence Mask

To be honest, I was not expecting much from this mask since it was so cheap, but I was pleasantly surprised. Here's the verdict!

Pros

-Skin is left firm, even looking, and well hydrated.
-Brightening effect lasts well throughout the next day
-Mask is well soaked with essence, so plenty was left over to mask the neck (or if you are like me, to swipe over the arms and legs as well)
-Non irritating to skin
-Very inexpensive-need I say more?

Cons

-Left a sticky after feel that didn't go away (Tip: Use it before bed, so that the stickiness is gone by the time morning comes.)
-Mask sheet somehow took a lot of adjustments before I could get it just right. (But maybe it's just my OCD at work, trying to get rid of every single bubble..haha..)


This is a definite repurchase, when the stock I bought runs out. Cheap, good value for money, and definitely does what it promises. Good fix for those on a budget. The Belle has since purchased this in other variants, so look out for the reviews coming up, after I have sufficiently tested them.

See you soon, my beauties!

Review: Fair and Lovely Multivitamin Cream

I have to admit, I was a little skeptical about trying this cream as it seemed too good to be true. A SGD$3.50 product that contains vitamins, and whitens to boot? However, I had heard good things about this product from my Indian friends, and so, I decided to take a closer look at the product.

Fair & Lovely Multivitamin Cream

On closer inspection, I realized that it was a product of Unilever. Confidence bolstered by the backing of the multinational giant, I bravely handed over my SGD$3.50 to the cashier.

This product is meant for the face, but I used this product on the horrible sandal tan lines on my feet that I got while running errands in Singapore's blazing tropical sun. (I have a tendency to forget about sunblock on my poor feet, so they are much darker than the rest of me) I was pleasantly surprised.

To give you a rough guide of how well the product works, I have included a picture of the Clear Fairness Meter, conveniently located on the side of the box.

The tan on my foot was roughly at 6 on the scale. With about 2 weeks of daily usage, it has lightened about 2 shades to 8 on the scale. Not bad for a budget product.

Here is the breakdown.

Pros:
-Contains vitamin C,E, B3 and B6
-Left a smooth, powdery finish. (Depending on the type of finish you like, this can be good or bad.)
-Skin was left looking more even toned
-Really cheap, at SGD$3.50 for a 80G tube

Cons
-Tended to leave a white cast (due to the sunblock content, I presume)
-Not moisturizing enough for dry skin, so a separate moisturizer has to be used if you have thirsty skin.

Would I buy this product again? It's a maybe. Although it does work, having to use a separate moisturizer is extra work.  There are products that work just as well (like my Nivea body lotion) without the need for extra moisturizer. But it is a nice boost to your daily whitening care, especially to get rid of an unwanted tan.

Stay tuned for more reviews!

Whitening Galore: Snow White's Reverie

To be honest, I to have gone through my fair share of stages, of wanting to be tanned when the tanned, healthy look was in. Then,later, as I realized the tanned look was not a good look on me (because I had a tendency to tan unevenly, and I was too poor to visit the tanning salon), I began to change my mindset. After all, what I basically had to do was nothing, as I am the sort that tans easily, but fades easily as well.

But gradually, I realized that as my tan faded, the damage done to my skin by the sun was not as easily reversed. Dryness, peeling and patchy skin told the tale of my misdemeanor.  I began to do research and read extensively on the topic. I tried out many different ways to make my skin regain its former glory, and my little successes through many rounds of trial and error, have been documented on this series of posts on whitening. I am still learning, but I honestly hope they are able to help you.

Having said all that, I am all for, and fully behind those that chose to tan, or are naturally a darker skin colour. Healthy skin is beautiful skin, no doubt about that. Please, do feel free to drop me a comment should you need any help, or simply a listening ear. I will do my best to oblige.

"I see your true colours, and that's why I love you. So don't be afraid, to let them show your true colours..."
 -Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelly

Whitening Galore: Cover Up!:Reviews

Sun protection. An integral step in our skincare routine, yet, so often forgotten. Especially in sunny Singapore where yours truly resides, neglecting protection can have devastating consequences. And no, I am not joking. (Repeat after me:UVA rays age, UVB rays burn.). Granted, we all do need our vitamin D from the sun. But, unless you are a hermit that lives in a cave, it is unlikely that you will be lacking.

So many options, which ones to choose? Here are my favourites out of the many I have tried over the years.

ZA True White Day Protector  SPF26PA++

This sunblock (face) has been a lifesaver during the period of time that my T-zone threatened to turn into an oil mine. The face stays matte and protected for hours, and makeup stays matte and perfect, with minimal blotting. It does not irritate my schizophrenic skin. I have however, since stopped using it temporarily since I noticed dry lines forming. (yes, my skin is really thirsty now). Dry skins may want to take note. Great product, nonetheless, especially for oily skins. Budget friendly!

Clarins UV Plus HP Day UVA/UVB Screen High Protection SPF40 PA+++

This sunblock (face) has a lovely light texture that spreads easily, and make up glides on after that. Mind you, I was wary of trying this since I have had bad reaction to mineral sunscreens before, so it took a little courage for me to try this out. But since it was by Clarins (Yes, I love the brand and have used products from it for years without any bad reactions. No I am not paid to say this), I took the plunge. And I was glad I did. This is now a staple in my routine that I reach for quite often. Now, if only the price was less steep...

 Sunplay Super Block SPF130 PA++

  I am sure many of us are familiar with this product. It has one of the highest SPFs on the market. I always had a bottle of this sunblock in my  bag for swimming, and at the beach. This one is a clear winner--I come back from the beach or the pool exactly the same shade as when I left home. It is liquid, and spreads easily, and is dries smooth and non sticky.  The clear winner, and I have not found any sunblock that has performed as well as this so far.

I cannot emphasize enough the importance of sun protection--even for those that like being tanned. (Why risk letting yourself become a skin cancer statistic?). For my dear Snow Whites, just think of it, all the work done to make yourself fairer, will go down the drain if you expose yourself to the sun without protection. (hey, long sleeves and umbrellas work too!)

***note: Sunblock on the body needs to be removed before cleansing, just like on the face!

Take care, and come back soon for more reads and some final words on whitening, and staying fair. See you soon!

**No photos here,but any requests, I will be glad to oblige. Just drop me a comment!

Whitening Galore: Soak in the Goodness!: Reviews

Now that we're clean, its time to pamper our skin . Without further ado, presenting my trusted friends!

Johnson's Baby Milk Lotion

I use the milk bath in the same variant, so it was only natural that I progressed to using this milk lotion. Lightly scented, this lotion is easily absorbed, and  non sticky. It does a good job of moisturizing. However, whitening effects are not obvious, and may take awhile before you can see results. However, I do notice that skin becomes healthier and even looking with frequent use. This product is more for maintenance than for heavy duty whitening.

Next up is my personal favourite.

Nivea Extra Whitening Cell Repair and Protect Body Milk

I was attracted to this product for 2 reasons. Firstly, because of the brand--my picky skin seemed to like it. And secondly, due to the 50x Vitamin C content. (Enough said about the anti oxidant properties of Vitamin C.) Goodies like camu camu and Acerola Cherry make for a stellar sounding product. But did it live up to the hype? It sure did. The  tan lines on my feet from wearing sandals faded considerably after about 2 weeks of use. (Without any other products. Sorry, no before and after photos for now due to a long overdue pedicure.) I used the product only once a day.  (Note to self:Consistency is key!) So, results would probably be better with more frequent usage.

I would like to emphasize again that the route to whitening is not a short one. Consistency is key. (And patience is a virtue...)  It has to become part of your lifestyle. (Now I sound like an old woman.)

 Next, sunblock to protect from the merciless rays of the sun....

Whitening Galore: Showertime!: Reviews

Bath time. A time to rub, soak and rinse off all the tension of the day, or a time to freshen up for the challenges of the day ahead. What better time to brighten up your overall complexion than your daily rub a dub?

Introducing....

RDL Papaya Whitening Soap with Milk

 I have used up 2 bars of this soap previously, and this is the last one remaining from my supplies. This soap, used daily, helps to lighten darkened skin to its original skin tone. Dark scars are also lightened. I stopped using it for a period of time, however, when my skin was in a bad mood--it tends to make the skin dry. It does work well, however. The tiny spots that plagued my arms due to my inconsistency in use of sunblock on the body faded (almost) to obscurity after I completed the first bar. A good product, but moisturizer afterwards is essential. I bought it for about SGD4 at a jamu shop in a shopping centre. Most jamu shops should sell it, or know where it can be found.

Next in the spotlight....

Johnson's Baby Milk Bath

Now, who hasn't  used products from this baby product manufacturing giant at some point? I share this with my boy, who loves the product too, and hence the big bottle. Now, this product is not exactly a 'in your face' whitening product. But having used it in conjunction with other shower foams, I find that this shower foam helps the skin's tan (and mosquito bite marks) to fade faster as compared to when I use other so called 'whitening' shower foams that I have tried. Skin is left subtly scented and lightly moisturized. Its effect is not very apparent, but more like "Eh? When did I get so fair?" after a period of use. Retails around SGD6.50-8.50,depending on the retailer.

As with all whitening products, use the above with patience, and do not expect instantaneous or fast results. Getting fairer is a long process.  What works for someone else may not be as effective for you, but I believe, patience will bear fruit.

More on body whitening coming up, do come back soon!

***All the products I review are bought and paid for by me, for my own use, unless otherwise stated.

Whitening Galore:Stars of the Show

Before we go on, presenting to you, a photo of the current stars of the show...

Left to right- Hada Labo Arbutin Whitening Lotion,Hada Labo Arbutin Whitening essence, Hadd Labo Arbutin Whitening Milk, The Face Shop White Tree Snow Aqua Capsule Sleeping Pack, Lovemore Super White Diamond Sheet Mask

This are my current loves, for whitening. Why no mention of sunblock till now, you say. To answer that: It is important, so it deserves a separate post on its own. (As do the bath and body products.)

Watch this space, Snow Whites!

Whitening Galore:Masked Beauty:Reviews

I love masks. Who doesn't? (What? You mean you don't?) They offer you the convenience of a mini facial treatment, right in the comfort of your own home. (Or, your preferred location.)Sheet masks, sleeping packs,clay masks--you name it, I have probably tried at least one of the variety that is available for the type. This post reviews some of my favourites for whitening. I have completed at least 2-3 boxes of each of the below masks. Here goes!

Lovemore Diamond Super White Mask

This sheet mask fits well to the facial contours. (remember, the better the fit, the better the absorption and therefore, the better the result.) Face is immediately visibly brighter and hydrated after usage. Effect lasts for a few days, and continuous usage means skin gets visibly fairer(So much, that, at one point of time, my face was visibly fairer then my neck. Lesson learnt: Leave mask on the neck for 10-15 mins after usage on the face--it is usually moist enough for that. Voila, no more strange two toned face and neck!) It also does not irritate sensitive skin.(Inexpensive, retailing around SGD7.90-SGD9.90 for a pack of 5, depending on retailer and promotions.)My current favourite sheet mask.

My Beauty Diary Black Pearl Mask

This sheet mask also fits well to the face. Face is brighter after use. The effects are not, however, as obvious as the above. I also notice that when my skin was going through a sensitive stage (Read:flaring up at any slightest provocation), breakouts were more common when I used this mask. Having said that,  however, it did leave my face hydrated and plumped, and brightening effect lasted throughout the next day. In short, it was good enough for me to repurchase several 10-pc packs (around SGD14.90? I don't remember clearly),which were also good value for money.

The Face Shop White Tree Snow Aqua Capsule Sleeping Pack 

I love this stuff. I am on the 2nd tube now. It comes in a tube, and squeezes out as a clear blue gel with capsules that release moisture when massaged onto skin. Perfect for when you are feeling lazy when mask-day approaches. (Yes, honey,masking with the right mask is compulsory, unless you are blessed with good genes, or you can't  be bothered.) Just apply right after you regular nightly skincare, and wake up to visibly brighter, and hydrated skin.Quite economical also, at SGD29.90  for a 120ML tube. So far, no irritation.

I have tried many masks over the years, and these are the current ones that work well for me and I keep coming back to... till the skincare schizophrenic in me itches to try something new.

We've taken care of the face, so coming next, are lotions and bath products to make you the fairest of them all!

Whitening Galore: Masked Beauty:Reviews: Work in Progress!

Coming next, reviews on masks from The Face Shop, Lovemore, My Beauty Diary, and more.  Do come back soon to check.

See you soon, I promise it won't take long!

Whitening Galore: Kitchen Magic!-Part 2

To all aspiring Snow Whites: Whitening is not just an external process, you have to take care of what you eat too. Here, I am going to share a few simple recipes that will soon have you drinking your way to glowing skin! Note, however, as always that these are recipes that I myself have tried, and found to work well for me. They are not miracle cures, but will help you a little along the way. Every little bit counts!

Almond Milk

1 Dessertspoon Almond Powder (You can grind your own, or if you're lazy like me, just use store bought. Works just fine, for me) 

200ML fresh milk (Unflavoured is best)

Stir almond powder into fresh milk, making sure it is thoroughly mixed. (Those who are lactose intolerant, you can use Soy milk.) Cold or hot, it's entirely according to your preference. Enjoy!

Soy Milk

4 Tablespoons soya beans
350ML water 
Sugar to taste  (may be omitted if you prefer, or replace with other sweeteners)
1 knotted pandan leaf, optional 

Soak soya beans overnight in plenty of clean water. Drain, discard soaking water. Blend soaked beans with water (in the recipe) in blender. Use a sieve/ strainer bag to filter the liquid, making sure to squeeze out all the liquid possible. Pour into a saucepan. (You may add in the pandan leaf at this stage.) Bring to a gentle boil, and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring regularly. Add the sugar last, stirring to dissolve. Remove from heat, serve hot, or cold. Enjoy!

Pearl Powder

You can easily buy pearl powder from Chinese medical halls in Singapore. Just mix it in milk or juice. Taken consistently, it also helps to improve the condition of acne. Do note that real pearl powder does not dissolve totally, so be sure to stir as you drink


As always with beauty, consistency is key. Do not (obviously)ingest large amounts at one go and expect overnight results. It simply won't work that way. In the case of whitening, you require consistent effort of not weeks,but months to see results. Some people may see results sooner, and some later. Everyone is different. Your patience will be rewarded.

 I recommend that you start with something that is sustainable, rather than embark on an unrealistic programme that is difficult to maintain. Try one thing at a time, so that you can judge for yourself which one works better on you. As always, do take note of allergies when trying out new recipes.

Coming up soon, reviews on whitening products (that I have not reviewed yet,of course.)--my hits and misses over the years. See you soon!

Whitening Galore: Cooking in Progress

In the process of compilation, recipes to brighten you up, both inside and outside. Thank you for your patience!

Whitening Galore:Kitchen Magic!--Part 1

Whether you are on a budget, or have deeper pockets, home remedies are always a good alternative to over the counter solutions for whitening. Not only do you know exactly what goes inside, you also get to control the freshness and quality of ingredients. Do note that while all these remedies are natural, it is always a good idea to do a patch test on less visible areas, especially for sensitive skins.

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Milk

Mix equal amounts of milk powder and honey. Add to the mixture a few drops of lemon juice. Apply to skin, and leave on for 10 to 15 minutes. For sensitive skin, you may add less lemon juice or omit it altogether. This mixture can be used both on the body and face

Lemon

Mix lemon juice from half a lemon, a spoonful of honey and enough sea salt (coarse or fine according to your preference) to form a gritty mixture. Apply to skin and leave on for 5-10 minutes. Then, scrub your skin as you would when using a body scrub. Take care not to rub too hard-- let the scrub do its job! Rinse thoroughly. Moisturize. This mixture is strictly for the body.

Orange

Dry some orange peels and grind them to a fine powder. Add a few drops of milk to make a paste. Apply to skin. Leave the mixture to dry, and then rinse off with warm water. This mixture can be used both for the body and face.

Almond

Soak some almonds overnight. Drain. Peel, grind and add to the almonds an equal amount of milk powder, and enough honey to form a paste. Leave to dry, then rinse off thoroughly. This mixture can be used for both the face and the body.

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The above list is not exhaustive. But in line with my usual practices,I only post what I have tried and liked. You may like to tweak the recipes to your preference, that's the beauty of homemade beauty remedies.

Up next, foods to brighten your skin from inside out!

Whitening Galore:Snow White and the Seven Dwarves-Part 2

The Seven Dwarves of Snow White's beauty arsenal, continued.

5)Vitamin C

How and Why it works

An effective antioxidant, it gives a boost to the immune system, and brightens the skin overall. It boosts Glutathione production, thereby lightening skin. (Glutathione, together with L-Cysteine and enzymes, maintains the balance of light and dark pigment in our skin).

Usage

Oral (pills,daily diet), topical (creams, lotions, serums etc), injections.


Pros & Cons

A large dosage (minimum 1000- 3000mg) needs to be taken for visible results. May cause loose bowels if taken in excess for those with sensitive stomachs. Having said that, any excess Vitamin C is flushed out of the body automatically, no major damage, unless you take really excessive amounts in one sitting. (Spread out your intake, and maintain stable levels of the vitamin in your body).Vitamin C is ascorbic acid, so sensitive skin may need to take care when using topical products and select a stable form of  Vitamin C that does not irritate the skin (best to do a patch test). For injections, a doctor's advice is needed as its safety has yet been established (So convenience may be an issue).

6)AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids)

How and Why it works

Works by exfoliating the upper layers of the skin, and revealing the newer skin underneath.   Lactic acid and Glycolic acid (included in the group,the most researched forms of AHAs) other than exfoliating,  have also shown to inhibit melanin production.

Usage

Topical and via skin procedures at the doctors'.

Pros & Cons

Helps increase skin's turnover rate, therefore revealing not only lighter, but healthier skin. Sensitive skin, however, needs to use with caution. (These are after all, acids). The higher concentrations used for peels to remove discoloration need to be administered by a qualified doctor. (Repeat after me: A beautician is not a doctor.)

7)Niacinamide

How and Why it works

It is a form of Vitamin B3 that is commonly found in  root vegetables and yeast.It is believed to work by interfering with the signals between keratinocytes and melanocytes, thereby preventing melanogenesis (production of melanin leading to pigmentation--simply put, dark spots and patches).

Usage

Topical (Creams, etc)


Pros & Cons

No known side effects. Helps with acne, fine lines, and helps with skin moisture. However, the effects on whitening have not been very widely researched and proven.


And there you have it, the seven most commonly used ingredients for whitening.


Next up, skin whitening right out of your grocery supplies.

Whitening Galore:Snow White and the Seven Dwarves--Part1

Who can forget it, whether it is the traditional storybook Snow White,or Kristen Stewart's portrayal of the princess of many a little girl's dream? But like every storybook heroine, every girl needs her helpers. Into the picture, Snow White's Seven Dwarves.

1)Hydroquinone

How and Why it works

It is a strong antioxidant. Hydroquinone works by getting to the root of the problem--suppressing melanin synthesis and production. In short,melanin production goes down, and so does skin darkening.

Usage

Topical.Available in cosmetics in concentration of 2%, or 4 % and above via prescription.

Pros & Cons

It lightens rather than give an artificial bleached effect. However, it can irritate sensitive skin, especially when in higher concentrations and combined with trentinoin.

2)Arbutin

How and Why it works

Works via melanin inhibition. Exists in two forms, alpha and beta (commonly known as bearberry extract), of which the alpha is more stable.

Usage

Topical, available in cosmetics

Pros &Cons

Although a form of hydroquinone, it is considered to be safer alternative.Sourced from natural sources such as bearberry and mulberry.

3)Kojic Acid

How and Why it works

Inhibits melanin

Usage

Topical, available in cosmetics.

Pros & Cons

Unstable and loses efficacy in the presence of sunlight and air. Can cause skin irritation, and allergic contact dermatitis in sensitive skin. Alternative form of Kojic Dipalmitate used by many cosmetic companies. A good antioxidant,it  has not been shown to be as effective as Kojic Acid.

4)Azelaic Acid

How and Why it works

Used for acne medications/ treatments, but has also been shown to be effective at treating skin discolorations. May also inhibit melanin production.

Usage

In topical skin creams in concentrations of 10 to 20%.

Pros & Cons

No known major ones.


Coming up next, Vitamin C, Niacinamide and AHAs. Keep your fingers crossed for part 2!