Have you ever wondered why your skin is not as radiant as you would love? It doesn’t matter whether you have acne-prone skin or not.
Here are 5 of the several natural ingredients that are very good for the skin. Products that contain these are definitely good for you.
Ascorbic Acid
it has anti-aging properties. It is very effective in the treatment of hyperpigmentation when used with consistency. It also helps to repair skin damage by stimulating collagen production. Ascorbic acid can come as a serum that can be applied directly or as a supplement taken orally.
Note: Excessive intake of Vitamin C supplement can cause kidney stone and heartburn
Aloe Vera
A very good product though underrated by many. It contains Vitamin B1, B12, B6, Niacinamide, Salicylic acid and some amino acids which are very good for the skin. Due to its anti-inflammatory property, it helps to keep the face smooth. It protects against sunburn and also has anti-aging properties.
Hyaluronic acid
It is very important to keep the body hydrated to avoid skin irritation. HA locks the moisture into our skin and keeps it hydrated. The body naturally produces Hyaluronic acid but in most cases it is not enough. The body starts lacking HA with age, hence the need to use HA to prevent early wrinkles.
Tea Tree oil
It has a lot of benefits like treatment of acne by soothing the skin and reducing redness and swelling of the face.
SPF
Every human is supposed to have at least SPF 30. Most people don’t know the importance of SPF. It reduces the risk of skin cancer by protecting against sun burns and the effect of direct UV rays on the skin.
You can wear sunscreen even when you are home, SPF is not only meant for women or light-skinned people. It is very important for general skincare. Reapply your SPF every 2 hours using the 2 finger rule.
AGENTS THAT CAN BLEACH THE SKIN AND ALSO HARMFUL TO THE SKIN
Most bleaching/toning agents have harmful effects on the skin, here are a few you need to be wary of
Hydroquinone
It is a very good product for dealing with hyperpigmentation, but it can also cause great damage when used wrongly. Many people who want to have lighter skins do not do proper research on how a product should be used.
Wrong use of hydroquinone can cause an IRREVERSIBLE condition known as OCHRONOSIS. It is advisable to use 2%-4% of hydroquinone when treating hyperpigmentation. Apply only on the affected area and not the whole body. Hydroquinone can cause kidney damage, hence it is advisable to use at max 3 months then take a break.
Kojic acid
2-4% of kojic acid is the recommended percentage good for the skin. Anything above can cause sunburn and contact dermatitis (rashes, dry and itchy skin). Why add raw kojic acid in your creams?? definitely not a good idea.
Steroids
Always look out for the ingredient list before buying any products. Steroids like hydrocortisone, betamethasone etc. when used on a long term can increase skin infection and poor wound healing. Amaka’s body seems to be glowing does not mean you should jump on what she is using. Is she using the right product? Is she using it correctly?. If you truly love your body, do not abuse steroids.
Most bleaching creams contain mercury. Mercury is very harmful to the body and can cause Nephrotic syndrome (kidney damage). When you come across any cream that contains mercurous chloride, calomel, mercuric, run as fast as your legs can carry you.
Patrick Judith (B.Pharm UPH)