You are born with a perfect kaali skin. But, in comes the societal obsession for goray goray mukhre to tell you that anything beyond the first option from the shade card (that you see only in ads) is unacceptable. Because, then, shaadi kaise hogi? So you resign yourself, the black sheep of the family, to your kaala fate and ghisofy your skin with the contains of that chhota white tube like your life depends on it. All said and done, you don’t get that coveted fair skin that everyone, and maybe even you, seems to hanker for. The obsession is like the world depends on your gorapan to save itself from the obvious hands of oblivion.
Toh thik hai, enough of the gora-kala analogy, let’s begin discussing why you should not bleach your face.
6 Factors Why You Should Not Bleach Your Skin
1. Thins The Skin
Bleaching leads to the thinning of the skin, and causes bruises, abrasions, and stretch marks. It also impedes the healing process of the skin from cuts and abrasions.
2. Mercury Poisoning
Bleaches contain mercury. Applying them for a long duration can lead them to seep into your skin, damaging vital organs like lungs and kidneys.
3. Exposes The Skin To Harmful UV Rays
You all know that excessive exposure to UV rays can be harmful, even causing a host of serious medical conditions. Bleaches do just that – it wears off the upper layer of your skin, known as the epidermis, to ultraviolet rays. The epidermis protects the inner layers of the skin, called the dermis, which contains nerve ending sweat glands, capillaries, and hair follicles.
4. Increases The Risk Of Inflammatory Skin Conditions
Certain actives present in bleaches can cause contact dermatitis, which is an inflammatory skin condition. It manifests through symptoms like skin redness, skin ulcers, scaly skin, itching, burning, etc.
5. Increases The Risk Of Diabetes
Bleaches contain steroids that raise the risk of diabetes or high blood sugar. The cream can seep into the skin till the steroids intermingle with the blood in the bloodstream, leading to the rise in blood sugar levels.
6. Increases The Risk Of Cancer
The harmful ingredients in bleaches produce free radical cells that, in turn, cause cancer.
Read Expert Talk: 6 Of The Most Widely Popular Skincare Actives (& How To Use Them Correctly!)
10 Ingredients To Naturally Brighten Your Dull Skin
Here is a list of natural ingredients that you can use at home to bring raunak to your dull skin.
1. Aloe Vera
The natural properties in aloe vera act as a dumdaar ingredient for hyper-pigmentation. Apart from sorting out your dead skin cells, it serves as a natural coolant for damaged tissues. Sirf yahi nahi, it restores your face with its natural colour. Have been out for a long time, especially during summers? Think aloe vera.
2. Kheera (Cucumber)
It is a natural relaxant and is great for removing dead skin cells. It is also known for binding collagen, imparting firmness to your face.
Kheera offers similar results as aloe vera. It is a natural relaxant and is great for removing dead skin cells. It is also known for binding collagen, imparting firmness to your face. You can dabble its juice all over your skin with a cotton ball and it off with water after 15 minutes. Or else, you can place slices of this vegetable on the dark spots for getting a lighter toned skin.
Read Dry Skin? 7 Tips You Need For A Hydrated, Younger Looking Glow
3. Dahi (Yoghurt)
This single-ingredient mask can be of great help as a natural bleaching agent.
This single-ingredient mask can be of great help as a natural bleaching agent. All you need to do is apply it evenly on your face, let it stay for about 10 to 15 minutes, and then rub it off with a wet cloth, wet tissue, or cold water. Alternatively, you can make a paste by mixing it with ground oats or gram flour and use it as a facial scrub.
4. Besan (Gram Flour)
This natural skin brightener is a time-tested product that will never cease to amaze you with its results.
This natural skin brightener is a time-tested product that will never cease to amaze you with its results. Blend it with a few drops of water to prepare a paste out of it and dabble your face with the same. Not just your face, you can use this paste as a scrub all over your body. However, note that besan is not a great option if you have dry this since it tends to dry out your skin faster. Hence, you can mix it with a moisturising agent like milk, yoghurt, or honey to balance out the drying effects of besan. Keep the mixture for about 20 minutes before washing off your face with water of room temperature.
5. Narangi (Orange) Peel And Juice
…even consumption of orange juice can do wonders to your skin by imparting a gorgeous glow.
With orange juice, you can mix it with one or teaspoons of turmeric powder, apply it on your face, and keep it for about 20 minutes. Remember not to mix excessive amounts of turmeric powder as it may stain your face. As for orange peel, dry and grind it into poder first. Take this powder, and add some yoghurt to it, and wash off after 20 minutes. That apart, even consumption of orange juice can do wonders to your skin by imparting a gorgeous glow.
Read 8 Skin & Hair Care Secrets You Can Learn From Birthday Girl Janhvi Kapoor
6. Nimbu (Lemon)
The acidic property of nimbu acts as a natural bleaching agent.
The acidic property of nimbu acts as a natural bleaching agent. Squeeze one or two lemons and apply the juice with a cotton ball. You can also mix it with rose water to lend some fragrance to your skincare routine, or blend it with oats and/or yoghurt. Let this mixture sit for 20 minutes before splashing water on your face.
7. Shehed (Honey)
Dry tvacha is one of the leading factors of an uneven skin tone. Hence, it is essential to keep your skin moisturised at all times. And honey helps with just that.
Dry tvacha is one of the leading factors of an uneven skin tone. Hence, it is essential to keep your skin moisturised at all times. And honey helps with just that. Dabble honey evenly all over your face and wash it off with water after 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can add almond oil and milk powder to honey for a natural scrubbing-exfoliation skin care routine.
8. Haldi (Turmeric)
Haldi is a natural agent for reducing dark patches, and introducing a lighter and even skin tone.
Haldi is a natural agent for reducing dark patches, and introducing a lighter and even skin tone. Sprinkle it with cold water before applying it on your skin or blend it with honey, yoghurt, or orange peel powder for even better results.
9. Coffee
Coffee is immensely effective for removing dead skin cells. Tabhi toh it’s well-recognised as a natural exfoliator. Apart from clearing the dead skin cells that clogs pores, it also prevents the skin from appearing dull, dry, and flakey.
Coffee is immensely effective for removing dead skin cells. Tabhi toh it’s well-recognised as a natural exfoliator. Apart from clearing the dead skin cells that clogs pores, it also prevents the skin from appearing dull, dry, and flakey. Rich in antioxidants, it is great for smoother, healthier, and younger-looking skin. Mix coffee powder with coconut oil and white/brown sugar, apply it on your face with gentle circular motion, and wash off with water.
When there is a list of natural ingredients to help you with brightening your dull skin, make the best use of them. Moreover, get over the age-old obsession with fair skin, #BeALittleMore, and let your personality shine. Are there any other ingredients that you know of that are effective for bringing radiance to dull skin? Share with us in the comment section below. Following is a list of all the benefits of kesar for skin and how you can make easy face packs at home.
Open up like never before and participate in conversations about beauty, entrepreneurship, mental health, menstrual & sexual health, and more. Desi women, join our community NOW!
