If you want fairer skin, using natural ingredients can lighten your skin to some degree without the harsh side effects that can occur with chemical whitening products. Simple actions such as avoiding the sun will also prevent darkening of the skin. No magic potion will lighten skin more than a level or two, so have realistic expectations. And most importantly, remember that dark skin is beautiful too.
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Method 1 of 3: Using Natural Lightener
Step 1. Apply the lemon water solution
Lemon juice has been used for thousands of years as a natural skin lightener. Lemon contains acids that lighten the skin and exfoliate the top layer of darker skin cells. Since pure lemon juice can irritate the skin, make a lemon juice solution by mixing one part lemon juice with one part water. Take a cotton ball and apply the solution on your skin. Let stand for 15 minutes, then wash with warm water.
- Limit the use of lemon solution to two to three times a week. Applying it too often can cause skin irritation. Use a moisturizer after washing because lemon juice can dry out the skin.
- You should start seeing results after three to four weeks of using it several times a week. Since lemon juice does not provide an instant brightening effect, it is the most effective natural remedy available.
- Be careful if you ever try to apply any type of citrus juice on your face. Phytophotodermatitis can occur due to a reaction between UV light and photosynthetic chemicals found in citrus fruits. While it's okay to use lemon juice on your skin, you should wash it thoroughly before leaving the house.
Step 2. Soak in lemon milk
For a full body brightening treatment, start by filling the tub with warm water. Pour one glass of fat milk and squeeze the juice of one lemon into the bath. Stir the water mixture until the milk and lemon are evenly mixed in the tub. Soak for 12 minutes, then rinse your body with clean water.
- The milk in this bath water contains enzymes that gently lighten the skin. Milk also moisturizes the skin, countering the drying properties of lemon juice.
- Try a milk bath once a week, you can definitely see the results after a month or so.
Step 3. Make a yogurt honey mask
Like milk, yogurt contains enzymes that gently lighten the skin. Honey has anti-bacterial and moisturizing properties. When combined, these two ingredients can be a useful mask. Mix one part honey and one part yogurt, then apply this mixture on your face and body. Let stand for 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
- Make sure you use plain, unsweetened yogurt. Yogurt is sweet or has a very sticky taste.
- Instead of honey, try mashing avocado or using aloe vera. Both of these ingredients have an amazing moisturizing effect.
Step 4. Try a lightening paste
For a more concentrated benefit, try making a thick paste using natural ingredients that help brighten skin. Apply the paste on a freshly cleansed face, let it sit for 15 minutes, then wash it off with warm water. Here are two natural lightening pasta recipes:
- Gram flour paste. Pour cup of gram flour in a bowl. Add enough milk or lemon juice to make a thick paste.
- Turmeric paste. Pour 1 tablespoon of turmeric into a bowl. Add enough milk or lemon juice to make a thick paste.
Method 2 of 3: Knowing What to Avoid
Step 1. Do not use bleach or other harmful chemicals on your skin
There are a number of dangerous myths floating around about bleach, ammonia, and household cleaning products being used on skin to make it whiter. These chemicals are very harmful to the skin, and can cause long-term damage. Damaged skin actually looks darker, so using these chemicals will end up with the opposite result than you want. Avoid.
Step 2. Don't be swayed by false beauty standards
There's nothing wrong with using a safe ingredient like lemon juice to lighten your skin a bit, but don't aim to completely change your skin tone from its natural state. Instead of trying to get a different skin tone, it's better to accept yourself as you are. If you were born with dark skin, embrace your beauty, and don't let others tell you to change it.
- Many women around the world follow a beauty standard that favors light skin over darker ones. While many other women are taking big strides towards getting darker skin, paying for a bed tan and the risk of skin cancer getting darker is a few notches. Doesn't make sense, right?
- When it comes to having beautiful skin, the most important thing you can do is to keep your skin healthy. The skin is the largest organ of the body, and deserves maximum attention. Eat well, stay hydrated, exfoliate and moisturize your skin to keep it healthy and glowing.
Method 3 of 3: Changing Habits for Brighter Skin
Step 1. Exfoliate your skin
The buildup of dead skin cells on the surface of the skin can make the skin look a bit dull. To brighten your skin, it is important to exfoliate regularly. One great way to exfoliate your skin is to use a scrub made from sugar or salt. When showering, wet your skin and rub the scrub in circular motions all over your body. This way you can "polish" your skin until it has a healthy glow.
- To exfoliate your face, use a finer facial scrub. Oatmeal or almond powder has exfoliating properties that won't damage delicate facial skin.
- Using a dry brush to brush off dead skin cells from your body is another good exfoliating method. Look for a brush made of natural fibers, and brush your body before showering.
Step 2. Keep skin moist
Keeping the skin moisturized will prevent the formation of dead skin cells and shed them very quickly. For brighter skin, apply moisturizer every day after bathing. Choose a gentle moisturizer that doesn't contain alcohol, as alcohol can dry out your skin.
- Coconut oil is a great moisturizer to keep skin glowing and youthful. Apply coconut oil on your hands and feet after bathing. Wait ten minutes for the oil to absorb into the skin before dressing.
- Jojoba oil also has moisturizing properties and is great for the skin. Olive oil and almond oil can work wonders too.
Step 3. Limit your exposure to the sun
It's hard to stay out of the sun every day, but exposure to the sun darkens your skin. But you don't need to lock yourself up indoors, just give your skin more time to prepare your skin for sun exposure before going out for the day. To prevent your skin from getting too dark, take the following precautions:
- Use a high SPF sunscreen. SPF 30 or above is best, as a lower SPF still allows the sun's rays to darken the skin. Reapply if needed.
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat. This will prevent the sun's rays from hitting your face, and protect your neck and shoulders.
- Wear long sleeves and long pants. During the summer, choose fabrics that are cool and light so you don't overheat.
- Be careful not to avoid the sun completely. Your body depends on the sun to produce vitamin D, which is essential for healthy bones and other vital functions.
Tips
- You can also apply a mashed tomato on your face and leave it for 20 minutes.
- Do not avoid the sun completely. Sunlight has harmful ultraviolet waves, but it also helps the body produce Vitamin D.
- Applying this mixture every night alternately can lighten your skin tone dramatically. Don't forget to fully protect your skin from direct sun exposure during the day to avoid darkening the skin.
- Drink lots of water! Wear sunscreen.
- Apply a paste of apple cider vinegar and flour twice a week. This will definitely help brighten your skin.
