Many people in India and across the globe have opted for skin-whitening procedures to achieve a fair complexion for different reasons. While achieving the desired skin tone is possible, it is important to proceed with caution and involve a skin specialist like Dr. Rinky Kapoor for professional guidance throughout the process.
If you are considering getting a skin-whitening treatment, be aware of these mistakes and try to avoid them.
Overusing harsh chemicals
Some people think that using a lot of skin-whitening treatment will help them achieve their desired complexion faster and easier. Well, on the contrary, this will do the opposite. Instead of achieving your intended results, you will not only fail but also end up with damaged skin.
Chemicals such as hydroquinone and mercury can help offer lightening effects, but excessive use may cause skin irritation and redness and even end up causing long-term skin damage. Instead of these harsh chemicals, you can opt for products that are milder, such as kojic acid, vitamin C, and licorice extract.
Ignoring sun protection
Protecting your skin from the sun is mandatory, not only after a skin procedure but always, to maintain vibrant skin. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can darken the skin as it stimulates the production of melanin, countering your skin whitening efforts.
It is important to always carry and apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with 30 or higher SPF when stepping outside, whether the weather is cloudy or sunny. For enhanced protection, try to wear clothes that shield you from the sun, such as a wide-brimmed hat and long-sleeved shirts.
Mixing products
Some people may end up mixing multiple different products in an effort to hasten the process and achieve results faster. While this may work, combining multiple active ingredients may end up having negative effects, especially if done without professional guidance.
If the different products result in conflicting effects, then you are at risk of experiencing skin irritation and other skin concerns. It is recommended to stick to a single product for a while and only switch if you don’t get results after the recommended time. Better still, consult a skin specialist and let them recommend the most suitable treatment.
Skipping the patch test
A patch test simply means testing a product before fully using it. As advised by The Esthetic Clinic’s skin specialists, all you need to do is apply a small portion of the product to a small part of the skin to see what happens and find out if you will experience side effects such as allergies and other adverse reactions.
It is better to have a reaction on a small portion of the skin, which will also be easier to resolve, than to experience the side effects on all of your face or body, causing other complications that may be harder and take longer to resolve.
Neglecting skincare
Some people get carried away and only focus on skin-whitening treatments, forgetting about overall skin care. The effects of neglecting proper skin care may not be immediately noticed, but it could be a costly mistake in the long run.
Achieving optimal results from your skin-whitening treatments requires a holistic approach. This includes cleansing, moisturizing, and exfoliating regularly. Healthy skin is more likely to respond better to whitening treatments and provide more satisfactory and long-lasting results.
