New Year, New You: Skin whitening myths that need to go in 2016

MANILA, Philippines - With the New Year comes a new opportunity for a fresh start and a chance to improve ourselves. You can take classes to acquire new skills, eat more vegetables and exercise regularly for a healthy new you and you can even update your skin care regimen to ensure that your face and body stay glowing and beautiful all-year round.

Deciding on your new skin care regimen should be a smart choice and not an impulse. How many beauty products have you bought because of the cute packaging but have disappointed you after a few weeks of using? It’s time to say goodbye to products that don’t work and say hello to effective products that can give you the results you want.

To help you decide on brightening products that can address your dark spots and give you brighter, glowing and even skin tone, here are some skin whitening myths that have been debunked by experts:

MYTH 1: The most effective whitening products are the most expensive ones.

Not all whitening products are created equal but price does not always dictate a product’s effectivity. You should choose products that will address your goals, whether it’s overall skin lightening or getting rid of dark spots. Read through the list of ingredients and choose products with Vitamin C, Vitamin B3 and other effective brightening elements such as Glutathione, Alpha Arbutin and Hydroxypenoxy Propionic Acid.

MYTH 2: If you want fairer skin, all you need to do is use whitening products.

Using products with lightening ingredients is just the first step. But you can only maximize a product’s effectiveness if you care for your skin. Regularly exfoliate your face and body to get rid of dead skin cells. This way, the active ingredients in your brightening products can penetrate the skin more effectively. Do not also forget to moisturize your skin. Some lightening products can be drying so it’s very important to keep your skin hydrated. Use a moisturizing product that works well with your skin type.

MYTH 3: Once you have achieved the skin tone you want, it will stay that way forever.

Caring for your skin must be a habit, which is why you need to follow a regimen. Don’t ever become lazy when it comes to your skin. To ensure that you maintain your beautiful fair and glowing skin, do not leave out sunscreen in your morning beauty regimen even if you’re just staying at home. UVA rays can penetrate deeper into the skin and can still get through windows. Choose a product with broad spectrum to avoid hyperpigmentation.

With countless products available in the market, it’s easy to get confused and be swayed by some sweet talking from the sales people. But always do your research and compare products.

For a wide-range of whitening and skin care solutions made for your all-around needs, you can visit any Watsons branch nationwide. Take advantage of the exciting discounts in the Watsons Great White Sale until February 24. Exciting promos are also up for grabs for SM Advantage Card holders. So go ahead, shop and start your year bright!