Who is the Fairest of the All?

Indians have an inherent desire to look fair-skinned, which is a remnant of our colonial days. While all over the world dusky complexion has gained respect, the story is altogether different in India. We find fair-skinned beauties peering from the pages of glossies and pouting on billboards. Media has done its bit to perpetuate the belief that beauty and fair skin go together, so much so that they are synonymous. Given our weather conditions the skin colour we aspire for is difficult to attain. Cosmetics industry tapped on our deep-rooted desire and scores of creams and lotions today promise to lighten our complexion.

Fairness facts

Survey reveals that aside from India, which has the largest fairness cream market, the areas that see a tremendous demand for this product category are Saudi Arabia, Africa, Malaysia and Thailand. Dr Rishi Kumar Parashar, consultant dermatologist – Sir Ganga Ram Hospital reveals, “The complexion of the skin is primarily the result of melanin content—pigments that decide your skin colour, in your body. Melanin pigmentation in human being is of two types. The constitutive colour is that which is genetically determined without the effect of sunshine. The other is inducible skin colour or tan as a consequence of sun exposure.” The presence of melanin rises as your body heat increases.

Fairness creams with hydroquinone, work by decreasing the production and increasing the breakdown of melanosomes (melanin pigment granules) in the skin’s pigment cells. “Fairness creams containing glycolic acid peel the upper most layer of skin, thereby improving the skin texture”, elaborates Dr. Parashar. This can make your skin sensitive to sun, thereby emphasizing the need of a sunscreen.

Myth: “Fairness cream can alter the skin colour of a person.
Fact: Your skin colour is largely genetic and fairness products can make a difference of a few shades. Be realistic in your expectations. Yes, with intensive skin improvement, under a dermatologist’s supervision, your skin can definitely become more even toned, less patchy, healthier and up to 30 to 35 per cent lighter — but nothing can change the skin colour you were born with. For that you have to go Michael Jackson way, and looking at him, now it doesn’t seem a good idea.

Naturally fair

For ages women in India have trusted these concoctions whipped in the safety of their kitchens to improve their complexion. Give them a shot. Your wallet and complexion are going to thank you. 

• A daily application of the mixture of sandalwood and rose water-cools your skin as well as brings a fair glow.
• You can make a fine paste of almond powder and rose water. A regular application of this paste on the face and neck will bring natural fairness.
• Vegetables are loaded with vitamins and minerals. Given an opportunity they can work wonders on your skin. Cut a tomato into two halves and rub it on your face.
• Grapes work as magical potions for enhancing fairness. A regular application of grape seeds or the consumption of grape juice will give you the long desired complexion.
• You can make a paste of cucumber with coconut water. Apply this paste regularly to lighten your skin colour.
• Never forget the traditional beauty secret to enhance your complexion. Mix turmeric and sandalwood powder in rosewater and apply daily to ensure better results.

Dos:

• Drink a glass of lemon juice daily. This contains vitamin C, which improves the complexion.
• Include a glass of carrot juice or any mixed vegetable juice in your daily diet.

Don’ts:

• Avoid using strong soaps on your face.
• Go slow on bleaching and lightening creams as extreme use of these can harm the skin.
• Almost all that your skin endures—wrinkles, freckles, fine lines results from sun damage. Use sunscreen of SPF 15, whenever you venture out in the sun and remember to reapply it every three to four hours.

Beauty in a pill

Supermodels Naomi Campbell and Helen Christensen swear by multivitamins for their skin. Antioxidants in a pill help neutralize free radicals—elements responsible for the onset of ageing process, thereby improving skin tone, texture and elasticity. The cumulative effect is good for your skin. While vitamin C reduces tans and blemishes, vitamin A removes fine lines and wrinkles. Time to feed your skin?

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