Face Whitening Treatment
For reasons ranging from embarrassing acne scars to cultural pressure, CNN reports that demand for face whitening has occurred across the globe for centuries. While surgeries bring more immediate results, less expensive treatments are gaining momentum. Does this Spark an idea?
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Definition
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Face-whitening treatments---such as creams, surgeries and oral medications---claim to lighten the skin or create an even skin tone.
The Chemical Route
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Chemical-based creams decrease production of melanin, which gives our skin its color. Such creams can be safe if used minimally and for spot treatment, but CNN reports that they may contain high levels of mercury, particularly if manufactured in Asia.
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The Medical Route
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Professional treatments include chemical peels, dermabrasion and laser resurfacing. In a chemical peel, acid applied to the skin's surface burns away the top layer, while dermabrasion uses a rotating wire brush to sand off that layer. In laser resurfacing, a beam of infrared light repairs skin discolorations.
Natural Remedies
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Fruits such as papaya may have face-whitening effects when eaten or scrubbed onto skin. Buttermilk, turmeric, honey and oatmeal can also whiten skin, according to Geoamaan.com, but effectiveness depends on experimentation and individual sensitivity.
Diet
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No particular foods lighten skin instantly, but a balanced diet maintains your skin's "healthy glow," reports Geomaan.com. Water consumption is crucial, as it hydrates, removes toxins and helps to keep skin blemish-free.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Martin Terber
