Wednesday 15 January 2014

Melasma Treatment: Grape Seed Extract

Do you know that grape seed extract is more beneficial than eating grapes alone?



When the wine or grape juice is made, grape seeds are removed. Usually these seed are crushed together with other parts of the grapevine that are not removed during harvesting. This will form a nutrient rich fertilizer which can be used for the next wine crop.

Many people think that grape seed is of no use as they are considered as a waste product. However, when its extract is rich with carbohydrates, proteins, fats, polyphenols, and oligomeric proacthocyanidins (OPCs). These nutrients are excellent for health, and even skin.

Studies show that grape seed extract can reduce melasma, a form of hyperpigmentation. Instead of using expensive treatments such as chemical peels, laser, or microdermabrasion which can be harsh for your skin, grape seed extract is friendly to the skin.

Monday 13 January 2014

Why Do Geishas Have Fair, Flawless Skin


During the Edo Period, the geisha used sake to bath. They were certainly on to something as their skin were white and soft. Sake contains about 20 different types of amino acids, and it is rich with enzymes. Many of them could be used to repair, treat and nourish the skin.  Geisha are not the only ones who enjoy the nourishing features of sake.  Even today, Toji (sake master brewers) are known for having delicate, soft hands from working the koji (rice inoculated with koji mold) when making sake.  Koji rice is laden with amino acids, a by-product from the saccharification of rice. 

 In addition, kojic acid is known to fade dark spots or hyperpigmentation by interfering the melanin production. It works by blocking the activity of the tyrosinase, an enzyme needed for producing melanin. That said keep in mind, your best remedy against hyperpigmentation is focusing on the main cause of it. The sun. So apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with high SPF daily!

Friday 10 January 2014

Should You Use Higher Concentration Of Hydroquinone

Some people believe that using high concentration of hydroquinone can get rid of their dark spots quickly.

But it is a mistake to believe this statement. Prolonged use of hydroquinone based products can increase your skin's resistance to its effects. So if you use higher concentration of hydroquinone, the resistance will increase. That is why there is a report of ochronosis incidence. It is a condition where the skin darkens. It is usually bluish-black color. This happens when you apply hydroquinone on the dark spots more than 6 months.

It is not a common thing. Yet you definitely don't your skin to be in such condition.

Is hydroquinone safe to use then? Check out this video below.


Sunday 5 January 2014

Best Whitening Cream For Hyperpigmentation


Facial hyperpigmentation is not easy to treat. Not only it can make you look older, but it is hard to conceal those spots with makeup. So why do your skin have age spots or uneven skin tone? There are many factors which among them are birth control pills, aging process, and long term sun exposure.

Treating excess pigmentation in the skin for each person varies. It all depends on the depth and the density of the pigmentation. Thus you have to make sure you use the best whitening cream for hyperpigmentation.

Using cream is the safest and most cost effective way to reduce the appearance of brown spots.

Over a decade, hydroquione has been the standard treatment for pigmentation problems. However, there are some concerns about its usage even though it has shown some promising results. Users have reported that their skin inflamed, burned and irritated. The most disturbing thing about hydroquinone is the risk of developing cancer, causing many people either to stop using or buying hydroquinone based skin bleaching products. Due to this risk, some countries in Europe and Asia have banned this substance.

You will find a wide range of brands when it comes to skin lightening. So it is your responsibility to do some research on the product before you use it on your skin.

One of the most well known brand is Meladerm. It uses the most advanced formulation that is gentle on the skin and is effective against hyperpigmentation. It is free of hydroquinone and mercury, another common banned ingredients which is used in skin whitening products.

Civant Skincare Meladerm uses only botanical extracts that some of them are as potent as hydroquinone. The difference is that they do not carry the same health risks as hydroquinone. The packaging of Meladerm cream is unique as it is designed to protect the active ingredients from oxidation. Thus, your skin will receive maximum efficiency.

The Recall Of Skin Light Cream Due To Hydroquinone Contents

Skin Light Cream, a skin lightening product, has been recalled by the Romford Hair and Beauty. The reason for the recall is the usage of banned ingredients in its content.

Recently, Havering Council performed safety checks on Skin Light Cream. It was revealed that it contained hydroquinone which has been banned in UK. This substance could cause side effects, skin and liver problems.

The authorities encouraged those who had bought this skin lightening creams to return it to Romford shops. They would get their money back in return.

The determination of hydroquinone in Skin Light Cream was possible because of the combined efforts with councils that are located in North East London.