Why

People who have dark skin want to lighten it and people with fair skin want to tan it! Kind of the same thing with straight hair vs curly, right? Those of us who have lovely dark skin are truly an envy, but many wish to lighten it... Some reasons for this could be self-esteem ; cultural; personal peculiarities; medicinal; vanity or just 'something to do'. Perhaps not... many people from different cultures actively lighten their skin almost every day. In some Asian countries, it is considered ill fortune to have dark skin - mainly as it represents ''too much time spent in the rice paddies". Calling people "gora" or fair as milk or the moon is the ultimate compliment in India, especially in the south where people are ethnically darker than those in the north. A sun tan is avoided.

Then take other countries in comparison, it is considered healthy and attractive to have a tan as it gives the appearance of good outdoor living and fun. In Australia, tanning goes hand in hand with liberal use of sunscreen (at least SPF15+) as sun cancers are not healthy, or attractive!

What

Skin bleaching - isn't it a bit of a funny one? Of course people have different coloured skin, it's just that I think of 'bleach' for bathrooms, not skin! But skin lightening / bleaching / brightening is not just for 'whitening' skin. People also use these products for hyperpigmentation - discoloured patches of skin on the face and body usually from use of the contraceptive pill or excessive sun exposure.

How

Melanin production needs to be decreased to achieve a 'lighter' skin. Simply put, effective cosmetic ingredients work together to inhibit the production of melanin (which is the pigment found in skin, hair and eye colour) via reducing the enzyme called tyrosinine which is found in melanocytes. These melanocytes are located in the epidermis and these cells produce melanin, via the process of 'melanogenesis'. With this being said, an effective skin lightening creams or 'tablets' can reduce the visual signs of skin hyperpigmentation, age spots, melasma, freckles, some scars and 'patchy skin'...

However, there are different types of hyperpigmentation and it is to be noted that some types cannot be lightened, even with dermatologically prescribed lotions and potions. Visit your dermatologist if you need to diagnose what type of skin problems you may have or it could be a hit and miss affair on how well your skin responds! You can lighten and even out the skin colour on your face, body and around the genitalia region. Make sure you apply externally to the intimate areas and that you know what ingredients you're using - nothing worse than a red, sore derriere!

Many 'marketing' people capitalise upon the myth that ''beauty is only skin deep" and predicate that 'lighter is better' (see videos in this hub)! I personally am not of that opinion and respect every humans' skin colour, culture and beliefs.

How can you fade hyperpigmentation and have your complexion looking more light, bright and even?

There are some excellent cosmetic lightening products available on the market, which are known as skin lighteners; brighteners and whiteners. These products fade dark patches and reduce the appearance of discolourations. Of course, some are safer and more effective than others! The increasing trend for skin lightening is for manufacturers to use natural ingredients, or to combine these with the use of modified, advanced synthetics without nasty side effects. These will be discussed at a later date, but for now, here's a short list of commonly found ingredients in the products we're looking at:

Hydroquinone has been used for many years. There are some suggestions that the long term use of this compound can be carcinogenic and its availability is being restricted.  

Kojic Acid is a by-product of manufacturing sake, a Japanese rice wine. It is used as a natural alternative to hydroquinone, but has been shown to irritate some people’s skin and be a 'possible' carcinogen.  

Alpha-Arbutin is an advanced, highly effective naturally derived synthetic lightening compound, suitable for most skin types.  

Arbutin or Beta Arbutin is also known as ‘Bearberry Extract’ (from the Uva Ursi plant) and is up to 10 times less effective than Alpha Arbutin. Arbutin / Beta Arbutin is a cheap extract to manufacture and been shown to irritate some people’s skin. This ingredient is VERY common in lots of cosmetic brands and I have not come across one product yet with this as the main active, that actually works.  

Parabens are chemical preservatives, including butylparaben, propylparaben, methylparaben, and ethylparaben. These are widely used in cosmetics, but they have also been thought to be carcinogenic.  

Mercury is a basic chemical element. In cosmetics, it was used as a preservative and a skin whitener. Mercury is highly toxic to humans and can cause cancer and many other nasties. It is strongly advised that you completely avoid any cosmetic product containing mercury. Unfortunately, this toxic element is regularly found in black-market products in some African countries and there is loads of evidence about the consequences of its use - just check Youtube.

Reasons To Protect Your Skin From The Sun

Most of what people consider unavoidable aging, like pigmentation and facial lines, is actually caused and accelerated by the sun. This damage usually occurs in your younger years and can take up to 30 years to show! Sun damages and causes premature aging of your skin and worse…

To help defend your body against UV rays, ‘melanin’ (the brown pigment in your skin, eyes and hair) is produced by your body. Melanin helps to absorb some of the UV radiation thus preventing damage to skin tissue. A common complaint is the appearance of sun exposed skin, containing an uneven distribution of melanin. Excess pigmentation can appear in the form of either blotchy brown patches or a mottled-looking discolouration, making your skin look dull.

The sun emits ultraviolet rays called UVA, UVB and UVC:

· UVA – penetrates deep layers of the skin and magnifies the effects of UVB. UVA is thought to be a cause of skin cancer melanoma as well as wrinkles; reduced elasticity and spots. UVA is present from the sunrise to sunset and can pass through windows.

· UVB - damages the outer layer of the skin and has been recognised as the major cause of sunburn and a contributor to skin cancers and premature aging.

· UVC – rarely referred to as the Earth’s atmosphere blocks these out.

Your skin is the largest organ of your body and protects against many nasties, so it is important to maintain its health.

Here are a few tips to help keep your skin healthy and balanced...

Drink plenty of water every day, this helps to flush impurities from the body and helps to give a better complexion...

Be careful when in the sun. UV rays damage the skin and also increase the pace of the aging process, so always use a good sunscreen with a SPF of at least 15...

Do not smoke, this ages the skin and has other harmful effects on the body...

Choose products that best describe your skin type...

Check the ingredients in products to ensure you are not allergic to any...

Always wash your hands before applying any skin care product as bacteria from your hands could affect cream's active properties...

For best results, skin treatments are usually recommended twice a day...Remember, excessive sun exposure will increase hyperpigmentation and premature aging, limit your time in the sun and use a good sunscreen!

There's so many skin lightening products available, that it's wise to know a little bit before purchasing just any old one. You don't need to be buying other lotions and potions or visiting the doctor for any fix-ups!

In cosmetic formulations, there is chemical; synthetic or natural additives, sometimes a large mix of all or two. If you're not familiar with terms and ingredients, get familiar with what you're putting on your skin. Get a copy of the International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary online, or do a websearch for cosmetic ingredient dictionary.

What does that mean? Basically means use an excellent suncream and wear a hat if going outside! Remember melanin is good, it helps to protect your skin, so if you're using a melanin-inhibiting product you decrease the amount of melanin being produced by your body. A lot of products contain ingredients which 'weaken' your skin cells to get the lightened effect, hence you can get sunburnt more easily and increase your chances of that hyperpigmentation etc getting worse, real quick.

To try and combat this, you should apply a good broad spectrum suncream everyday. Also, do some research on suncreams too as some have less than desirable ingredients in them...

One point - the individual country's health authorities dictate what is classed as cosmetic etc. Eg: In Australia, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) rules that no UV filters can be added to a cosmetic. If there is, it falls in the 'therapeutic' category. So, you may find yourself using a skin lightening product then applying a suncream over the top.

You decide... Its' a personal thing. I don't know - some say yes, others say not at all. What do you think?

There's been talk about many "stars" like Beyonce and Michael Jackson who may have used skin lightening or bleaching products. What methods did they use (if any)? They get a lot of heat from both sides these people... I think there needs to be clearification of skin bleaching and skin lightening - bleaching does that, bleach, using very harsh chemicals and leaves your skin cells very weak. Lightening is usually more a topical application like a cream that also gradually reduces melanin formation in the skin, thereby lightening the skin. Depending on the ingredients in the various products you decide to use dictates the outcome and also the effect on your skin.

I have said before that people say you should be happy in the skin you're in, but it's just not that clear cut for all. There's cultural issues that are at play which we all know can be extremely strong and also self image that is equally or more strong... I do look at this issue and take note of how people feel about it from their use of skin lightening creams or their avoidance of such a thing.

So many people with fair skin cannot understand why on earth you'd want to lighten your skin if you were dark, but conversely, some people with dark skin cannot believe that their fairer skinned friends would consider a tanning salon! Well, that's a whole other topic that one!

My opinion is that you do what's best for you. But there's also a 'right and wrong' way to this, meaning think about why you want to lighten your skin and how you're going to do it. Don't just be blindly led into such a thing as it really can have large ramifications for your image let alone your skin if not done right!

Here is an honest answer and I hope I've included everything you may be asking about Meladerm.

Quick answer, yes.

The ingredients are very good. The consistency is good. Price is good. Effects vary, generally positive...

But... (yes, there's usually one of those). Although the ingredients are natural and synthetic, the actives do have skin sensitisation issues. Meaning - you have to use a sunscreen everyday or you'll cause the hyperpigmentation to get worse, as the skin cells become weaker as there's less melanin being produced.

Also, some people report a stinging sensation and then a mild rash after several days of using the product. But it's very difficult to produce an OTC (over the counter) product that's suitable for every single body isn't it?

So, my quick rundown:

• Cost - USD$49.99 + Delivery if outside USA
• Quantity - 50ml
• Packaging - Good, presentable, sturdy box, good airless bottle
• Consistency - White cream, nice texture, spreads easily, absorption is good, skin left slightly greasy after application
• Slight fragrance
• *Contains Parabens
• Offers a 30 day money back guarantee
• Full results shown in 60-90 days

I hope you find this a useful outline in case you are considering purchasing Meladerm.

Website: www.civantskincare.com

Skinceuticals produces several products in their range directed at hyperpigmentation. One is Phyto+ which comes in a 30ml glass dropper bottle. It contains think green liquidy-gel that you apply to spot pigmentation. This means it is a product suited more to spots rather than larger areas of skin.

It contains Kojic Acid and Beta Arbutin as the actives. You also have to use sunscreen everyday due to the skin sensitation issues. They recommend you use their Skinceuticals Ultimate UV Defense SPF 30 sunscreen (of course!).

I used it for a few weeks and noticed a very slight improvement on one small discoloured spot on my forehead.

So, my quick rundown:

• Cost - USD$72.00 + USD$8.00 Delivery USA (no international shipping/should be available in your country)
• Quantity - 30ml
• Packaging - Good, presentable, sturdy box, dropper bottle (harder to use)
• Consistency - thick green liquidy-gel, nice texture, spreads easily, absorption is excellent, skin isn't left greasy after application
• Medium fragrance
• Offers a 30 day money back guarantee
• Results vary
• Good customer service

I hope you find this a useful outline in case you are considering purchasing Skinceuticals Phyto+.

Website: www.skinceuticals.com