Actually, accepting and being proud of your appearance is indeed the best step. However, there are various reasons that encourage you to want brighter skin. Apart from that, people have been trying to lighten their skin all this time. Unfortunately, while you can even out your skin tone, there is no recommended method for naturally fairer skin. Home remedies have not proven successful, and some methods are even dangerous. However, you are still in luck! There are several over-the-counter creams that can be used to lighten dark areas of skin, and you can also try a professional treatment by visiting a dermatologist's clinic. With these options, you can safely lighten your skin.
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Method 1 of 4: Choosing a Cream for Freckles or Dark Areas
There are a variety of skin whitening creams and lotions available in the market, so it can be confusing to choose an effective product. Luckily, it's easier for you to choose a product when you know what to look for. You can get such creams without a prescription from the pharmacy. Usually, lightening creams are only formulated and used for small areas (eg age spots). Always make sure you ask a dermatologist about the safety of the cream before using it on larger areas of skin.
Step 1. Reduce melanin using kojic acid
Kojic acid or kojic acid can treat a variety of skin problems, including pigmentation. Buy creams that contain these ingredients to try to lighten your skin. These products are usually available without a prescription.
- The main side effects of kojic acid are minor dermatitis and skin irritation.
- Kojic acid also makes the skin more susceptible to sunburn. Therefore, be wary of sun exposure after using kojic acid products.
Step 2. Use a retinoid cream to fight hyperpigmentation
Retinoid creams are a popular product for treating a variety of skin problems, such as age spots and wrinkles. This product can also lighten dark skin areas and maintain healthy skin. You can buy retinoid creams to lighten the skin.
- You can also get a stronger dose of retinoid cream by prescription from a dermatologist.
- Retinoid creams can cause dryness and redness, as well as peeling of the areas of skin covered with cream.
Step 3. Make sure the cream you are using does not contain mercury
Some skin lightening creams contain mercury, and this is certainly dangerous. Exposure to mercury can lead to kidney problems, as well as damage to vision and hearing. Avoid products containing mercury by checking their composition and observing the following signs.
- If one of the cream ingredients is calomel, cinnabar, hydrargyri oxydum rubrum, or quicksilver, the product contains mercury.
- If there is a warning on the label/package telling you to keep the product away from silver, gold, or aluminum items, as well as jewelry, there is a possibility that the product contains mercury.
Step 4. Use hydroquinone to lighten dark spots
Hydroquinone is a popular skin whitening agent and can inhibit melanin production. This substance is contained in a variety of over-the-counter skin lightening creams. Try buying a cream or lotion that contains 2% hydroquinone to see how effective it is on your skin.
- Some doctors advise against using hydroquinone because it is associated with some side effects such as darkening of the skin color or excessive whitening of the skin. In general, doctors say that hydroquinone levels below 4% are safe to use. However, make sure you exercise caution and always ask a dermatologist before using hydroquinone cream.
- The lightening effect of hydroquinone is temporary so you need to use the cream on an ongoing basis. The skin will also darken again when exposed to sunlight, so make sure you always use sunscreen before going outside.
- Hydroquinone products usually give results within 4 weeks.
Method 2 of 4: Using the Cream Properly
After choosing the desired cream, its use is quite easy. First, always check the instructions for use to make sure you are using the product properly. Follow the steps described to lighten the skin using an over-the-counter cream.
Step 1. Test the cream on a small area of skin first
Before using it, make sure you don't have any allergies or sensitivities to the cream. Apply a small amount of cream on a small area of skin and wait for a few minutes. Check for skin redness or irritation. If the skin condition looks good, you can apply the cream on other parts of the skin.
If the skin shows a negative reaction, do not use the cream
Step 2. Apply a thin layer of cream on the skin you want to lighten
Dispense a small amount of cream onto a finger or cotton swab. After that, rub it on the dark spots on the skin.
- Avoid using the cream in the area around the nose, eyes, or mouth.
- Keep in mind that creams like these are formulated for small dark spots or areas, not larger areas of skin. Ask a dermatologist first if the cream is safe to use on larger areas of skin.
Step 3. Wash your hands after using the cream
This is important to do so that the fingers or other parts of the skin are not illuminated.
Even if you use a cotton swab, it's a good idea to keep washing your hands if you accidentally apply lotion to your hands
Step 4. Don't let anyone touch the creamed area of your skin for several hours
Whitening creams can lift off the skin and hit other people's skin, causing their skin to lighten inadvertently. Allow the cream to soak into the skin for a few hours before you come into contact with other people.
Step 5. Continue daily treatment for 3-4 months
Skin lightening creams usually don't work quickly, so you'll still need regular treatments. Keep using the cream every day and let the cream work for 3-4 months.
- In general, if you haven't noticed a difference in 3 months, talk to a dermatologist for further advice.
- If you see other instructions on the product, follow them.
Method 3 of 4: Brighten Skin with Laser Treatment
Some over-the-counter creams can lighten the skin, but they are not guaranteed to be effective or to work. Fortunately, you still have a few other options or methods. Talk to a dermatologist about skin lightening procedures. The most common procedure is laser treatment to reduce melanin in the skin. A dermatologist can perform this procedure and lighten your skin tone.
Step 1. Visit a dermatologist to discuss a skin lightening procedure
Skin lightening treatments, including laser treatments, can be done in a dermatologist's office or clinic. Make an appointment and discuss the right procedure for your condition.
The dermatologist may perform a small test to make sure you are not sensitive to the laser. The doctor will expose a small piece of skin to the laser and you will be asked to wait a few weeks to see if that part of the skin shows a reaction. Otherwise, laser treatment can be done safely
Step 2. Have a laser treatment session
This treatment is quite simple. The dermatologist will point the laser device at the skin for 30-60 minutes to destroy the melanin in the skin. The doctor may also use a jet of cold air to cool the skin during the procedure. After the treatment is complete, you can go home and restore your skin condition.
- During treatment, the skin may feel burning or stinging. These reactions are normal, but tell your doctor if your skin feels very sore or sore.
- Dermatologists can use anesthetic creams to numb the skin and relieve pain or soreness.
Step 3. Follow the follow-up care instructions for two weeks after the procedure
Lasers can damage the skin so after treatment, you may experience redness, bruising, and inflammation. This reaction is normal and usually disappears within two weeks. While waiting for the skin to heal, gently clean the treated area daily with a non-perfumed soap and water, then apply aloe vera gel or Vaseline to encourage skin healing. Do not pluck or scratch an existing wound. As long as you follow the follow-up care instructions, your skin will recover quickly and show a brighter color.
- You can also take pain medication to reduce pain.
- Always follow the dermatologist's specific follow-up care instructions.
Method 4 of 4: Trying Potential Home Treatments
You may have seen or read various home care tips for skin lightening from the internet. Unfortunately, most of these treatments don't work. The best step you can take is to limit sun exposure so that your skin doesn't darken. In addition, another best step that can be taken is to discuss skin care with a dermatologist.
Step 1. Use sunscreen every time you leave your home or go outdoors
This step does not necessarily lighten the skin tone, but it can prevent darkening and skin damage. Every time you go outside, make sure you use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 to protect your skin and prevent darkening of the skin.
It is important for you to use sunscreen, especially when undergoing treatment with whitening creams because these creams make the skin more sensitive to sun exposure
Step 2. Avoid exposure to sunlight during the day
The strength of the sunburn usually reaches its peak between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. This means that you will be exposed to a lot of light when you leave the room or go outside during these hours. As much as possible, stay indoors during these hours and make sure you use sunscreen if you have to go outside.
If you must leave the room during these hours, stay in the shade as much as possible
Step 3. Do not follow or undergo unverified home skin lightening treatments
If you search the internet for skin lightening tips, you may find a range of whitening products or kits to mixtures such as lemon juice, yogurt, or even bleach. Such tips are not proven and some are actually harmful to health. If you want to lighten your skin tone, the best thing you can do is talk to a dermatologist for professional treatment.
Medical Overview
If you are looking for natural ways to lighten your skin, you are not alone. Unfortunately, there are no recommended home remedies to get fair skin. Fortunately, there are still many options if you want to lighten your skin tone. Some over-the-counter lightening creams can have the desired effect if you use them properly (and of course, discuss using the product with your dermatologist first). If that doesn't work, some procedures or treatments provided by a dermatologist can give you the results you want. However, instead of trying to drastically change your physical appearance, try to accept your skin color as it is and be proud of yourself.
