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Skin & Hair Concerns
Question #14059
15 days ago
44

how to whiten hands - #14059

Ayush

I am really struggling with this issue of how to whiten hands. For the longest time, I didn't think it was a big deal, but after seeing pictures from a recent family event, I realized my hands look darker and uneven compared to my face. It's kinda embarrassing. I work a lot with my hands – gardening, cooking, you name it – and they often get stained or just look dirtier, even when they're clean. I tried scrubbing with lemon and sugar, which was a mess and didn’t really help much. I also read online about creams that claim to help with how to whiten hands, but I'm scared to use something that could irritate my skin. Like, am I just chasing after something that might not work? I’ve even thought about chemical peels or stuff like that, but that sounds too extreme. Do you guys have any tips or home remedies that actually work for how to whiten hands? Anything that isn’t super harsh or expensive would be amazing! I mean, I just want to feel normal and not self-conscious about my hands in photos, you know? Anyone else have this issue or suggestions on how to whiten hands safely? Pls help!

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Doctors’ responses

When it comes to lightening the skin on your hands, a gentle, consistent approach is best to ensure you’re not irritating your skin. First, consider daily use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 on your hands. Sun exposure can cause darker pigmentation, so protecting your hands is crucial, especially when you’re outdoors gardening or doing any work outside. Try applying it at least 15 minutes before exposure and reapply every couple of hours. This habit will prevent further darkening and can gradually lighten existing pigmentation over time. Secondly, moisturizing is your best friend. Frequent handwashing and work-related activities can dry out your skin, making it look dull and uneven. A thick, fragrance-free moisturizer containing ingredients like glycerin or hyaluronic acid can help maintain your skin’s barrier and hydrate it. Look for products with niacinamide or licorice root extract, both are known for their gentle skin-brightening properties. Aim for at least two applications a day, more if you wash your hands frequently. Another option are mild exfoliants, such as products with low-concentration glycolic or lactic acid. These help remove dead skin cells, revealing newer, fresher skin, but start slowly by using it maybe once a week and see how your skin tolerates it. Avoid physical scrubbing like sugar and lemon, which can be too abrasive and potentially irritate your skin. If you’re considering over-the-counter creams, do a patch test on a small area to ensure you don’t react to it before applying widely. Lastly, given that chemical peels can be intense, it’s wise to reserve them for when simpler solutions haven’t worked and to seek guidance from a dermatologist for suitable options. Remember, the key to any treatment or home remedy is consistency and ensuring it fits into your skincare routine without overwhelming your skin.

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