Havelock Ellis said, "Charm – which means the power to affect work without employing brute force – is indispensable to women. Charm is a woman’s strength just as strength is a man’s charm". The question now is, how will women be as enchanting as possible? Is it really feasible? My readers, all I can say is – skin bleaching.

Skin bleaching is an effective way of skin whitening. What differs is, not only that it lightens up your complexion, skin bleaching also visibly reduces some various skin complications like PIH (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation), melasma (the mask of pregnancy), sun damage, age spots, freckles, etc. Nice to know, is it? So, what different methods are being done in achieving such regimen?

There are over-the-counter products for skin bleaching readily available for the consumers. In the past, most of these products have the active ingredient, hydroquinone but currently, it is being banned by the FDA due to its cancer-causing properties. There are other commercially available products; most of them are applied topically. Creams, lotions and facial masks which contain hauronoside or arbutin (two molecules which are the same with hydroquinone without the risks of skin irritation) are being sold to replace the banned ingredient. Moreover, topical forms of Vitamin C and licorice extract are proven to aid skin bleaching. They are also anti-inflammatory agents and anti-oxidants. But, it is advised to go to a dermatologist for prescription than self-medication.

It is of no doubt that these over-the-counter products are effective. However, they also contain those chemicals that can have some undesirable effects. So, let’s look back to Mother Nature. Natural skin bleaching methods are also effective but they can cost you more time. But what harm can it be? Haste makes waste, doesn’t it? The most common ingredient used for natural bleachers is lemon juice. It is an effective bleaching agent. It is proven to inhibit the production of melanin pigments (melanocytes) in your body. Here are some quick homemade natural skin-bleaching methods using lemon juice.

Make a paste out of lemon juice and honey. Apply it to the desired area and leave it for 15 minutes. Also, you can use almond instead of honey. Another method is to mix equal parts of lemon juice, sandalwood powder, tomato juice, and cucumber juice. Also, apply it to the desired area and leave it for 15-20 minutes.

Of all skin bleaching methods, the most effective way is to stay fit, eat a regular diet, drink a lot of water, and exercise. As what they say, prevention is better than cure.