Step-by-Step Guide to Skin Whitening- Explained by an Expert

Dull complexion, uneven tone, and dark spots/patches or pigmentation irregularities are very common aesthetic concerns, often caused by sun exposure, poor lifestyle choices, polluted environment, fluctuating hormones, physical trauma, and/or stress. Are you socially withdrawn due to any of these issues? If seeking a straightforward, healthy, evenly toned, glowing skin, skin whitening can only lead you to a dream complexion!

In this guide, a top-rated skin expert from Citrine Clinic discusses the most effective, safe, and natural skin whitening approaches in Gurgaon.

What is Skin Whitening?

Skin whitening is a cosmetic treatment that addresses specific pigmentation concerns and creates an evenly toned, youthful, radiant complexion. It aims only to enhance natural skin tone. It should not be confused with an approach for dramatic change in the natural skin
tone, meaning, a total, aesthetic transformation.

Skin whitening products and in-clinic procedures all aim to reduce extra melanin deposits in areas with hyperpigmentation.

Why is Skin Whitening Recommended?

Key reasons why one must go for skin whitening:

• Achievement of youthful, brighter skin
• Refining pores and improving texture with collagen stimulation
• Having clearer, brighter skin and confidence in oneself
• Obtaining a more even complexion by treating the patchy, tanned, or uneven skin
• Preparation of skin for procedures that have a risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
• Treatment of hyperpigmentation concerns- like sun spots, age spots, melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and freckles.

Preparation for Skin Whitening- Precautions to Take

Before going ahead with skin whitening routine, natural remedies, or clinical skin treatments, speak with a dermatologist, especially if experiencing stubborn or widespread hyperpigmentation. A certified dermatologist will identify the specific pigmentation concern to be addressed and then share a targeted treatment plan.

Also, they will identify the skin type so that the best-suited skincare products can be chosen. Besides consultation with an expert, do not negotiate on daily sun protection, daily cleansing, daily hydration, regular gentle exfoliation, and a healthy lifestyle

Any new treatment or product must be patch-tested before continuing, and utmost care must be taken to keep the skin healthy and unharmed. It is safer to go for natural skin whitening ingredients and maintain consistency with the treatment

Remember, skin whitening can't be done overnight. So set realistic expectations and learn to be patient with treatment responses.

Dermatologist-Approved Skin Whitening Routine

Existing pigmentation issues can be faded, and further hyperpigmentation can be avoided with these daily and weekly routines:

• Morning Daily Routine - Gently remove impurities with a mild, hydrating cleanser, so skin is better prepared to absorb skincare products. For boosting the natural skin radiance, use Vitamin C serum and then hydrate the skin with a lightweight moisturiser. Lastly, protect the skin with a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher. Reapply it every 2-3 hours if outdoors during the day.
• Evening Daily Routine - Gently remove daily build-up on the skin with a mild, exfoliating cleanser. Use a skin barrier repair or strengthening cream/serum containing ingredients such as kojic acid, niacinamide, ceramides, or retin-oids. Seal in the skin’s surface moisture with a hydrating night cream.
• Weekly Routine- Twice or thrice a week, get rid of cell debris and increase cell turnover with mild chemical exfoliants like glycolic acid and salicylic acid. Once or twice a week, apply skin brightening masks. In case of dark spots or patches that don’t budge, go for strong, prescription topicals and targeted, clinical skin whitening treatment.

Professional Skin Whitening Options in Gurgaon

Advanced, clinical skin whitening treatments are typically recommended for stubborn or severe pigmentation, as they are intensive, work deeper in the skin, and provide dramatic, quicker results.

The most sought-after, in-clinic skin whitening treatments in Gurgaon include:

1. Chemical peels- Based on the depth of pigmentation, mild to deep exfoliating acids are available for peeling off the pigmented skin to reveal new, evenly-toned skin from underneath.
2. Laser therapy- Different types of lasers are available for different types/severity of pigmentation and skin types. They can resurface the skin by peeling off the pigmented skin, breaking down and eliminating extra melanin deposits in the skin, and boosting collagen stimulation for youthful skin.
3. IV Drip - There are essential vitamins and strong antioxidants that have a role in the skin’s natural radiance and in reducing melanin deposits. They can be injected or intravenously administered to improve skin health, hydration, and radiance.
4. Medi-Facial- Medical-grade facials like oxygen facial, HydraFacial, and others can help deeply cleanse, exfoliate, hydrate, and protect the skin, and also boost the skin's natural brightness/radiance.
5. Microdermabrasion- It is a mechanical skin exfoliation technique that can help resurface the skin by removing debris and making the complexion brighter.
6. Cosmelan Peel- It is a depigmentation treatment that uses a combination of ingredients to remove and attenuate pigmented areas. It can help regulate melanin production and is designed to address severe pigmentation quickly.

Post Skin Whitening Instructions- Aftercare Guidelines

When the complexion starts to improve and the skin looks visibly brighter or more radiant, the next step is to maintain its appearance long-term. So, continue with the dermatologist-provided skincare routine and maintain its consistency. Also, maintain a healthy lifestyle. This includes getting a good night's sleep, eating healthy meals rich in antioxidants, exercising regularly, and practicing stress-relieving techniques.