Bleaching Your Skin (Part 1)

Wow, this topic is really broad and controversial. That is why I have decided to break it down into parts. This is obviously the first part dedicated to "bleaching" the skin.

I get a LOT of questions from people asking what bleaching cream and soap I am using, who mixed the cream and all sorts. Each time I tell peeps I use BodyShop body butter, I get funny looks, indicating I am not telling the truth, and that I do not want to tell who mixes my creams, lol!

So, I am going to tell some home truths on this topic.

Its still shocking how a lot of people feel "The fairer their skins, the more opportunities they have in life".

There are also those that believe "The fairer my skin, the more beautiful I am".

Based on research, most women in Nigeria are constantly looking for ways to lighten their skin and quickly too.

Because bleaching sounds like a thing of stigma, many people now refer to it as toning. But there is a huge difference ( another post for another day, I guess!)

This post is basically to inform us about the phenomenon called bleaching, Its effects on your skin and how it can deprive you from glowing.

Please bear in mind that this post does not intend to judge anyone who is engaged in bleaching as I believe that as adults, we are responsible for the choices we make. Having said that, lets learn more about bleaching.

The Phenomenon..
Skin Whitening, skin lightening and skin bleaching refers to the practice of using chemical substances in an attempt to lighten skin tone or provide even skin complexion by lessening the concentration of melanin. A lot of chemicals have been shown to be effective in skin whitening/bleaching, while some have proved to be toxic.

The Main Contents In a Lightening/Bleaching Cream: Illegal toxins like Mecury, which is a kind of metal that blocks the production of melanin (the colour producing cell in the body).
How it works: The bleaching elements found in your cream, blocks melanin from producing your natural skin colour, which leads to you becoming yellow/fair! lol.
Other contents include hydroquinone, a bleaching agent that is banned from use in cosmetics.

Its Effect..
Skin bleaching has a lot of hazardous health consequences. Apart from the fact that the dangers involved with using harsh chemicals includes blood cancers such as leukaemia, it could also cause liver/kidney cancer.
Additionally, bleaching the skin could cause severe skin conditions such as skin pigmentation, burns, discolouration (notice the pinky, bluey colours in the long run?)..
Other effects include, the thinning out of your skin, intense irritation, skin sensitivity, etc...

On the Flip Side: There may be other reasons why one decides to opt for skin lightening. This may be due to the need to lighten dark spots or remove scars. In this case, then you should visit a dermatologist.

 However, there are natural, home made skin lightening recipes that you can use like rosewater, a mixture of honey + Lemon juice (check out my previous posts), sandalwood, etc.. These products are natural and completely harmless. Remember that consistency is key, there is no quick magic with these natural products.

Research shows that in Nigeria, a test of common skin lightening products available showed that they caused mutations in bacteria (damage to DNA) and were possibly carcinogenic (an agent directly involved with causing CANCER)- Source Wikipedia. 


This is the end of Part 1. (keep visiting the blog for a concluding part) and please feel free to drop your comments and thoughts based on the topic discussed.
xoxo

Home Remedies To Lighten Dark Spots And Skin Discoloration.

Dark spots and discolouration forms on the skin mostly as a result of increased production of skin pigment, which is often caused by overexposure to the sun, ageing, hormonal changes or even pregnancy!

This can be really annoying particularly if the discolouration appears on the face.

While no product will work immediately, there are several treatments available that will gradually reduce the darkness caused by pigment over time. Like I always say, consistency is key in achieving a glowing skin. There is really no over night magic!

So here are some home made spa remedies that can reduce the appearance of dark spots by lightening and moisturising the darkened skin:

Home Made Moisturizers: Massaging a moisturiser into the affected area several times a day can reduce the appearance of dark spots by boosting the circulation in the skin. moisturise your skin using the gel squeezed from an Aloe Vera plant. Leave on for 15-20 minutes, then rinse.

The "Gel" from aloe vera is sure to brighten dark spots and discolouration of the skin.

Cleansers: Vinegar, Lemon and Lime juice have natural bleaching/lightening elements and are gentle to use on facial skin.

Option 1: Dilute vinegar in the same amount of water and use on your face with cotton balls, just like you would your cleanser.

Option 2: Mix fresh lemon/lime juice + (Cucumber juice)  and cleanse your face using a cotton ball.

Home made Facial Mask: You can use these common ingredients to lighten the dark spots on your face.  Spreading Mashed Avocado not only moisturises but also helps heal skin damaged by hyper pigmentation. 

Option 2: Lime/Lemon juice + Honey (check out our previous post on honey). This is another skin-lightening mask to help brighten up dark spots.

  

Option 3: Raw Almonds soaked in Milk. 

How to: blend almonds and milk into a paste, then rub generously on face. leave on for 10-15 minutes and wash off, then moisturise skin as usual.

These masks are easy to make and simple to use, therefore they can be used daily for improved results.

Don't forget to try out a small portion on skin before proceeding..

xoxo

Useful Info!

Hey peeps, these links take you directly to some of the best sites you could ever imagine. All these pages are run by my humble self on Facebook. Its so easy, so lets go:

 VIVABELLA DESIGNS: For the most unique interior designs, ideas and orders, visit our Facebook page. Just click on Vivabella Designs LTD. We offer lovely interior design options using great pictures for visuals. Like our page too.

COCOBELLA: For EVERYTHING beautiful concerning fashion, food recipes, interior ideas, fitness and health + loads, dressing combos (shoes, bags, accessories) + more visit our fun Facebook page on
Cocobella. Here, you get to "steal" ideas on how to dress, what to eat/cook, hair styles, make-up, cars and loads more. Like our page too.

HOME AND SKIN CANDEEZ: Obviously, you are here now, on the blog. So keep visiting cuz there are more exciting posts on home made spa recipes + more coming your way daily..

Remember, live beautifully, love your skin and space!!!
xoxo

A face to all the posts y'all been reading.

I recently got a mail asking me if I use ALL the recipes I post on the blog and how I manage to use everything I put up. So for the benefit of y'all, i will respond openly.

Most of the recipes are recipes that I have tried and tested over the years (before i even dreamt of starting up a blog). Throughout my skin care experience, I have come to realise what recipe/product works for me and what doesn't.

The mistake a lot of people make is that they try to use what every other person is using. Having a good skin can only result from understanding your skin type and the sort of products that can enhance your skin tone, look, colour, etc.

All skin care recipes on the blog are Organic and Natural, therefore, as you try out the recipes, you will be able to understand which one suits your skin better. I hope this helps... And remember, CONSISTENCY is key to achieving a lasting result.

If you have any more questions, its easier to leave a comment as I can reply quicker than when you send a mail.

Hope your weekend is going great, mine has been hectic due to trying to make peoples homes beautiful.

Remember, Vivabella Designs Ltd provides home design and decoration service including Wall painting, Lovely curtains, High quality wooden blinds, Creation of unique pieces of furniture, soft cotton bedsheets and loads more. Call us on 08033272728

I am glad I love what I do.

Hey, here's a face to all the posts y'all been reading.

Enjoy, xoxo...

Honey Facials... (Honey Mask)

I am all for natural skin, natural nails, natural food, natural everything (well almost everything, I don't mind beautiful human hair, lol), but then its human right? so its natural! lol. 

Doing a honey facial is as natural as it gets. You will benefit a lot if you invest in "pure" natural honey. It can be used on your hair, your face, your food (dump your sugars) and your body. Everything about honey screams beauty, glow and health. Its nature's gift and its great!!

How To Make Honey Mask: Simply pour a generous amount of honey on your palm, rub together to warm it up and apply on your face as a mask. Leave on for 10-15 minutes and rinse off with warm water. Follow immediately with splashes of cold water to tighten your pores. Finally, use your moisturiser (check out a new post where I write about the right kinds of moisturisers for different skin types... coming soon, so keep checking the blog, lol).

You can also make a honey+ oat mask: Simply mix in 2 spoons of oats and 1 tbsp. of honey, add more honey or oats if needed, but it shouldn't be too runny or too thick. 

I made this mask and used it on my little model's face. She is 9, so you know its even suitable for baby skin. So its good enough for sensitive skin too, however, pls try all recipes on small parts of your body before proceeding, just to be sure you are not allergic.

This mask is sure to bring out a lovely glow. 

(honey + oats can be used to exfoliate your body too)

Remember, consistency is key. Keep loving your skin and please feel free to leave comments of your ideas, feedback and thoughts.

xoxo...

Home Made Skin Care Treatment For SENSITIVE Skin...

I have been getting mails asking if all the home made skin care recipes I put up are suitable for extra SENSITIVE skin. To answer this question, I hope this post helps.

If you have sensitive skin, that can get irritated easily, then LESS IS MORE. Instead of using skin care products with a long list of ingredients that you cannot pronounce, choose products with few ingredients, which you have ample knowledge of. Or better still, try making some treatments for yourself.

These home made skin treatments are gentle enough for your sensitive skin, and also effective enough to make your skin glow:

Honey + yogurt skin soother 

Why it works: Honey is a great moisturizer, hydrating the skin without leaving behind a greasy film. It’s also naturally antiseptic, which makes it effective at healing skin and preventing infection. Yogurt contains lactic acid to exfoliate the skin and helps to balance your skin’s pH level.

How-to: Blend together one quarter cup whole fat yogurt with one quarter cup of honey. Organic honey has the greatest benefits for your skin. Wash your face, then spread on the mixture and leave on for five minutes, then rinse off using warm water.  

Cucumber + aloe mask 

Why it works: Aloe and cucumber are widely known as healing and soothing ingredients, and when you put them together, they’re a winning combo! This is a great mask to use if your skin looks red and agitated, and can also calm skin during acne breakouts. It’ll cool down irritation and leave your skin glowing.

How-to: Combine one large chopped aloe leaf or one cup of aloe juice with one cup chopped cucumber. Mix in the blender until smooth, lather on your face and leave on for 15-20 minutes. 

TIP: Place cucumber slices on your eyes to reduce puffiness.

Oatmeal + Yoghurt + Honey

Why it works: “Oatmeal contains beta-glucans, which are very skin-soothing, according to New York dermatologist Jeannette Graf. It also helps to tighten skin, which makes it a great anti-aging treatment. The yogurt gently exfoliates, and the honey softens and soothes.

How-to: Mix one tablespoon raw, rolled oats (avoid instant oatmeal), three tablespoons plain yogurt and one tablespoon honey. Use a blender to mix the ingredients until smooth, and apply a thin layer to your face. Leave on five minutes, then rinse.

Milk bath

Why it works: Turns out Cleopatra was right – milk is one of the simplest and most readily available beauty treatments for softening and hydrating dry skin. Most stores carry pre-made milk bath treatments, but it takes no time at all to create your own.

How-to: Simply add some milk and a couple drops of olive oil to a lukewarm bath (not too hot, which will irritate sensitive skin). Use Extra Virgin Olive Oil, which “contains the most skin-protecting antioxidants.” Soak for 10-15 minutes.

"Pure Milk Bath"

Brown sugar + Milk scrub 

Why it works: While both brown and white sugars make great exfoliators, brown sugar is smoother and gentler, making it better for sensitive skin. When combined with milk, it adds a healthy dose of hydration.

How-to: Add just enough milk to the brown sugar to make a paste, and scrub away! This is a great way to get your entire body glowing. You can use the mixture on your face too, but be gentle and don’t scrub too vigorously.

Making Spa Treatments at home is a perfect way to spend an afternoon pampering your skin without spending a lot of money. By choosing recipes with just a few ingredients, you’ll have the added benefit of knowing exactly what's in your skincare. Give your SENSITIVE skin the care it deserves by whipping up one of these homemade remedies, and you’ll be rewarded with calmer, happier, glowing skin.

xoxo

Quicky- Coffee Body Scrub...

This is a quick post. Use the coffee body scrub to exfoliate your skin. 

Great for when you have an impromptu party. Great for when you want a brighter skin. Use 2-3 days a week

Blend your coffee bean or use normal coffee like "Nescafe"

  

Massage Oil.

                                                   Use any type of sugar (brown or white)

You will need:

2 cups of coarsely ground coffee
1/2 cup raw sugar or sea salt
2-3 tbsp. massage oil

Step 1: Mix all ingredients together. Take a hot shower to moisten your skin and open your pores. 

Step 2: Using wide, circular motions, rub the coffee exfoliant onto your skin with strong, even pressure. 

Step 3: Shower off, pat skin dry, and apply a thin layer of your favorite body lotion. 

xoxo