The Indian obsession for fair skin sees people pushing dusky girls, no matter how insanely gorgeous they are, towards fairness creams to lighten her skin. Our skin colour is determined by our race and genetic lineage which in turn decides the amount and structure of melanin. Fairness creams can only work to a certain extent. As per dermatology studies, achieving fairness up to 20 percent is possible, but not more than that. The creams merely block sun rays and prevent secretion of melanin. Fairness creams contain harmful bleaching agents such as hydroquinone, mercury, lead, nickel, chromium and high levels of steroids and extreme use can cause thinning of skin, discoloration, prominent visibility of capillaries, acne, hypersensitivity, and more. Thus these creams should always be used judiciously under the supervision of a certified dermatologist.
Do’s
Apply moisturiser daily during the day and before going to bed.
Wash your skin with clean water at least thrice a day.
Use sunscreen.
Use creams that are aloe vera-based. It works well for inflammation and tanned skin for Asian weather.
Increase the intake of Vitamin C. It increases cell turnover, helps protect against sun damage, and boosts production of collagen and elastine.
Exfoliate.
Don’ts
Do not support the common notion that fair skin is better than dark skin.
Avoid excessive bleaching. Comprising ammonia and hydrochloric acid primarily, they can cause burns.
The writer is a consultant dermatologist
