FAQs
1.Why is it important to exfoliate when using lightening/brightening products?
Exfoliating is important to brighten your skin and to enhance your lightening results. As the skin ages, the normal production of new skin cells slows down giving the skin a 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 our SoWhite! Exfoliating Cream to your skincare regimen and use 1-2 times a week only, always allowing 3-4 days between each treatment. On opposite nights use a gentle cleansing bar like our Fair & White Natural Plant based Tradition Soaps.These Tradition Soaps are available in a variety of refreshing and nourishing botanicals; Milk , Lavender, Rose, Shea or Honey, packaged in beautiful metal tins.. These cleansing bars are known for their soothing and calming a benefits. Or if it is more convenient, use our shea butter bar. If you have oily skin and like soaps, try LightenUp Glycerin Bathing Bar formulated with lightening Papaya enzyme to promote a luminous skin tone. All of these soaps are non -exfoliating soaps, non – drying –non –irritating. They can be found on fairandwhite.com
Caution: Too much exfoliation can dry and irritate the skin causing irritation and inflammation, resulting in darker skin overtime, especially for women and men of color.
2. Which lightening treatments are best suited for oily/acne prone skin?
Remember, that oily skin fares better with light textured products such as serums or gels. Try SoWhite! Skin Perfector Gel. It absorbs and dries quickly and won’t clog pores. For acne breakouts, cleanse with Fair and White Original anti-bacterial Black Soap and follow –up with Fair and White Original Dermapure Purifying Toner. It will absorb oil and unclog pores. Use am and pm.
3. Does Mitchell Group do animal testing?
No, Mitchell Group 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. Mitchell Group 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.
Common misconceptions: Men and women of color especially with darker skin tones, 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. Try our aggressive SoWhite! Skin Perfector Body Lotion it provides excellent lightening results to dark stubborn brown spots on specific areas such as elbows, knees, knuckles and feet, apply twice a day. It is a must to follow up with a sunscreen of at least an SPF 50 or higher daily, during and after treatment in order to maintain an even skin tone.
*****in order to maintain an even skin tone, avoid the sun at all times during a lightening treatment. One of our favorites, is Fair and White Exclusive SPF 50 OR GOLD SPF 50 sunscreen which you can find on fairandwhite.com and or/ newyorkfairandlovely.com
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 and it usually appears on areas such as upper lip, cheeks or forehead. Melasma can be caused by pregnancy, 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 acquire a uniform complexion try our most effective lightening regimen, Fair and White GOLD Brightening Kit. Designed as a 3-step lightening and brightening system it is 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 for acne treatment or Melasma. 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 GOLD SPF 50 Sunscreen Cream 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 is the strongest to address a much lighter skin tone?
A favorite of mine is the Original Body Clearing Milk. It is our most aggressive lightening lotion for face or body and should be used preferably at night. Be sure to follow up with SPF 50 Fair and White GOLD sunscreen daily, during and after lightening treatments in order to avoid further pigmentation. fairandwhite.com
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.
One of the biggest mistakes is using your lightening products during the day, (lightening/brightening products make the skin sensitive to sunlight) therefore it can result in the skin becoming darker overtime. The 2nd reason is not wearing sunscreen every morning to protect even skin tone.
The 3rd reason is over exfoliating with exfoliating soaps. “.
Another concern is sun exposure while taking oral contraceptives or experiencing hormonal changes during menopause. As I mentioned earlier, ALL of these actions cause a reaction; During these hormonal changes, the sun makes the skin sensitive to sunlight and causes it to darken quicker, resulting in hyperpigmentation. It is best to avoid the sun during this time and continue wearing a high SPF 50 or higher. This light textured sunscreenabsorbs quickly and does not leave a white residue; use Fair and White GOLD SPF 50 sunscreen protection, daily, rain or shine! Can be found on fairandwhite.com
10. Are lightening products with Hydroquinone safe?
Mitchell Group’s lightening products with Hydroquinone use 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 Brightening products such as F&W GOLD AHA Brightening Cream for your complexion and GOLD AHA Brightening Lotion for your body.
11. I’m looking for a rich body Lotion that hydrates and provides a luminous body sheen?
Gold Revitalizing Body Lotion formulated with nourishing Almond Shea butter (500ml) or GOLD Maxi Tone Lotion formulated with Glycerin and Vitamin E are both rich textured body lotions formulated to improve clarity and radiance as its sweet and delectable scent lingers on your limbs upon application. Its rich nourishing properties restore deep moisture, providing skin with a soft, silky and smoothing even, glowing skin tone. Fairandwhite.com
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 rays. Mitchell group recommends using broad spectrum UVA & UVB high protection sunscreen 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 Fair and White GOLD SPF 50 sunscreen. fairandwhite.com
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.
13. What is the difference between UVA / UVB?
UVA rays are constant during daytime hours.
UVA rays are responsible for wrinkles and aging skin.
UVB rays are responsible for sunburns.
UVA & UVB rays are responsible for pigmentation / brown spots.
14. 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, picking at pimples, facial injury, ingrown hair, poor laser treatments or sun damage, more melanin is released, causing dark brown scars to appear on the surface of the skin.
15. I have an oily complexion with large pores and my skin is always shiny. How can I hide these imperfections and control the shine?
Using the correct texture of lightening products for your skin type such as gels orserums which are best for your skin type. It will allow the active ingredients to penetrate your skin more effectively and provide visible brightening and lightening results, without leaving your skin feeling oily. To absorb and maintain oil production, use our Fair and White Dermapure Purifying Facial Toner & Fair and White So White Purifying Mask with Clay. See # 25 to determine your correct skin type.
16. How do I know FAIR & White products are not counterfeit?
Mitchell Group 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.
17. Are exfoliating soaps recommended during a lightening and brightening treatment?
Yes, but not more than 2 times a week. Most exfoliating soaps are too harsh for the face If used too often, the skin becomes dry and irritated, which results in inflammation. This action causes melanin to rise to the surface of the skin, making the skin darker. As for exfoliating the body, exfoliating soaps can be used 3-4 times a week. If you like soaps try, Exclusive Exfoliating Whitenizer Bar for normal to oily skin types. And use any of our F&W Tradition Soaps on opposite nights. You can find it on newyorkfairandlovely.com
18. 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.
19. Why are lightening/brightening skincare products recommended mostly for nighttime use?
Lightening products are recommended preferably for nighttime use because using lightening/brightening skincare during the day makes the skin more sensitive to sunlight, resulting in darker skin, uneven skin tone and wrinkling over time. Thus, following up with a minimum SPF 30 or SPF 50 sunscreen every morning will help to maintain an even skin tone and prevent further skin discoloration. Try Fair and White SPF 50 GOLD Sunscreen (it has a lighten texture for normal to oily skin that will not leave a white residue). fairandwhite.com
20. I have problems with acne 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 F&W Intense Castor Oil Lotion on face or body to fade dark acne spots, restoring an even skin tone as it brightens the complexion. Be sure to follow up with our Fair & White SPF 50 Gold Sunscreen Cream (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. fairandwhite.com
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 with Black soap 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 & White Original Purifying Dermapure Toner twice a day to instantly heal and eliminate razor rash, bumps, ingrown hairs and irritated prone skin. And follow up with Fair & White Exclusive Glycerin with Vitamin “C” at night to fade dark spots and brighten skin. These treatments are unisex and can be applied on the back of the arms, legs or bikini area where rash or ingrown hairs may occur. Look for these products on fairandwhite.com
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?
LightenUp Clarifying Gel 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. fairandwhite.com
23. Can you recommend Hydroquinone FREE brightening/lightening products?
Yes, one of our best sellers is the Fair and White Original AHA Brightening Cream (orange box) and Fair and White Original AHA Brightening Body Lotion (orange bottle) Other popular Fair and White Hydroquinone FREE products are; Exclusive Glycerin with pure Vitamin C, Fair & White GOLD AHA Brightening Body Lotion & GOLD AHA Brightening Cream. Any of these products are excellent choices as a maintenance regimen to maintain an even skin tone. Remember to always follow up with Fair and White GOLD SPF 50 Sunscreen daily, during and after brightening/lightening treatments in order to avoid further pigmentation. fairandwhite.com
24. I have dark stubborn spots on my legs. What is the best lightening treatment to address these skin concerns?
Try NEW Miss White 7- Day Body Lotion for lighter skin tones & Miss White 14- Day Body Lotion for medium to dark skin tones. This is a high performance body lotion formulated in a rich texture and designed to illuminate dull uneven skin tone as it aggressively fades stubborn brown spots. And it will lighten skin imperfections and prevent new spots from forming. Freshly scented, Miss White absorbs quickly and provides a smoothing effect, leaving skin soft, silky and even toned. fairandwhite.com
25. What is your best anti-oxidant/ anti-aging product to sooth a sunburned complexion?
Exclusive Purifying Lotion with Vitamin C It promotes a glowing complexion.
26. 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.
27. 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.
28. Is Fair and White Cream Safe To Use?
Our entire product line has been clinically tested and follows United States FDA, Health Canada, India FDA, Ghana FDA and Nigeria FDA regulations. Fair and White USA is headquartered in Miami, FL. We have laboratories in France (where it was originally founded) that continuously deliver cutting-edge formulas which are rigorously tested in clinical and laboratory trials to ensure product effectiveness and safety.
Hydroquinone has been sold since the 1800’s. Both Health Canada and the US FDA considered restricting its use and decided not to ban the ingredient but rather regulate it. Concerns related to hydroquinone went through the proper review process and it was decided that the benefits in treating discoloration and conditions such as melasma cannot be replaced or substituted.
For skin concerns questions, call 1-888-726-6211