LED (light emitting diodes) technology has been used in medicine for over 60 years.  The technology is composed of a semiconductor light source that emits light when current flows through it.  The technology is able to produce a broad range of lights that travel at different wavelengths.  The most commonly used colors are purple, blue, green, yellow amber, red and infrared.

In the 1970s, NASA used LED light in a plant growth experiment and discovered that it could enhance cell growth.  Scientists then began exploring the benefits of LED light for cosmetic applications.  They found that it was able to rejuvenate the skin by providing the cells with the fuel it needs to function (known as mitochondria) and increase collagen production.  Over the years the aesthetic benefits of each LED light have been explored and today they are used to treat a wide variety of conditions- from anti-aging to acne and skin whitening.

When it comes to skin whitening, the most effective LED therapy is green light.  Green light emits energy in the range of 495-570 nm and has been shown to reduce hyperpigmentation and sun damage.  Hyperpigmentation occurs when the body produces too much pigment.  For example, when the skin is exposed to UV rays, the body produces excess amounts of pigmentation, also known as melanin, to absorb the UV rays and limit damage to other parts of the skin. 

Green LED Light

The green light performs two actions simultaneously.  First, it targets the melanocytes.  Melanocytes are the cells in the skin responsible for producing pigment.  They are located in the deepest layer of the epidermis and as seen in the table below, the pigment slowly travels upwards until it reaches the surface of the skin.  The green light reaches the melanocytes and curbs the production of melanin.  This in turn limits the amount of pigment that reaches the skin’s surface. 

In parallel, the green light slowly breaks down pigmentation on the skin’s surface.  In this way, it is able to clear away different dark spots such freckles, age spots, red and or brown skin patches.  The dark spots scab and then naturally fall.  As soon as they do, a whiter and brighter skin tone emerges.

Many people prefer LED light therapy over laser therapy since it is gentler.  While the results are not as immediate as laser treatments, there skin does not undergo any thermal damage and therefore there is no downtime or risk of scarring.  In professional spa settings the LED devices use higher energy levels, but there are also home use devices that enable effective LED skin treatments. 

Skin lightening therapies have become an accepted aesthetic treatment in many parts of the world. According to a recent report by the World Health Organization report (WHO), half of the female population in Korea, Malaysia, and the Philippines uses some kind of skin lightening treatment.  In India the percentage is even higher, around 60%, and in African countries, the percentage is the highest (in Nigeria for example it is 77%).

High Demand for Skin Lightning

The reason for the high demand in skin whitening has to do with a cultural perception that whiter skin is superior. In Asian countries it communicates a higher social status since upper class women did not have to work outside in the fields.  Their skin was not subjected to the harsh sun rays, and they were able to preserve the natural paleness of their skin.  Modern East Asian women are constantly bombarded with an array of messages to “get white.” Nearly all facial and body lotions sold in China and Taiwan contain chemicals that lighten the skin. These skin-whitening creams, known as 美白 (pin ying: mei bai), are popular cosmetic products used by “Culturally Chinese” women to achieve the socially constructed notion of beauty.

Are you tired of having an uneven skin tone? Do you wish that you could get rid of dark spots and have more even skin? If so, it’s time to consider skin lightening treatments that you can do at home. Whether you purchase skin lightening products or you choose homemade remedies, you can lighten your dark skin, whiten it and make it brighter.

How Can I Lighten My Face?

There are many different facial skin products to choose from. The products are designed to lighten the skin’s tone and can be called ‘skin lighteners’ or ‘skin bleachers’. The products work by reducing the amount of melanin found in the skin. Usually, these skincare products are used to treat specific skin problems, including acne scars, age spots and discoloration. However, those with darker skin can use skin bleach to naturally whiten it.

Which Face Cream Is Best for Skin Whitening?

Many people dislike the DIY approach because it takes longer. It’s much easier to buy something, put it on, and let it work. Generally, when looking for a face cream for facial skin lightening, you want to make sure it protects your skin from the sun’s UVB and UVA rays. It should also brighten the skin, reduce the appearance of age spots, and slow down aging.

Look for a cream that uses natural ingredients. It should also be hypoallergenic. This means that you’re less likely to be allergic to it. Just to make sure, you should perform a skin test. Of course, you also want something non-comedogenic, which means it isn’t going to block the pores. Clogged pores lead to acne, and you don’t want your skin lightening products to cause unwanted skin conditions.

How Can I Lighten My Face Overnight

When it comes to skin bleaching, you can find a variety of products to use. However, you can also make your own. One recipe is to mix honey and lemon juice and apply it to your face. Then, mash up a ripe tomato (peel on) and add more juice to it. Apply the concoction over the honey mixture and survey the skin lightening action.  It’s going to work pretty quickly. Once you have the skin fairness you prefer, wipe it off with a damp cloth.

A Quick Warning

Whitening the skin on the whole body can be dangerous. Many skin lighteners on the market contain mercury, which is toxic. It can be used in small amounts, but in large quantities can lead to mercury poisoning. The poisoning can cause neurological, psychiatric, and kidney issues. If you’re pregnant while using a skin lightening product containing mercury, it can pass onto your unborn baby. Please note that skin whitening products with mercury are banned in the U.S. but you can still buy them outside the U.S.  If you decide to do so, pay careful attention to the ingredients.

DIY Approach

You can make your own skin lightening creams, which are considered healthier and safer for the skin. Often, you already have the necessary ingredients in your home, which makes it easy to start the facial skin lightening process. Here are some of the most common ingredients used.

Lemon

When it comes to bleaching the skin, lemons are your best friend. They’re highly effective and can reduce the look of darker spots and blemishes. Just cut a lemon in half and rub one half onto the skin. Leave the juice on your face for about 10 minutes and then wash it off with cool water. Make sure you don’t go out into the sun right after putting lemon on your skin.

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera can also be used to bleach skin. It has a cooling effect and is often used to treat minor sunburns. That’s because of its anti-inflammatory effects. When you apply it to the skin, it promotes repair of any damaged tissue and new cell division. If you have hyperpigmentation, this is an excellent choice. Melanin aggregation is essential for skin lightening and the Aloin chemical compound within the plant that promotes this process. Just apply the gel onto the face and leave it on for about 20 minutes. Then, rinse it off with slightly warm water.

Papaya

Papaya has many health properties and is therefore used in many skin care products. Papaya can give the skin a healthy glow and a brighter complexion. Plus, it’s a natural skin lightening agent. To use it effectively, mash it together with a banana. Add honey to the concoction and mix well. It will have a pasty texture. Put it on the skin with your fingers or a makeup brush. Leave the mixture on the face for about 20 minutes and then rinse it off with some warm water. Make sure that you only pat the skin dry.

Is Skin Lightening Permanent?

No, there is no skin lightening treatment out there that is permanent. You may talk to your doctor about a prescription that can provide long-lasting results. However, you must use it every day.

The same applies to OTC creams and homemade remedies.  They do not include potent ingredients. Instead, they use an extract and other ingredients that enhance the beauty of the skin and make it healthier.  

You also need to do your part. Make sure to wear sunscreen when you go out into the sun. It’s best to avoid damage from sun exposure so that you don’t have to use brightening agents on the skin.

Conclusion

Skin lightening may be something to consider if you have age spots and other pigmentation issues. However, you shouldn’t treat your entire body. When using creams, make sure they are reviewed and safe. You may also want to read the risks involved with all of the ingredients on the product. These items can be the best solution if you want minor change and don’t want to undergo an aggressive cosmetic procedure such as laser treatments.

A New Era for Environmentalism

The modern environmental movement began as a result of a series of events throughout the 1960s and 1970s that placed the horrors of pollution front and center on the world stage. These events, such as the publication of pesticide toxicity in Rachel Carson’s “Silent Spring,” made consumers aware of the grave dangers of rampant consumerism.

Companies across consumer sectors reacted to the advent of the environmental era by developing environmentally-friendly products. Such goods were made of natural ingredients and materials as opposed to synthetic ones. Many in the consumables industry sought to move away from wasteful single-use products to sustainable ones that people were able to reuse. One prime example was the reusable grocery tote bag trend. Unlike plastic bags, which are made of nonrenewable petroleum and are difficult to recycle, these totes were made to last year after year following their production.

However, the problem with this initial wave of eco-conscious goods is that they often came at a high cost that was inaccessible to people with average means. As a result, the use of these trend-led green products became ascribed with higher societal status – or eco-status.

A Paradigm Shift

Fast-forward to present times, justice for the environment is beyond a trend. Eco-status seems to be fading, and eco-shaming is quickly taking its place. The prestige synonymous with living green has shifted from a marker of wealth to one of moral responsibility. Making an active effort to care for the environment is now seen as an expected societal standard. On the other hand, a lack of regard for the environment is characterized as irresponsible.

There are some key factors in modern times that have been instrumental in this trend in attitude from eco-status to eco-shame.

Trend One: More Ways Than Ever to Be Environmentally-Friendly

Consumers today do not need to search far to find green alternatives to standard consumer goods. From packaging solutions to personal hygiene products, they span a wide variety of products across all sectors. Unlike in the past, where they were viewed as a luxury of the wealthy, environmentally-conscious goods are now competitively-priced relative to their conventional counterparts. This is a result of economies of scale – as product manufacturing is scaled to meet a rapidly-growing demand, the cost to produce them becomes increasingly cheaper. Even more, consumers are becoming aware of the intrinsic benefits, like money saved over time, of making sustainable purchases.

Thanks to a number of innovative companies in the green sector, the ability to make environmentally-friendly decisions extends beyond consumables. The trend of rideshare services provides commuters a mode of transportation that decreases their carbon footprint. There are even consulting services that work with companies large and small in order to help them implement green systems within their organizations.

Trend Two: Increasingly Interconnected World

The ubiquitous nature of social media makes it the perfect vessel for engaging in environmental activism, even in parts of the world where such freedom of expression is not the norm. The barriers to entry are low and accommodate all levels of activists, especially new ones who want to spread awareness about an issue in their immediate communities. All an activist needs to utilize one of the primary networks is an email address for account registration. From there, he or she now has a globally-reaching way to advocate change for that issue.

The key to successful activism is relentless exposure. Once activists plant the seed of change that exposes their cause, many people find it difficult, if not impossible, to follow updates. They may also be inclined to search for more information on that issue and related issues. As this buzz is created, the issue transforms into a trend. Successful activists are known to use a variety of media, such as pictures, status updates, blog posts, and videos, to gain a following. This method of eco-shaming has been successful not only sparking debate about crises in the environment but also in influencing new policy needed to get governments on board with environmentally-motivated causes.

Trend Three: Normalization of Environmental Stewardship

People do not need to search far to see how embedded environmentalism is in our current society. Waste management systems in most municipalities provide residents with trash receptacles for both trash and recyclable materials. Recycling programs in many communities even incentivize people on a per-unit basis when they recycle scrap metal items like aluminum cans.

As regulation related to the environment becomes the standard, people trend toward seeing themselves as stewards of the earth. Consumers today are ever-aware of their consumption patterns, and the vast number of ways they can participate only increases with each passing year. Whether engaging in environmentalism means choosing between walking, using a ride share service, or buying a hybrid vehicle, there are avenues for consumers of all socioeconomic statuses to engage.

Concluding Thoughts

Environmentalism is no longer a trend associated with social class, but rather a social contract between people and the world they inhabit. Virtually no part of the globe is untouched by pollution, and activists play an indispensable role in shedding light on new issues year after year, as well as reviving discussion about ones that still persist. The destruction of the environment has an exceptionally disparate effect on communities that are already impoverished. The normalization of social media as a platform for all voices is thus a trend with positive implications for activism. It has empowered such marginalized peoples to make their concerns known, even when their countries do not traditionally permit such freedoms of speech.

Many countries have responded positively by outlawing the exploitation of specific resources and the hunting of endangered animal species. Violation of these laws comes with hefty penalties, not to mention the eco-shaming that comes with breaking a widely-accepted social contract.

However, there are still gaps in educating people in effective stewardship of the environment. Although many search for this knowledge on their own, the trend aspect of environmentalism means that a great number still follow and support it without fully understanding its inner workings. There is a stark difference, after all, between engaging in environmentalism to promote a positive outward self-image and engaging in order to impact real, authentic change to the system.

Many women enjoy going to the spa and getting a facial. However, the price can be a bit much  and some women just can find the time… When this happens, you may want to consider doing an at home facial. You can learn how to do it. That way, you can perform the treatment by yourself whenever the need arises.

What Is a Facial?

Facials are skin care treatments designed for the face. They often include exfoliation, steam, extraction, masks and even a massage. While beauty salons perform them as well as spas, it might be ideal to try and do it yourself.

How to Do an at Home Facial?

If you plan to do an at home facial, now is the time to learn the steps.

1. Cleanse
2. Steam
3. Massage
4. Apply a face mask
5. Tone
6. Moisturize

You can see from above that the steps aren’t complicated, but they can be a bit time-consuming. Instead of going to the spa, you can handle all of this yourself. Consider putting on some music, and having some reading materials available so that you don’t get bored while performing your DIY facial.

Cleanse

You need to first cleanse the skin in order to remove all of the dirt and oil. In this way, the nourishing products you choose are going to be more effective. You can find many facial cleansers on the market. The goal is to pick a cleanser that is going to hydrate, soothe, brighten, or exfoliate, depending on your needs. Plus, the cleanser lets you remove all of the day’s makeup and start with a clean face. Just make sure that you don’t scrub your face because this can cause acne flareups. Be gentle and give yourself a relaxing treatment based on your needs.

Steam

The next step is to steam the face which opens up the pores. Steaming helps to remove the dead skin cells and other impurities that might be deeply embedded in the skin. In fact, most regular cleansing can’t get rid of the dead skin, which is why steaming can be beneficial.

To steam the skin, fill up a bowl with very warm water. Make sure steam is rising from it, but that it’s not hot enough to burn you. Add some tea tree oil or something else that you enjoy smelling. Lean over the bowl, draping a towel over your head to catch all the steam. Relax in this position for about five minutes.

Massage

Even though you can skip this step, it can be very relaxing. Massaging the face can promote better skin elasticity, which helps with the detoxifying process. You can just gently rub the face by moving your fingers in circular motions. However, you can also use a variety of products to help with your facial massage. Generally, women like to do this because it relaxes them and makes it feel a little bit like being in a spa.

To complete this step, make sure you have dried your skin from the steam. Use your favorite lotion and apply it to the face using a stroking motion. Then, stroke downwards from the hairline to the jaw, stopping at the chin. Repeat this motion many times, kneading the cheeks and forehead gently in small circles.

Face Mask

Using a facial mask can help with a variety of skincare concerns. Many women use one as part of their regular skin care regimen, and not just when they are performing a facial at home. You can find a mask that is already made and designed for your skin type. Women tend to like these best because they can choose masks designed for sensitive skin or other skin concerns such as dry or oily skin.

Find a mask that best meets your needs. You can find packets that are single-serve or large containers from which you can extract product each time you perform a treatment.

Apply the mask to the entire face and relax. Keep it on for about 10 minutes and then use warm water to rinse it off. The mask gently exfoliates the skin and makes it look younger and fresher. A clay mask is also an excellent choice, though you can find cream, serum, and other options. Depending on the one you pick, you may have to peel it off.

Tone

It is best to use a toner. Place the toner on a cotton pad or ball and remove all product residue from your face – i.e. from the mask, massage oils and cleansers. The toner can also hydrate the skin, preparing it for the moisturizer. You can find various products designed for different types of skin. For example, tea tree oil can help remove extra oil, and seawater can soothe and soften your skin.

Moisturize

Moisturizing is an important part of home facials. If you use a deep cleansing mask, it is important to replenish the skin’s oils so that it remains supple and soft. Most women like the feeling of putting on a light moisturizer because it does not feel heavy and might have a pleasant scent. Just apply a small amount of moisturizer onto your fingers or a cotton ball. Pat it gently into the skin, which has just been dampened with a toner.

Consider a Treatment Device

You can find a variety of devices to help with your home facial. Many women like to use them because it makes the process faster and is easier.

NowMi is an advanced facial treatment that you can use at home. Just like a professional facial, it combines four steps. The NowMi device exfoliates, nourishes, enriches the skin, and protects it from damage. It infuses the skin with vitamins E and C, as well as hyaluronic acid. Plus, it boosts the oxygen content in the skin and protects it from pollution, smoke, and more.

It features effervescent tablets and some lubricating gel. Using the NowMi device you can enjoy a spa-quality treatment in the comfort of your home which lets you look your very best.

Conclusion

If you are someone who likes facials, you may want to consider performing an at-home facial. When you choose the right products, you get the best ingredients. Plus, you may receive some free advice that can help you improve your home facial. Most importantly, make the most of it and enjoy your relaxing your spa-like day at home.

If you suffer from an oily skin complexion, oxygen therapy can help you balance your skin so that it looks and feels its very best.  The main challenge with oily skin complexion is that on the one hand, you need to keep it clean and remove excess oil, yet on the other hand, you don’t want to strip away all of the oil.  If the skin is over-cleansed, the body produces even more oil to compensate for the perceived dryness.  The NowMi oxygen therapy for oily skin complexion can help you deeply cleanse your facial skin and at the same time nourish it with vitamins and minerals.  The nourishment includes hyaluronic acid which keeps it moist as well as vitamins C and E that rejuvenate and protect it.

What causes oily skin?

Oily skin complexion is caused by the over production of sebum.  Sebum is an oily, waxy substance that contains triglycerides and fatty acids (57%), wax esters (26%), squalene (12%), and cholesterol (4.5%).  It is produced by the body’s sebaceous glands and it moisturizes the skin and protects it from water evaporation.

The main causes of oily skin are:

• Genetics: Skin type is often hereditary.  You may have inherited a genetic makeup that includes larger sebaceous glands that produce excess oil.
• Over-cleansing: If you have an oily skin complexion and you wash or scrub it too hard with an abrasive tool or a coarse exfoliator, you might strip it of its moisture.  This will cause the sebaceous glands to increase their production of oil.  For this reason, it is important to cleanse your skin with a gentle yet powerful cleanser.
• Cosmetics: Using the wrong cosmetics for your skin type can cause it to become oiler.  For example, some products may dry out the skin thus stimulating excess oil production while others may make it too greasy. If you have oily skin, it is recommended to use products labeled as either oil-free or noncomedogenic
• Hormonal changes:  Androgens are the hormones often associated with increased oil production.  When Androgen levels fluctuate, such as during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy or menopause, this can stimulate the production of sebum.  Stress and illness can also cause changes in hormonal levels which may result in oiler skin.
• Environment: If you live in a hot and humid environment, this may lead to the body producing excessive amounts of sebum. On the other end of the spectrum, if you live in very cold climates which dry out the skin, your body may respond by increasing its sebum production.
• Medication: Different medications can stimulate the body to produce excess amounts of sebum. Hormonal replacement medications or oral contraceptives have been shown to do so, as well as medications that dehydrate the skin.
• Diet: Junk food and highly processed foods that are high in sugar and refined carbohydrates, can cause the skin to become oiler and greasier.

The NowMi Oxygen therapy for oily skin complexion

The NowMi treatment is an ideal treatment for oily skin.  It enables you to cleanse your skin gently, get effectively, keeps it well hydrated and nourishes it.  Best of all, the treatment takes only 5 minutes and you can carry it out in the comfort of your own home.

Facial skin cleansing:

The NowMi treatment has two cleansing functions- a daily cleanser and a weekly exfoliation.   

Daily cleanser:

The daily cleanser is highly effective yet very gentle on the skin.  It has a surface with silicone micro-fingers upon which the NowMi gel is applied and massaged into the skin. In addition, the NowMi device uses sonic energy to improve the cleansing action.  The device emits 6,000 sonic pulses per minute which ensures that the cleansing gel penetrates and cleans all of the pores.  You can use the cleanser more than once a day if your skin is very oily. 

Cleansing with sonic energy is highly effective and research has shown that facial skin cleansing with sonic energy is up to 6 times more efficient than hand washing alone. 

In addition to cleansing the skin, the treatment infuses the skin with vitamins E, B3, B5 and Dead Sea minerals which nourish it and help it to remain healthy and balanced.

Weekly Exfoliation

The NowMi treatment gently exfoliates the skin and removes its outermost layer.  This layer contains dead skin cells and accumulated dirt such as makeup residue and pollution.  In general, oily skin is more prone to breakouts because the excess oil mixes with the dead skin cells and dirt.

The exfoliation is carried out using the NowMi vitamin C effervescent tablet.  The tablet has a slightly coarse texture.  When it is mixed with the NowMi lubricant gel and massaged into the skin, the tablet effectively, yet softly, exfoliates the skin.

Hydration

The NowMi treatment gently exfoliates the skin and removes its outermost layer.  This layer contains dead skin cells and accumulated dirt such as makeup residue and pollution.  In general, oily skin is more prone to breakouts because the excess oil mixes with the dead skin cells and dirt.

The exfoliation is carried out using the NowMi vitamin C effervescent tablet.  The tablet has a slightly coarse texture.  When it is mixed with the NowMi lubricant gel and massaged into the skin, the tablet effectively, yet softly, exfoliates the skin.

Nourishment

The NowMi weekly treatment infuses the skin with pure vitamin C and vitamin E.  Vitamin C improves moisture retention and hydration of the skin which makes it ideal for oily skin. In addition Vitamin C and E are powerful antioxidants that:
a) protect from UVA and UVB damage
b) help the skin to heal faster from blemishes, sunburns and acne scars
c) Help the skin to look brighter and healthier

Oxygenation

The NowMi oxygen therapy for oily skin complexion is unique since it enables you to enjoy a spa-quality oxygen facial in a home-use device.  Traditional facial oxygenation treatments are only available in professional spas, but the NowMi scientists created a technology that enables the same oxygenation effect in a home-use device. The NowMi treatment is clinically proven and uses the same science-backed skin oxygenation technology as the OxyGeneo treatment- a professional facial that has been used in clinics since 2013.

The NowMi treatment stimulates the body to oxygenate itself from within. It does this by creating a carbon-dioxide rich environment on the skin’s surface.  The skin then responds by sending oxygen-rich blood cells to the treatment area.  As a result of the oxygenation, the active ingredients are best absorbed by the skin and the treatment results are optimized.

Summary

The NowMi oxygen therapy for oily skin complexion lets you enjoy the best of all worlds- it provides you with a spa-quality treatment in the comfort of your home.  The treatment helps keep oily skin in check- it makes sure it is clean and at the same time nourishes and hydrates it.  Try it today and discover a facial routine that will give you the skin you have always wanted!