The concept of "whitening" has evolved to this day far beyond merely attempting to lighten the skin tone; it has become a comprehensive method of improving skin texture and combating signs of aging. Therefore, you may need whitening more than you imagine.
Does everyone need whitening?
Whitening is not just about lightening the skin tone but rather an overall approach to improving skin quality and fighting the marks of time. Due to the negative impacts of Japan's geisha pale makeup, lead-containing "white powder" in ancient China, and modern inferior whitening "skin renewal" products that burn and damage the skin, many people, despite wanting snow-white skin, hesitate to pursue whitening. On the other hand, whitening products often take effect slowly, or even after using whitening masks for seven consecutive days, the skin finally gets lighter only to darken again after some sun exposure. Not everyone has the patience to personally test the effectiveness of a whitening product. With today’s development in the beauty industry, the safety of whitening products has been sufficiently guaranteed, and consumers' expectations regarding their efficacy have also become quite rational. No one expects a few bottles of whitening essence to completely eliminate stubborn spots, nor does anyone expect to become as fair-skinned as Anne Hathaway just by whitening. However, if your facial complexion is darker than the inside of your upper arm, or if you meet any of the following ten criteria, then you need whitening.
1. You are over 25 years old.
2. You have combination oily skin and frequently suffer from acne.
3. You often feel stressed and insomnia occurs unexpectedly.
4. You have experienced childbirth.
5. Before the age of 20, you were frequently exposed to sunlight.
6. Your living and working environment cannot avoid radiation.
7. You naturally have a sensitive and emotional personality, but external circumstances require you to suppress and control your emotions.
8. You have lived long-term in a super-large city with a population exceeding ten million.
9. You have any of the following habits: consuming sweets, tea, coffee, or smoking.
10. You regularly take oral contraceptives.
Before starting a grand whitening project, you first need to possess correct knowledge about whitening.
Multiple Choice Questions:
1. What factors determine our skin color?
A. Inherited genetics
B. Postnatal care
C. Both
Answer: C. Dermatologist Dr. Claude Bouillon believes that genetics is the primary determinant of skin color. The pigmentation form in Asian skin is the most complex and diverse among all races, making it particularly prone to pigmentation issues and spots postnatally. Following the 8:2 principle, 80% is determined by genes, and 20% by postnatal influences, yet this 20% we can manipulate plays a crucial role in the 80% genetic factor.
2. Eating which of the following foods can easily make the skin darker?
A. Kiwi, broccoli, cauliflower
B. Tomato, pink grapefruit, beans
C. Celery, coriander, carrot
Answer: C. These three plants belong to photosensitive foods that easily induce pigmentation, so they should be avoided during the day, summer, or before sun exposure.
3. Which group does not belong to whitening ingredients?
A. Arbutin, fruit acid, kojic acid, gluconolactone, ellagic acid, Vitamin C and its derivatives
B. Hyaluronic acid, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, peptides, algae
C. Licorice extract, tiger grass extract, turmeric root extract, sour orange tea extract
Answer: B. These belong to moisturizing and anti-aging components. However, the latest whitening skincare products may also add some of these ingredients according to the formula because "whitening" increasingly focuses on overall improvement of skin texture.
4. What is the most critical step in the whitening process?
A. Skin renewal
B. Intensive whitening
C. Sunscreen
Answer: C. It's no exaggeration to say that even if you do everything else for whitening, but neglect sunscreen, all your efforts will be wasted. Almost all dermatologists use sunscreen and isolation products 365 days a year.
5. After intense sun exposure, the first step in repairing the skin should be
A. Immediately apply ice water compress
B. Immediately clean the skin
C. Immediately use mineral spray to hydrate
Answer: B. After intense sun exposure, what the skin needs most is hydration. However, immediate cold compresses can cause subcutaneous blood vessels to rapidly contract, leading to red blood streaks and sensitivity stimulation; immediately washing the face may result in skin damage due to excessive force; mineral sprays usually have dense water mist that can better be absorbed by damaged skin while supplementing minerals and trace elements that help boost skin immunity.