I’m a whitening sceptic. That is to say, I don’t believe that any product out there can “whiten” your skin short of bleaching it. So, if you come across a product that claims to substantially lighten your skin after a short period of usage, I’d be very wary.
So, I believe instead in “brightening”. Skin brightening to me is where the product may lighten some pigmentation and make your skintone more even so your facial skin looks clearer. However, it will not turn black to white and if you are tanned, you should not expect to have lighter skin but you might expect a more even skin tone which might have the perception of having lighter toned skin. This is not a scientific dissertation by any means, just my thoughts so do feel free to agree/disagree at will ?
With this firmly in mind, I recently put 2 whitening products to the test - Lancome Blanc Expert Spot Eraser and Lancome Blanc Expert Whitening Cellulose Mask.
Lancome Blanc Expert Spot Eraser (RM315)
The Spot Eraser comes in a long tube and a pointed nozzle. The lotion is white and liquid and has a scent. I rather like it so I’m not fussed. I also liked how it felt on my skin.
The Spot Eraser is supposed to target the melanin and “kill” it at the “roots” so you have less pigmentation and freckles. It is a very targeted treatment skincare to reveal transparent “white” skin and is more effective on stubborn melanin spot. I have fair skin so pigmentation and freckles show though and makes the skin look blotchy some times. The Spot Eraser is supposed to tackle this problem on the spot.
However, I did not notice any real marked difference in the pigmentation level. I deliberately tested this on some very stubborn pigmentation areas but there was not much discernable lightening. That said, it too did not get worse and elsewhere on my face, my skin did look more even toned. With only 1 month’s use I reckon its too early to rant or rave at it (I always believe that whitening products work on a long term basis) so I’m quite ambivalent. The masks however I love love love! Lancome Blanc Expert Ultimate Whitening Bio-Cellulose Mask (RM250 for a box of 6)
The cellulose masks however are a totally different story. I seriously think these masks are awesome. They come in a box of 6 individually wrapped masks and are recommended to be used twice a week (after applying Spot Eraser). I use them once a week as a form of pampering especially since I’ve been having rough work days.
What I absolutely love about these sheet masks is the texture. Most of us are familiar with paper sheet masks - the pre-soaked paper or fibre sort that you open up and lay on your face. You’d be familiar with how they are too big/too small for your face or don’t adhere well to your skin.
These masks aren’t made of paper but a type of thick solid opaque cellulose material. It in fact feels slightly like a thick gel to the touch. I feel almost like the Man in the Iron Mask when I put these on - LOL!
Interestingly the masks come sandwiched between 2 sheets of open weave net that holds the mask in place. You open it up, remove one sheet, place the mask on your face, pat it in place as it adheres to your face like a second skin, then remove the other sheet. Then, lie back and relax for 10 minutes while the mask cools your face and infuses it with the serum. The thick gel mask really sticks to your face so you don’t have it flapping around like paper masks do even as it dries and it does not drip.
There is a typical Lancome fragrance which might bother some but does not bother me. I find it rather soothing. After 10-15 minutes, I remove the mask and slowly massage the balance of the serum into my skin. As for the mask, I don’t waste all that goodness - oh no! I fold it up and apply it to my neck and chest area until it dries up. Why waste a good thing? ?
After just one use, I found that my skin felt smooth, radiant and moisturised. I can tell because my pores looked distinctly smaller, my face had that cool firm plump feel to it, and my facial skin immediately looked more even toned and clearer. This effect lasted for at least 4 days by which time, it was nearly time for another session. At the rate I’m going, the box will last me about 6 weeks - bliss! I think I need more. ?
I had no reactions to the mask at all. Everything was fine and hunky dory! I’d use these masks not because it has whitening properties but because I love how plump and moisturized my skin looks after using it. RM250 a box isn’t cheap but when you consider that its spread out over nearly 2 months or more that’s not too bad.
So these are my 2 recent forays into the realm of whitening/brightening skincare. Not surprisingly, they are mostly found in Asia. I can see the Lancome Cellulose mask firmly entrenched in my regular skincare regime for the future.
Do you have a whitening skincare fave or do you use any whitening or brightening skincare?
Stay beautiful,
Paris B
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