Skin Brightening Systems

by Kyle Widner

here are a number of different products to choose from when it comes to selecting a skin brightening system. None of these kits which are devoted to making your complexion look fresher, clearer or younger are very cheap. Be prepared to spend at least one hundred dollars on a do it at home type of kit.

Name brands or dermatologist brands can run as high as five hundred dollars for one skin brightening system. How cheap your skin brightening system is might also depend where you are in the world. They are definitely sold for less in countries where plastic surgery is cheaper such as Malaysia and Costa Rica.

The intention of a skin brightening system is to restore your skin's healthy glow while protecting it against future discoloration. You should also check to make sure that the skin brightening product does not contain hydroquinone. This is a chemical that lightens the skin and that has also been known to cause scarring in some individuals.

Generally there are three separate components in any kit like this. Usually there is some kind of Brightening Complex which usually consists of medicinal or botanical brighteners. Most of these kits are fairly organic and include such ingredients as grapefruit, rice bran, mulberry root, yellow dock root and kiwi fruit.

You usually apply this in the morning and wear it under your make up all day. Some companies apply a bit of gold sparkle to this or a green under base to make you appear like you are glowing.

The second product that is usually in this kit is some kind of exfoliate. This is a very effective facial scrub. Some companies call this a microfoliant. It is used to rub off the top layer of your skin. Most of these exfoliants that come with these skin brightening kits are made out of rice bran which helps to smooth the skin gently.

Once your skin is rinsed and patted dry from exfoliation you usually apply the third product that is usually a component in these kits. This is usually some kind of mild skin peeling agent with a bit of natural bleach in it. Common ingredients would be lactic acid and vitamin C. If you are freckled or have hyperpigmentation you can apply this product in the pigmented areas.

However it is very effective applied all over the skin to help balance out your complexion. Once this is absorbed you can put your usual moisturizer over it. It will still be just as effective. The same thing goes for the day cream that you smooth on in the morning.

Most people don't see an immediate change in their skin tone with a skin brightening kit. It sometimes takes a long as six to eight weeks before the skin looks any lighter or any hyper pigmentation is actually bleached out for good. However you may notice that your skin looks more youthful and has a healthier looking glow within days.

Another thing to consider is that a skin brightening kit is less effect on skin damage caused by hormones then it is on damage caused by the sun.

About the Author

This author is a freelance marketing writer based out of San Diego, CA. She specializes in aesthetic medicine, beauty treatments, and medical weight loss programs. Get more information regarding products.

Shea Butter - An Answer To More Than Just Dry Skin

by Terry Christensen

Natural Plant Extract: Beneficial to Skin, Hair, Muscles
Shea butter, sometimes called shea nut butter, is a natural plant extract from the shea tree. Shea butter is used extensively in cosmetics and moisturizers as an emollient to soften and soothe the skin. Shea butter is beneficial to the skin, and is a natural ingredient that is also edible, being used as a cooking oil and also as a cocoa butter substitute in chocolate. The shea tree does not produce its large, plum-like, fruit until it is at least twenty years old.
Another use of shea butter is in hair conditioners, as its moisturizing properties helps to maintain moisture in the hair and keep in healthy and revitalized. It has been shown to be even more effective that cocoa butter or jojoba butter in treating dry, damaged hair.
Also Helpful for Scars and Skin Conditions
Besides being an excellent moisturizer and emollient, shea butter is also naturally anti-inflammatory. Shea butter has been successfully used for many conditions:
-fading scars and stretch marks -treating eczema skin symptoms, burns, rashes, acne, psoriasis -lessening blemishes, wrinkles
It absorbs rapidly into the skin, and has also been known to effectively relieve sinusitis and nasal congestion. The softening properties helps to relax the skin and thereby ease tension and increase respiration. The use of shea butter can also be effective in lessening the pain of sore muscles and arthritis.
How We Get Shea Butter
To obtain shea butter the shea nut is cracked and roasted, and then ground into a paste. Water is added to the cooled paste, and then mixed until the shea oil comes to the top and can be collected. The oil is boiled until the water evaporates. It is them filtered until it becomes a creamy yellow color.
In some places in Africa, where the shea tree grows, newborn babies are massaged daily with the rich, natural shea butter massage oil, which stretches their muscles and softens their skin.
Terry Christensen is an expert in skin care solutions and natural products. Find out more at www.beautifullynaturalskincare.com.
About the Author

Terry Christensen is an expert in the area of natural skin care products and other natural products. She believes if the products we put on our skin and hair, and in our bodies, are safe for us; they are also safe for our environment. Learn more at www.beautifullynaturalskincare.com