Skin Lightening Regime (Month 1)

Skin Lightening Regime (Month 1)

If you are having pigmentation in the form of dark patches/spots, tanning or uneven skin tone, then this skin lightening regime is for you. We have created a series of 3 regimes to gradually increase the potency of skin-lightening agents to get the best results.

What is it? Skin lightening regime for sensitive skin or for those who are new to strong skin lightening products.

Who can use it? All skin types with Pigmentation

Sensitive skin: You can try only if your skin is calm for a long time. Avoid if your skin is irritated, burning or itchy.

After completing Month 1, you can shift to Month 2 of the skin lightening regime.

MORNING REGIME

Step 1 Face wash

The objective of washing is to clean the face without making it dry or oily. Based on your skin type, you can choose from the following:

 

Step 2: Skin Lightening cream

In month 1, we will start with agents like Vitamin C and Kojic acid in the morning regime. Here are a few suggestions:

 

Step 3: Sunscreen

Your skin tends to get darker after exposure to the sun. Therefore, sunscreen is essential for preventing the darkening of your skin during sun exposure.

Sunscreen should be applied 30 minutes before stepping out—repeat thrice in case of prolonged sun exposure. Apply a teaspoon to the face and neck to achieve full SPF. Ideally, SPF 30 is enough. But we don’t apply thick layers of sunscreen. Therefore, an SPF of 50 is preferable. You can choose from this list of sunscreens; here are a few recommendations:

You can put makeup on top of sunscreen if you wish to.

 

NIGHT REGIME:

Step 1 Face wash

The objective of washing is to clean the face without making it dry or oily. Based on your skin type, you can choose from the following:

 

Step 2: Skin Lightening cream

At night, we can use firmer skin lightening agents like Hydroquinone, glycolic acid, mandelic acid,  and lactic acid. We recommend using mandelic acid, lactic acid, or low-strength glycolic acid in the first month, especially if your skin is sensitive. Here are a few suggestions:

 

EAT MULTIVITAMIN DAILY

Many cases of pigmentation fail to respond because their Diet is not balanced. We recommend eating multivitamins for three months to replenish the deficient stores and aid in skin rejuvenation from within. Here are few suggestions:

 

Quick Comparison

Skin Lightening Regime (Month 1) removeThe Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA removeFair & Lovely Advanced Multivitamin Cream removeBioderma White Objective Crème removeHomemade Skin lightening face pack removePaula's Choice BOOST 10% Azelaic Acid Booster Cream Gel remove
NameSkin Lightening Regime (Month 1) removeThe Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA removeFair & Lovely Advanced Multivitamin Cream removeBioderma White Objective Crème removeHomemade Skin lightening face pack removePaula's Choice BOOST 10% Azelaic Acid Booster Cream Gel remove
Imagehe-Ordinary-Mandelic-Acid-10-HAPaulas-Choice-BOOST-10-Azelaic-Acid-Booster-Cream-Gel
DescriptionIf you are having pigmentation in the form of dark patches/spots, tanning or uneven skin tone, then this skin lightening regime is for you. We have created a series of 3 regimes to gradually increase the potency of skin-lightening agents to get the best results. What is it? Skin lightening regime for sensitive skin or for those who are new to strong skin lightening products. Who can use it? All skin types with Pigmentation Sensitive skin: You can try only if your skin is calm for a long time. Avoid if your skin is irritated, burning or itchy. After completing Month 1, you can shift to Month 2 of the skin lightening regime.AHA are superstars agents that help in achieving even skin tone and smoother skin by exfoliating dead skin cells. However, if you cannot tolerates stronger AHAs like Glycolic or lactic acid, then The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA might come to your rescue. It helps in gentle peeling by loosening the links between dead skin cells, enhancing the cell turnover and exfoliating the superficial layer. It is suitable even for sensitive skin as the large molecule size of Mandelic acid takes a longer penetration time thereby gentle action on the skin. What is it? Skin rejuvenating serum with mandelic acid Who can use it? All skin types to promote even skin tone and smooth skin texture Sensitive skin: Can try if the skin is calmFair & Lovely is a well-known beauty product that is commonly seen in TV ads and newspapers. Read further for a review of Fair & Lovely Advanced Multivitamin cream based on a scientific analysis of the ingredient list. What is it? Skin lightening cream Who can use it? Dry to normal skin type prone to tanning, dark patches and spots. Sensitive skin: Might not suit super-sensitive skin. Goodies: Niacinamide, Sodium ascorbyl phosphate (Vit C), Tocopherol (Vit E), Pyridoxine, Allantoin Not so good: Parabens, Fragrances

Bioderma White Objective cream is potent skin lightening cream with SPF. What is it? Skin lightening cream with SPF Who can use it? Dry to normal skin prone to dark patches, tanning or dark spots. Sensitive skin: Use with caution only if your skin is calm. Goodies: Niacinamide, Glycolic acid, licorice extract, Vitamin C Variants: Bioderma White Objective serum  is recommended for oily skin type.Do you want to pamper your skin with natural ingredients that can lighten and brighten up your skin? Try this homemade skin-lightening face pack! What is it? Home-made skin lightening face pack Who can use it? All skin types for skin brightening. We have modified the base ingredients for each skin type. Sensitive skin: Can try if the skin is calm. Do not use lemon How to make it? Check description box  
Paula's Choice 10 % Azelaic Acid Booster is a lightweight oil-free gel that can be used for all skin types. It is a potent blend of azelaic acid, salicylic acid and soothing plant-based derivatives. It helps in reducing acne, rosacea and post-acne marks. What is it? Gel with skin lightening, anti-acne and skin-soothing action Who can use it? All skin types prone to acne, pigmentation, post-acne marks, and rosacea. Sensitive: Do not use on red, irritated or burning skin. Start once your skin is calm.
Additional information
Gender

Female, Male

Skin Type

Dry, Normal/Combination

Skin concern

Pigmentation & Dark Spots

Is your skin red/itchy/bumpy?

Never, Sometimes (now it is calm)

Price range

$$

Gender

Female, Male

Skin Type

Dry, Normal/Combination, Oily

Skin concern

Pigmentation & Dark Spots

Is your skin red/itchy/bumpy?

Never, Sometimes (now it is calm)

Price range

$$

Gender

Female, Male

Skin Type

Dry, Normal/Combination

Is your skin red/itchy/bumpy?

Never

Skin concern

Pigmentation & Dark Spots

Price range

$

Skin Type

Dry, Normal/Combination

Skin concern

Pigmentation & Dark Spots

Is your skin red/itchy/bumpy?

Never, Sometimes (now it is calm)

Price range

$$$

Skin Type

Dry, Normal/Combination, Oily

Skin concern

Pigmentation & Dark Spots

Is your skin red/itchy/bumpy?

Never, Sometimes (now it is calm)

Price range

$

Regime

Weekly

Gender

Female, Male

Skin Type

Dry, Normal/Combination, Oily

Skin concern

Acne & Blemishes, Pigmentation & Dark Spots

Is your skin red/itchy/bumpy?

Never, Sometimes (now it is calm)

Price range

$$$

Regime

Morning

Content

MORNING REGIME

Step 1 Face wash

The objective of washing is to clean the face without making it dry or oily. Based on your skin type, you can choose from the following:

 

Step 2: Skin Lightening cream

In month 1, we will start with agents like Vitamin C and Kojic acid in the morning regime. Here are a few suggestions:

 

Step 3: Sunscreen

Your skin tends to get darker after exposure to the sun. Therefore, sunscreen is essential for preventing the darkening of your skin during sun exposure.

Sunscreen should be applied 30 minutes before stepping out—repeat thrice in case of prolonged sun exposure. Apply a teaspoon to the face and neck to achieve full SPF. Ideally, SPF 30 is enough. But we don’t apply thick layers of sunscreen. Therefore, an SPF of 50 is preferable. You can choose from this list of sunscreens; here are a few recommendations:

You can put makeup on top of sunscreen if you wish to.

 

NIGHT REGIME:

Step 1 Face wash

The objective of washing is to clean the face without making it dry or oily. Based on your skin type, you can choose from the following:

 

Step 2: Skin Lightening cream

At night, we can use firmer skin lightening agents like Hydroquinone, glycolic acid, mandelic acid,  and lactic acid. We recommend using mandelic acid, lactic acid, or low-strength glycolic acid in the first month, especially if your skin is sensitive. Here are a few suggestions:

 

EAT MULTIVITAMIN DAILY

Many cases of pigmentation fail to respond because their Diet is not balanced. We recommend eating multivitamins for three months to replenish the deficient stores and aid in skin rejuvenation from within. Here are few suggestions:

 

The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA Benefits:

Gently peeling of the skin: Mandelic Acid, an AHA gently exfoliates, unclogs pores, and delays wrinkles, dullness and fine lines. It lifts off the dead skin cells revealing a new fresh look. It also reduces hyperpigmentation, acne scars and uneven skin too. Good for skin hydration: Glycerin, sodium cross hyaluronate, and propanediol keeps the skin moisturized and nourished. Reduces redness: Tasmannia Lanceolata Extract reduces skin discomfort owing to its anti-inflammatory and anti-irritant properties.

The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + Ha Side Effects:

Though it has no side effects, the exfoliating agents might cause skin irritation more so on in sensitive skin. If you have sensitive skin, introduce this product gradually as discussed in the next section.

How to use it?

We recommend introducing this agent gradually if you are naïve to potent ingredients. Start by applying for an hour on a trial patch on the face. If it does not irritate start putting on full-face the next day. Gradually build up the time from 1 to 3 hours and then, overnight every 3-7 days depending on the tolerability.

Fair and Lovely cream benefits

Fair and Lovely Multivitamin cream is truly a multi-vitamin cream with 4 vitamins, which are namely, Niacinamide, Sodium ascorbyl phosphate (Vit C), Tocopherol (Vit E) and Pyridoxine. Fair and Lovely cream might have the following benefits:
  • Skin lightening: This is achieved with the help of Niacinamide and Vitamin C.
  • Skin repair: Vitamin C and E are antioxidants that help in repairing damaged skin cells by removing harmful free radicals.
  • Soothing: Allantoin has a soothing action.
It can be used for mild cases of hyperpigmentation combined with other skin lightening agents as discussed in this article, Skincare routine for hyperpigmentation. It lightens the skin tone. While it’s true, the advertisements seem to over-claim the results of this cream.

Fair and Lovely cream side effects

It might feel greasy on oily skin. It might increase blackheads and whiteheads in oily acne-prone skin. Secondly, Fair and lovely might irritate sensitive skin. Therefore, caution use is recommended.  
Bioderma White Objective Creme is recommended for correcting pigmentation in combination to dry skin type. It has SPF 27 and should be used in the morning.

Will it work?

Bioderma White Objective Creme is good sunscreen for everyday use in pigmented skin because SPF 27 protects further darkness of skin and following skin lightening ingredients reverse existing dark spots or patches:
  • Niacinamide helps in skin lightening and skin rejuvenation.
  • Ascorbyl Glucoside is stable, yet potent from Vitamin C that has anti-antioxidant and skin lightening benefits.
  • Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract is well known and effective skin lightening agent.
According to the manufacturer, W.O. patent which acts on the main biological mechanisms responsible for skin pigmentation. It also Anti-UVA-UVB filters protect from solar radiation to prevent new pigmentation (SPF 27 - UVA 14).

For which skin type?

Bioderma White Objective creme is best for dry to combination skin type. For oily skin, Bioderm white objective serum is a better choice because it has water and alcohol denat. as a base that can help in oil control.

Will it irritate sensitive skin?

It is unlikely to irritate sensitive skin, however, chances of breakouts cannot be ruled out.

How to make skin lightening face pack?

Mix the following ingredients in a clean bowl: STEP 1: PUT THE BASE INGREDIENTS BASED ON YOUR SKIN TYPE:
  • For oily skin: Put two spoons of Multanin mitti (or fuller’s earth) and besan (or chickpea flour)
  • For combination skin: Put two spoons each of besan (or chickpea flour) and grounded oats
  • For dry skin: Put two spoons each of milk and grounded oats
STEP 2: NOW PUT THE ACTIVE INGREDIENTS:
  • Licorice- 1/4 spoon
  • Aloe vera- 1/4 spoon
  • Grated cucumber- 2 spoons
  • Lemon juice- 5 drops
 

How to use it?

  • Scrub your skin with this brown sugar scrub
  • Pat dry with a clean, soft cloth.
  • Apply the face pack in an upward direction.
  • Let it dry. Leave it untouched for 15 minutes or so.
  • Once it is dry, splash a generous amount of water on your face to make the mask soft.
  • Gently scrub your face by removing the face pack in circular, outward motions to aid the removal of dead skin cells.
  • Rinse off the leftover face pack and pat dry.
  • You can use this face mask once or twice a week.
 

What are the side effects?

This skin-lightening face pack has many potent ingredients which could irritate, as is common for sensitive skin. Thus, always perform the patch test before the first use. Secondly, do not expose your skin to harsh sunlight after using this face pack because the lemon might react and cause irritation.  

How to store?

This face pack cannot be stored.

Why these ingredients?

We have used the following skin-lightening ingredients based on research (see references at the end):
  • Licorice, called mulethi in Hindi, has glabridin that reduces hyperpigmentation by inhibiting tyrosinase, an enzyme used to synthesize skin pigment melanin. Licorice also works by dispersing melanin. Licorice powder is available online at Amazon.in and Amazon.com
  • Lemon owes its skin-lightening action to citric acid and vitamin C content.
  • Aloe vera helps reduce dark patches by aggregation of skin pigment called melanin. Make sure that you use pure chemical-free aloe vera gel only.
  • Papaya has an enzyme called papain just underneath the peel that lightens the skin.
  • Cucumber also helps in skin fairness.
  • How to customise for various skin types?
The unique thing about this face pack is that we have customized the base ingredients to match your skin type:
  • Dry skin: Oats and milk are used to nourish and hydrate.
  • Combination skin: Chickpea flour and oats help in balancing oil secretions
  • Oily skin: Multani mitti and besan remove excess oils of greasy skin.
  References:

Paula’s Choice 10 % Azelaic Acid Booster Side Effects

Beneficial for acne-prone skin: The mixture of azelaic acid, salicylic acid, licorice and soothing agents in this product works on all the steps of action:
  • Oil control
  • Remove the dead cells
  • Reduces the inflammation caused by blemishes.
  • Heals the pigmentation spots left after healing of acne
Brightens and even tones the skin: Licorice root extract and Azelaic acid are 2 superstar ingredients when it comes to skin lightening and depigmentation properties. They help fade away the dark spots giving a clearer look to the skin. Soothes rosacea-prone skin: Allantoin, adenosine and Boerhavia extract along with azelaic acid soothe the redness of rosacea. Hydrates: Glycerine and propanediol add to the skin hydration.

Paula’s Choice 10 % Azelaic Acid Booster Side Effects

  • Azelaic and Salicylic Acid cleansing may take time to suit your skin.
  • It can be drying for dry skin types.
  • While it can be used for sensitive skin, introduce it only after calming your skin.

How to use it?

We recommend introducing this agent gradually if you are naïve to potent ingredients. Start by applying for an hour on the dark spots/pimples. Gradually build up the time from 1 to 3 hours and then, overnight every 3-7 days depending on the tolerability. Azelaic acid does not react with the sun, therefore, can be used in the morning.
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