- Why is it important to exfoliate when using lightening/brightening products?
Exfoliating dead skin is important to enhance your lightening results.
Cellular turnover (new healthy cell formation) slows down as we age giving the skin a dry, dull appearance, therefore a weekly exfoliating treatment is important to remove dead skin cells which allows lightening actives to penetrate much more effectively into the skin. Secondly, an exfoliating treatment smoothes and softens the texture of your skin, instantly restoring a luminous complexion. Add gentle SkinPolish Exfoliating Cream to your skincare regimen 1-2 times a week, always allowing 3-4 days between each use and you will see amazing lightening results. Use LightenUp Glycerin Bathing Bar Soap with lightening Papaya enzyme, Papain daily; its lightening and brightening properties are non-drying and non-irritating.
Caution: Too much exfoliation can dry and irritate the skin causing irritation and inflammation, resulting in darker skin and/or dark spots, especially for women and men of color.
2.Which lightening products are best suited for oily/acne prone skin?
Remember, that oily skin fares better with light textured products such as serums or gels. Try LightenUp PLUS Lightening Gel or Gold Intense Argan Oil Acive Serum. They’re absorbed much more efficiently, dry quickly and won’t clog pores. If you still get breakouts, try our BlemishLess™ Acne Kit, a 3-step Rapid Clarifying System which will unclog pores, kills acne bacteria and clarify skin.
3. Does Continental Laboratories do animal testing?
No, Continental Laboratories is proud to say that we do not engage in animal testing or use animal derived ingredients in our product line.
4. Do your lightening/brightening products contain sunscreen?
No, they do not. Continental Laboratories recommends using an additional sunscreen during the day to prevent dark spots from appearing and to maintain an even skin tone. No cosmetics should ever be used in place of a good broad spectrum sunscreen (broad spectrum means the sunscreen protects against UVA and UVB damage). In addition, moisturizers and foundations are absorbed by the skin, so they are by nature less effective at sitting on the skin’s surface as sunscreens do. Follow up with our SkinProtect SPF 50 Sunscreen in order to maintain even skin tone.
Common misconceptions: Men and women of color especially with darker skin, often believe that they do not need to use sunscreen, since they rarely complain of sun damage, however this is false. Dark skin also needs sunscreen protection from UV rays, especially when using any lightening or brightening skincare products.
5. I suffer from stubborn brown spots on my knuckles, knees and elbows. How can your lightening/brightening products help me lighten these areas?
Our lightening products are formulated with intense fading ingredients to specifically lighten these dark areas, resulting in an even skin tone. One of our favorites is “LightenUp Advanced Intense Spot Remover”. Follow up with a our SkinProtect SPF 50 Sunscreen daily, during and after treatment in order to maintain an even skin tone.
6. Do your lightening/brightening products work on a skin condition called, Melasma?
Yes, however melasma (often seen as dark brown patches) can take up to 6-8 months or more to completely fade dark discoloration which usually appears on areas such as lip, cheeks or forehead. If pregnant, nursing or if taking oral contraceptives and/ or experiencing hormonal changes it is highly recommended to avoid sun exposure. To restore a more even skin tone and a uniform complexion try our most effective lightening regimen called LightenUp Kit with Advance Unitone 4 Intense Fading Complex. Designed as a 3-step lightening and brightening system formulated with a combination of aggressive lightening/brightening ingredients like Hydroquinone, Kojic Acid, Exfoliant Glycolic Acid and potent anti-aging brightener Vitamin C. It is one of our best sellers and has become a favorite of the famous actor, Johnny Depp. The synergy of these 4 potent lightening ingredients fade dark spots and provide a clear, luminous complexion, leaving skin with a smooth even skin tone. Kit includes SkinProtect SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion for strong sun protection. Follow directions on package and you will have amazing results! Use sunscreen during and after lightening/brightening treatments as well as avoiding sun exposure. This will help to maintain effective results.
7. Are lightening/brightening products safe to use during pregnancy?
No, they are not safe to use during pregnancy or while nursing.
8. I would like to lighten my skin a few shades lighter. Which body lotion do you recommend to address this concern?
One of the strongest and a favorite of mine is the 7 Day LightenUp Lightening Body Lotion (for medium skin tones). It is our most aggressive lightening lotion for the body and should be used preferably at night. For darker skin tones try Miss White 14 Day Body Lotion Be sure to follow up with our SkinProtect SPF 50 Sunscreen daily, during and after treatment in daytime in order to avoid further pigmentation.
9. I’m using lightening products and my skin is getting darker instead of lighter. Are there any concerns I should be aware of during my usage of lightening products?
Absolutely, there are 3 reasons why the skin becomes darker during a lightening treatment.
The first reason and one of the biggest mistakes is using your lightening products during the day. When using lightening and brightening products in the morning it can make our skin very sensitive to sunlight, resulting in the skin becoming darker overtime.
The 2nd reason is not wearing sunscreen every morning. When using lightening and brightening products during the day it makes our skin very sensitive to sunlight therefore, use lightening products only at night. Using our SkinProtect SPF 50 Sunscreen every morning will prevent more dark spots from occurring and leave you with a glowing complexion. Use lightening products only at night.
The 3rd reason is over exfoliating. Too much exfoliation can dry and irritate the skin causing irritation and inflammation, and this inflammation in darker skin tones brings up melanin to the surface of the skin, causing the skin to become darker especially, for women and men of color.
Another concern is sun exposure while pregnant or while taking oral contraceptives or experiencing hormonal changes during menopause. As I mentioned earlier, both of these actions cause a reaction; Hormonal changes in the body photosensitize the skin and cause it to darken quicker, resulting in hyperpigmentation. It is best to avoid the sun during this time and wear our High SPF 50 sunscreen SkinProtect. This light textured sunscreen absorbs quickly and does not leave a white residue; wear daily, rain or shine!
10. Are lightening products with Hydroquinone safe?
Continental Laboratories’s lightening products contain Hydroquinone concentrations of 2%, the amount permitted by the FDA for over the counter products, therefore they are safe. Reputable associations of medical doctors and industry professionals believe that the benefits provided by Hydroquinone are significant and that the presently FDA permitted concentration is below that which may have contributed to prohibitions of products containing this ingredient in other countries such as Japan, Australia and Europe. When used as directed and in conjunction with sun protection, the long term benefits include a more radiant, youthful and healthy complexion.
Once results have been achieved, start a maintenance regimen with less aggressive lightening products such as BrightenUp PLUS Skin Brightening Cream which has been proven in studies by the very popular pharmaceutical company, Proctor and Gamble to be 4 times stronger than Hydroquinone. The combination of 3 potent lightening ingredients exhibit powerful melanin inhibiting properties, safely and effectively. For those consumers with oily skin try BrightenUp PLUS Brightening Serum.
11. I’m looking for a rich body Lotion that hydrates and provides a luminous body sheen?
Yelen Balancing Body Lotion is a rich textured body lotion formulated to improve clarity and radiance as its sweet and delectable scent lingers on your limbs upon application. Its subtle shimmer and rich nourishing properties restore deep moisture, providing skin with a soft, silky and smoothing effect.
12. I have dark skin and I read that wearing sunscreen is important when using lightening products? Is this necessary for dark skin tones?
Yes, most dark spots are triggered by the sun. Driving to work, sitting by a window or just walking or running outdoors is enough to cause dark spots, uneven skin tone and/or premature aging over time. Indoor lighting such as florescent and halogen bulbs can also break down collagen and cause the same aging as UVA. Continental Laboratories recommends using broad spectrum UVA & UVB high protection every day. This will help to maintain your results and protect your skin from premature aging. No matter what skin color, sunscreen is a must! Look for SPF 50 SkinProtect Sunscreen. UVA rays penetrates through clouds and comes through car windows as you drive.
Must –know facts
95% of skin aging changes are caused by sun exposure and most of the skin damage is attributed to UVA (aging rays) compared to UVB (burning rays).Long wavelength UVA, which comprises the vast majority of UV rays is very close in wavelength to visible light. A simple rule of thumb: when you are outside in daytime, you should protect against UVA even if the sun isn’t hot or doesn’t shine. UVA comes through car windows and windshield as you drive.
What is the difference between UVA / UVB?
13. Why does brown skin scar so easily?
Brown skin contains more melanin (dark pigment) than fair skin and is more vulnerable to irritation. “Melanocytes”(cells that make melanin) are located in the upper layers of the skin and tend to become more reactive in darker skin. When dark skin is exposed to any type of irritation such as scratching, acne, injury, ingrown hair, poor laser treatments or too much sun exposure, more melanin is released, causing dark brown spots to appear on the surface of the skin.
14. I have an oily complexion with large pores and my skin is always shiny. How can I hide these imperfections and control the shine?
PoreFree MakeUp Primer instantly absorbs oil and mattifies shine. It is often used to hide skin imperfections such as large pores, providing skin with a silky smooth and even matt finish. One of our favorites! Available in 3 shades; light, medium and dark.
15. How do I know Fair and White products are not counterfeit?
Continental Laboratories continues to protect our brands by addressing damaging effects of counterfeit products by routinely monitoring online and in-store retailers with the help of private investigators researching throughout the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.
16. Can an exfoliating soap harm my complexion ?
Yes, do not use exfoliating soap more than 2 times a week. Most exfoliating bar soaps are too harsh and can cause skin damage. The skin on the face is very delicate and some exfoliating soaps are too aggressive for the face, causing the skin to become dry and irritated which results in inflammation. This action causes melanin to rise to the surface of the skin, making the skin darker especially for consumers with dark skin tones. As for exfoliating the body, exfoliating soaps can be used 4-5 times a week. If you like soaps try, LightenUp Glycerin Bathing Bar that can be used daily. Try our exfoliating cream treatment, Fair and White Gold Sugar Exfoliator, 1-2 times a week only, always leaving 3 to 4 days between treatments.
17. How fast can I expect to see lightening results?
Lightening/brightening skincare is formulated to work on all types of skin as well as different ethnicities. Of course results vary; most see a dramatic improvement within 2 -3 weeks. Others with darker skin may see results in 4-6 weeks. If no improvement is seen after 4-10 weeks, discontinue product usage.
18 Why are lightening/brightening skincare products recommended mostly for night-time use?
Lightening products are recommended preferably for night-time use because using lightening/brightening skincare during the day makes the skin more sensitive to sunlight, resulting in more brown spots, uneven skin tone and wrinkling over time. Thus, following up with a minimum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen every morning will help to maintain an even skin tone and prevent further skin discoloration. Try our Isispharma sunscreen (for dryer skin types) or SPF 50 SkinProtect sunscreen (a lighten texture for normal to oily skin that will not leave a white residue.
19. I have problems with acne spots (scarring). Will lightening/brightening products help to lighten these spots?
Yes, but it is important to not pick at pimples because this will often leave unattractive scarring and black skin is much more prone to keloids (scar tissue caused by trauma). And consistently following a lightening/brightening regimen is extremely important to achieve effective results in fading acne scars. After a few weeks of everyday usage, dark marks will appear less noticeable, resulting in a lighter, more even skin tone. Try our aggressive LightenUp Advance Spot Remover, a 3-step lightening/brightening regimen formulated to fade dark acne spots, restoring an even skin tone as it brightens the complexion. Be sure to follow up with our SPF 50 SkinProtect Sunscreen (included in kit -a light texture for normal to oily skin that will not leave a white residue.)It absorbs and dries quickly and will not clog pores.
20. How long before I see clarifying results when using your Acne Blemishless Kit?
You should see a difference in 7-10 days. Some people see a difference in 4-5 days. It’s important to follow directions & keep using until an improvement is seen. For best results, use all three products everyday as the ingredients have been formulated to work together. It is not advisable to use other acne products during this time as the scientific balance will not be right. Mixing will create an imbalance (a negative effect) so the products will not work as well. Remember, consistency is the key.
21. What is the best way to eliminate razor bumps?
The first step to eliminate razor rash or ingrown hairs is to cleanse with an anti-inflammatory wash like Blemishless Foaming Gel Cleanser which cleanses and calms irritated prone skin as well as dissolve excess oil and unclog pores without over-drying the skin. Follow-up with Fair & W Anti-Bump Lotion twice a day to instantly heal and eliminate razor rash, bumps and irritated prone skin. Any of these treatments can be applied on the back of the arms, legs or bikini area where rash or ingrown hairs may occur.
22. What can I use to lighten dark discoloration under my arms, bikini area and other intimate areas that is safe and effective? Can you recommend a gentle lightening product for these sensitive areas?
Yes, our Gentle Intimates Lightening Serum is designed to fade dark sensitive areas with safe and effective lightening properties. It gently absorbs and dries quickly with no mess. Uniquely developed for today’s body conscious men and women who want to enhance skin’s appearance in the privacy and comfort of their home.
23. Can you recommend Hydroquinone FREE brightening/lightening products?
Yes, some of our best sellers are F and W High Performance GOLD AHA Brightening Cream and GOLD AHA Brightening Body Lotion. BrightenUp PLUS Skin Brightening Cream or BrightenUp PLUS Brightening Serum.
Other popular Fair and White Hydroquinone FREE products consist of Exclusive Glycerin with pure vitamin C, – Original AHA Lightening Cream (contains AHA Glycolic Acid and natural Bearberry Extract)and Original AHA Body Lotion (contains gentle AHA Lactic Acid).
Any of these products are excellent choices as a maintenance regimen to maintain an even skin tone. Remember to always follow up with an SPF 50 or higher daily, during and after brightening/lightening treatments in order to avoid further pigmentation.
24. I have dark stubborn spots on my legs. What is the best lightening treatment to address these skin concerns?
Try LightenUp 7 Day Lightening Body Lotion (for medium skin tones) & Miss White 14 Day Body Lotion (for dark skin tones) high performance body lotions formulated in a sensual emulsion and designed to illuminates dull uneven skin tone as they aggressively fade brown spots, lighten skin imperfections and prevent new spots from forming. Freshly scented lightening body lotions absorb quickly and provide a smoothing effect, leaving skin soft, silky and even toned.
25. How do I determine my skin type?
Choosing the right skincare product for your type of skin matters!
If you don’t know your skin type, follow my tips below.
-step 1
cleanse and dry your face and leave it bare for 2 hours.
step 2
press a piece of blotting paper against your nose.
if there is no oil, tightness or flakes, your skin is normal.
if there is no oil but your skin feels tight then you have dry skin.
if there is oil on your nose and cheeks, you have oily skin.
if you have oil on your nose but not your cheeks, then you have combination skin.
26. How do I know which product is best for my type of skin?
Oily Skin –we recommend serums or gels which are light and refreshing, won’t clog pores, fast absorbing.
Normal/Oily Skin – we recommend gels, creams or serums – lightly hydrating without feeling greasy. Lotions are best applied to the body. (The skin on the body is thicker than the skin on the face.)
Dry/Sensitive Skin – we recommend creams –acreamy texture, with very hydrating properties, prevents drying, irritation and flaking.
27. Which Fair and White products do not contain Hydroquinone?
Exclusive line -Hydroquinone FREE products consist of Exclusive Silky Gel, Exclusive Anti-Bump Lotion, Exclusive Glycerin with pure Vitamin “C” and Exclusive Purifying Lotion with pure Vitamin “C”.
Original line –Hydroquinone FREE products consist of Original AHA Brightening Cream and Original AHA Body Lotion
So White line – Hydroquinone FREE products consist of products-that don’t say “Skin Perfector.
( In other words, only So White products that read Skin Perfector, have hydroquinone.)
All LightenUp PLUS products have Hydroquinone.
All BrightenUp PLUS products DO NOT have Hydroquinone.
For skin concerns questions, call +966 12 649 3608