The longing for a fairer skin and fairer complexion goes beyond the modern times. In some way this ideology is rooted deep into the Indian societal system. In Indian myths and legends, women who are known for their beauty and fairness have always deviated from the notion that fair is lovely. There is a debatable conversation about the Indian obsession with fair skin. Rather than striving for fair skin which is not only biologically unattainable but also mentally scarring, women can look for ways to achieve glowing, radiant skin which can be easily achieved by adopting the right skincare regiment.
Fairness creams use in India
In 2016, a survey was conducted on girls between 15-34 years old in 19 Indian states to determine their preference for using fairness creams. It was concluded that about 39% of the participants were very fond of using fairness and whitening creams, while 38% claim they do not.
According to a report that aired on HBO, roughly 60% of women and 10% of men use fairness products. Statistics claim that about 300 million Indian women use fairness creams. The data is very impressive, because it suggests that 60% of Indian women have not only the want, but also the financial means to spend on fairness creams.
According to Didier Villanueva, country manager for L’Oreal India, about 60-65% of Indian women use fairness creams on a regular basis, as on a New York Times report. In a survey conducted on 1,992 people of Mumbai, by the Tata Institute of Social Science (TISS) discovered that 59.6% of the women had used fairness products at some point in their life.
How much revenue are fairness cream companies making from consumers’ use of these products?
According to the India Fairness Cream & Bleach Market Overview (2018-2023), the Indian fairness cream market was worth nearly Rs. 3000 crore in 2019. According to the report, market revenues are projected to cross Rs. 5000 crore by 2023. This is anticipated given that skin lightening products account for roughly half of India’s skincare industry, according to a 2019 World Health Organization Report. Brands like Nivea, Olay, Pond’s, Dove, Neutrogena, and Garnier dominate the market, thanks to companies like HUL, P&G and L’Oreal. These have been boosted by endorsements and affiliations of Indian celebrities.
Fair&Lovely is a high revenue market for HUL in India, with revenues of Rs 2000 crore, and being part of the company’s Rs 17,000 crore beauty and personal care category.
How to get fairer skin?
There are a number of medical remedies and treatments in the market, as well a handful of home remedies for flawless and lighter skin.
Natural Home Remedies
For those women who prefer a more natural approach, and if you’re hesitant about using chemicals on your skin, then here’s a list of natural remedies you can easily do in the comfort of your home.
Tomatoes contain lycopene, an antioxidant that protects the skin from sun damage. They are also one of the best natural ingredients if you want to lighten your skin. Not only do they aid in the removal of sun tan but also in the treatment of acne. Combine tomato pulp with lemon juice, and apply the paste onto your skin, leaving it for 20minutes before washing it off with cool water. This paste can also be used daily before bathing to get fair skin.
Milk is not only a great cleanser, but it also works well for skin lightening. Tyrosine is a melanin-controlling hormone that causes skin darkening. Milk regulates tyrosine levels in the skin and encourages a healthy glow. Also, raw milk is one of the most readily available ingredients for brighter skin. You can make a face pack by combining milk with honey and gently massaging this mixture all over your face in circular motions. To nourish and moisturise your skin, use full fat milk.
Yogurt is a fantastic way to lighten the skin. Lactic acid, found in yogurt, is beneficial for the skin. Yogurt hydrates the skin while also reducing wrinkles and fine lines. It also aids in tan removal and reduction of dark circles. It maintains skin elasticity and radiance. Yogurt can also be used to treat sunburns, and it contains anti-acne properties. Create a paste by mixing two teaspoons of yogurt with one teaspoon of honey, and apply it on your face for 15minutes. Remove the mask with cold water. You will notice a difference in your skin tone with regular use of this mask.
Eggs can be used to create a fantastic homemade DIY mask. Beat an egg until it is fluffy, and use a brush to apply it to your skin. Wait until it is completely dry before washing it off with cold water. If the pungent scent of the eggs is too much for you, you can mix a little lemon juice or lavender to mask the odour. It is believed that eggs contain a protein that has skin-tightening properties and retains excess fat. Some say that egg whites contain vitamins and minerals that can improve the overall quality of the skin. However, they are devoid of other nutrients.
Rose water acts as a mild astringent on the skin. It softens, hydrates, and tightens the pores, it also aids in the relief of sore skin. Its anti-bacterial properties aid in the treatment of acne, while skin redness and puffiness can be reduced due to its anti-inflammatory properties. You can use rose water to lighten your skin tone by mixing it into your homemade face pack, or you can even spritz some on your face or rubbing it on your face using your palm and fingers or a cotton pad.
Regularly massage your face with oil in order to get glowing and healthy skin. Olive, coconut, jojoba, and castor oils are also good options. Other oils may cause certain reactions on your skin. Antioxidants and fatty acids are abundant in coconut oil. It works wonders for all skin types and helps reduce inflammation. It is a great moisturiser, cleanser, and it helps get rid of acne. Olive oil is an antioxidant that is beneficial for the skin. It aids in the prevention of premature skin aging. Olive oil is believed to fight cancer-causing cells when applied on the skin exposed to the sun. It helps in repairing skin damage and gives a beautiful, natural glow to your face.
Papaya mask helps exfoliate the skin while nourishing it with vitamin C at the same time. Papain (found in papaya) is good for the liver, also benefits the skin. This enzyme has the ability to lighten blemishes and scars. Papaya also works as a gentle exfoliator, removing dead skin cells and dormant protein cell. It results in fresh-looking skin. To make a papaya face mask, peel and slice a papaya and puree it until a smooth consistency. Apply this to the skin and leave it on for 20 minutes, then wash it off with warm water and pat dry.
8.Aloe vera
Vitamins and antioxidants in aloe vera are very beneficial for the skin. Aloe vera moisturises and softens the skin. It also works to keep acne at bay. Sunburns treated with aloe vera tend to heal faster. The use of aloe vera on the skin helps to keep it hydrated, increase elasticity and prevents wrinkles. Aloe vera juice can be made at home, or simply add aloe vera gel to smoothies and drinks. It is also possible to apply directly on the skin. Scrape out aloe vera gel from the leaves and apply it on the skin, or you can apply store-bought aloe vera gel. Allow it to sit for 10 to 15 minutes, before rinsing it out with cold water.
Lightening Treatments
Everyone desires a flawless, radiant and lighter skin, but few people have the time to implement home remedies. Below are some skin lightening tips that will get you the skin you’ve always wanted.
The main reason why skin looks dull is the appearance of dark spots. Microdermabrasion can be done by a dermatologist or at a spa. This treatment is similar to sanding a rough block of wood. The treatment uses an abrasive surface to remove the dead skin cells, leaving behind healthy skin that is free of those pesky spots.
Serums are highly concentrated with nourishing ingredients that help restore moisture and elasticity of the skin (Director of the National Skin Center- Dr. Navin Taneja). In comparison to face creams, which contain only 5-10% of active ingredients, a face serum contains approximately 70% , resulting in increased hydration.
In contrast to microdermabrasion, dermabrasion requires scrubbing the top layers of skin with a special tool. This can be performed by a certified cosmetologist, and it aids in the reduction of acne scars and brown spots.
Arbutin is a Bearberry plant extract that helps with skin whitening and de-pigmentation. It is safer than harsh chemicals, and more effective in treating sunburn and controlling melanogenesis. It aids in controlling excess pigmentation, making it a miracle agent in the search for lighter skin.
Retinol (Vitamin A alcohol) is an essential ingredient in treating damaged skin. Retinol aids in the activation of cell division of the skin, resulting in skin renewal and exfoliation. Retinol also promotes collagen synthesis and mitotic activity, resulting in a wrinkle-free and lighter complexion.
It involves applying peeling solutions such as alpha hydroxy acid on the skin in order to exfoliate pigmented and darker skin. Chemical peels are effective in treating blemishes, pigmentation, and wrinkles while also revealing a radiant and lighter skin.
Vitamin C is the holy grail of skincare. It is the most preferred choice among women because it is a natural ingredient. Vitamin C also known as ascorbic acid, is a safe alternative to harsh skin bleaching products. It can be consumed or applied topically on the skin to help firm and preserve elasticity of the skin. It promotes a brighter look by helping with skin repair.
Natural remedies are helpful, you can combine different methods together and apply it on your skin. Instead of looking for chemically treated creams that claim to give you whitish paper skin, look around your home for these ingredients for natural remedies.
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