Tips to avoid skin darkening

When we saw actress Kajol turn up for an event a shade fairer than what she actually is , the media went on  a hype saying that she got a melanin treatment done for her skin to look fairer than what she is. Kajol has vehemently denied that she had any treatment done and attributed her fair looks to staying at home for a long period as she is not busy acting in movies anymore, which is true.

Why we become dark are based on intrinsic and extrinsic factors. The intrinsic cause stems from imbalances in the hormone levels and is very difficult to treat and the external factors are  excessive sun exposure, wounds, skin treatments and procedures that might not suit one's skin and anything that stimulates the increased production of melanin (substance that gives skin and hair its colour).Now as women who are forever in the search for that magic potion or treatment for fair skin , check out these simple tips which you can follow daily to get a glowing & fair skin even when going out.

-Avoid exposure to direct sunlight between 9am-4pm.
- Apply SPF (sun protection factor) at regular intervals of 3 to 4 hours.
-Water, water, water… drinking water and staying hydrated is an essential tip to prevent hyper pigmentation.
-Avoid harsh colour cosmetics like 'blush-ons' and fragrances like lavender, as these absorb UV rays and can cause hyper-pigmentation and skin darkening.
- Cut down or rather stop smoking, as this further stimulates the melanin causing darkness .
- Try natural ingredients like potato, tomato, curd, lemon which are easily available at home and help in reducing pigmentation and make you fairer.

Keep yourself covered while you go out in the sun if you have to (sunglasses, scarf, cotton coat to cover your hands etc) and
stay Sun safe to avoid getting dark!