All is not fair

What kind of fairness creams actually work?

Who is the fairest of them all?

The desire to be fair throughout the Asian subcontinent has made fairness products one of the most popular worldwide. In fact, the last 10 years have seen an avalanche of fairness products hitting the market, with nearly eight in 10 products claiming to have a whitening benefit. But how do you know what works?

Overall, there are a variety of products that will gently and safely brighten the skin. Safe cosmetic products can help get rid of tan and improve skin’s dullness. Through tan removal and brightening, skin colour can look like what it should genetically. Here are some ingredients that will help remove the damaging effects of the sun and rejuvenate the skin.

Vitamin C: is a known superfood. It counteracts the damaging effects of free radicals created by pollution, stress, sun, environment and more. It also acts against melanosomes, which are pigment-created cells in the skin. Last but not least, Vitamin C is also a potent anti-aging agent. It boosts collagen synthesis, literally reversing years! For best results, look for a light-stabilised form of at least 10 per cent Vitamin C.

Alpha-Hydroxy Acids: These super actives are distilled from natural fruits and sugars. In fact, sugarcane and buttermilk are natural sources. These ingredients act by gently self-exfoliating dead and dull surface skin cells, revealing newer, brighter and less-tanned skin. Unfortunately, the quantity of these actives is minimal in their original form, so they are purified and found in many different skin creams. So look for lactic or glycolic acid in skin care products for optimal brightening results.

Vitamin A: Derived from natural Vitamin A, retinol, retinyl palmitate and retinaldehyde naturally stimulate the skin to rapidly renew itself while also increasing collagen synthesis. This gets rid of tanned and dull skin. Ideal for daily and long-term use, add Vitamin A to the nightly beauty regimen to look younger and brighter.

Sometimes creams can only do so much. If creams don’t work, see a dermatologist. You may need some medication. Again, medicines only will treat superficial pigmentation. For better results, see if the dermatologist can offer therapies such as Q-Harmony, Renew Laser Toning or Clearlift, all approved by the U.S. FDA. These treat all tanning, pigmentation, freckles and dullness by hitting the dark melanin from all angles. They also penetrate deeper into the skin. These therapies are safe, painless and without side effects when done with a trained physician.

The writer is a Delhi-based dermatologist.