Many people strive to achieve a skin tone that looks brighter and healthier. Learning the basics of proper daily skin care will help your skin stay bright and firm, while there are many scientifically proven skin lightening products available. If you want more choices, there are many skin treatments that you can do using natural ingredients.
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Method 1 of 3: Using Proven Effective Products and Treatments
Step 1. Try using a skin lightening cream
Today, there are lots of skin lightening creams in beauty product stores. All of these creams work by reducing melanin (the pigment that causes darker skin tone) in the skin.
- Look for products that contain effective skin lightening ingredients such as kojic acid, glycolic acid, alpha hydroxy acid, vitamin C or arbutin.
- These products tend to be fairly safe to use, but be sure to follow the directions on the package and discontinue use immediately if your skin shows an adverse reaction.
- Never use skin lightening creams that contain mercury as an active ingredient. Mercury-based skin creams are banned in America, but are still available in other countries.
Step 2. Use a retinoid cream
Retinoid creams are made of acid formed from Vitamin A and can effectively lighten the skin by exfoliating and accelerating cell turnover.
- Retinoid creams not only brighten the skin and eliminate skin discoloration, they are also very effective at smoothing fine lines and wrinkles, tightening the skin and making it look brighter and younger. At higher concentrations, this cream can also help get rid of acne.
- Retinoid creams can cause dry, red, and cracked skin on initial use, but these symptoms will subside once the skin gets used to the product. Retinoids also make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so you should only use them at night and make sure to use sunscreen during the day.
- Retinoids are only available by prescription, so you should make an appointment with a dermatologist if you are interested in this treatment. However, you can also buy a lower-containing version of retinoid cream, known as retinol, at many beauty supply stores.
Step 3. Perform a chemical peel procedure
Chemical peels can be very effective in lightening skin tone. This treatment process works by burning the top layer of skin that has high pigment or discoloration, and revealing the skin layer underneath that is fresher and lighter in color.
- With a chemical peel, substances that contain acids (such as alpha hydroxy acids) are applied to the skin and left for 5 to 10 minutes. This peeling may cause an itchy, stinging or burning sensation on the skin, which can often leave redness or swelling of the skin over the next few days.
- A series of chemical peel treatments (done over 2 to 4 weeks separately) is usually recommended. During the treatment period, you need to avoid the sun and be careful by using sunscreen, because your skin will be very sensitive.
Step 4. Try the microdermabrasion procedure
Microdermabrasion is a good alternative for people who have sensitive skin to chemical peels and whitening creams. Basically, microdermabrasion exfoliates or "glosses" the skin, removing a dull, dark layer of skin and leaving skin brighter and fresher.
- During the treatment, a small suction device closed with a rotating diamond-shaped tip is applied to the face. Dead skin cells will be lifted and sucked into this tool.
- This treatment usually lasts between 15 and 20 minutes. To obtain satisfactory results, you need to do 6 to 12 treatments.
- Some people may experience some redness or dry skin after treatment, but in general microdermabrasion has fewer side effects than other treatment procedures.
Method 2 of 3: Doing Daily Skin Care
Step 1. Use sunscreen every day
Sunburn can cause a lot of damage to your skin tone, from dark spots and tan to serious sunburn and skin cancer. If you want a brighter skin tone, you have to take care of it properly, by using a sunscreen with a high Sun Protection Factor (SPF) level.
- When your skin is exposed to UVA and UVB rays, your body produces melanin which makes your skin look darker. Therefore, the most important thing you can do to brighten your skin is to use sunscreen every day when you are outside, including when it is not too hot or sunny.
- You can also protect your skin by wearing light, long-sleeved clothing and wearing a hat and sunglasses when you are out in the sun for long periods of time.
Step 2. Clean and scrub your skin regularly
Taking good care of the skin requires a solid skincare routine, in which the skin must be properly cleansed, scrubbed, and moisturized.
- Clean your face twice a day, once in the morning and once at night. This process removes dirt and oil, which are essential for a healthier and brighter skin tone.
- Moisturize your face with a product that suits your skin type. If you have oily and acne-prone skin, you should use a more liquid lotion, while people with very dry skin should use a thicker lotion.
Step 3. Do a skin scrub twice a week
This process is important because it can exfoliate the darker dead skin cells and reveal a new, brighter layer of skin. You can scrub your skin using a product that contains small particles, or by gently scrubbing your face with a clean, damp cloth.
Step 4. Drink more water and follow healthy diet instructions
Drinking water and eating right won't make your skin glow instantly, but it will definitely help renew your skin cells.
- As skin cells begin to renew, the old skin layer will fade and the new skin layer will be visible, thus making your skin look brighter and healthier. Drinking more water will speed up this process, so aim to drink between six and eight glasses a day.
- A healthy diet also helps keep your skin looking fresh and healthy by providing it with the vitamins and nutrients it needs. Try to eat as much fresh fruit and vegetables as possible (especially those high in vitamins A, C and E) and avoid high-calorie foods.
- You should also consider taking a vitamin supplement containing ingredients such as grape seed extract (which provides antioxidant benefits) and flaxseed or fish oil, both of which contain Omega-3s and are excellent for hair, skin and nails.
Step 5. Quit smoking
Everyone knows that smoking is bad for health, but not everyone is aware that smoking can also damage the skin. Smoking accelerates premature aging, causing fine lines and wrinkles. It also blocks blood flow to the face, which causes the face to appear gray or gray in color.
Method 3 of 3: Using Natural Medicines That Have No Proven Effects
Step 1. Try using lemon juice
The acid content in lemon juice is a natural bleach that can be used to help brighten the skin, if used carefully. However, you need to avoid the sun while the lemon juice is still on the skin, as this can cause a painful reaction called "phytophotodermatitis". Here are instructions for using lemons safely:
- Squeeze the juice from half a lemon and mix it with water. Dip a cotton ball in the liquid and dab lemon juice on your face, or any part of your skin. Leave the lemon juice on the skin for 15 to 20 minutes. Don't go out at this time, because lemon juice makes your skin very sensitive to sunlight.
- Rinse your skin completely, then apply a good moisturizer on the skin as lemon juice can make your skin very dry. Repeat this treatment 2 to 3 times a week (no more) for best results.
Step 2. Try using turmeric
Turmeric is a spice from India that has been used as an ingredient in skin lightening care products for thousands of years. Although its effects have not been studied, turmeric is believed to inhibit the production of melanin, which prevents darkening of the skin.
- Mix the turmeric with a little olive oil and peanut flour to form a paste. Apply the paste to the skin using a gentle circular motion. This will help exfoliate the skin.
- Leave the turmeric paste on the skin for 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing it off. The turmeric may leave a yellowish stain on the skin, but this will go away quickly.
- Repeat this treatment once or twice a week for best results. You can also use turmeric to cook Indian dishes!
Step 3. Try using raw potatoes
Raw potatoes are believed to have whitening properties, because potatoes have a high vitamin C content. Vitamin C is used as a lightening ingredient in many over-the-counter skin creams. Here's how to use it:
- Cut a raw potato in half, then rub the cut potato on your skin. Leave the potato juice on the skin for 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing it off.
- You will need to repeat this treatment several times a week for beneficial results. In addition to potatoes, you can use tomatoes or cucumbers, as they are also high in vitamin C.
Step 4. Try using aloe vera
Aloe vera has very soothing properties, which can help reduce redness and reduce skin discoloration. Aloe vera also provides high moisture, which helps in skin rejuvenation.
- To use aloe vera, break a leaf from the aloe vera plant and rub the gel-like sap on the skin.
- Aloe vera is so gentle that you don't need to rinse your skin, but you may prefer to rinse if it starts to make your skin feel sticky.
Step 5. Try using coconut water
Some people claim that coconut water is an effective skin lightening agent and also makes the skin feel supple and smooth.
- To use it, dip a cotton ball in the liquid and use it to rub coconut water all over your skin. Coconut water is very natural and gentle, so you don't need to rinse it off.
- You can also drink coconut water to increase hydration levels and increase the intake of several important minerals in the body.
Step 6. Try using papaya
According to some skin experts, papaya can be used to tighten, brighten, and also improve dull skin. Rich in vitamins A, E, and C, papaya also contains alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), which are a common ingredient used in antiaging skin formulas. You can get many health benefits from eating papaya, if you want to use papaya for skin care, try the following ways:
Cut the ripe papaya into half, then remove the seeds. Add half a cup of water. Mash papaya until it becomes "porridge". Put the "papaya pulp" in a small container and put it in the refrigerator. Apply to the skin three times a week for best results
Step 7. Consider using hydroquinone
Hydroquinone is a very effective skin whitening cream that can be used to lighten large areas of skin, or to lighten sun spots and moles. Although the FDA is recognized as a skin lightener in America, hydroquinone is banned in most of Europe and Asia because research shows that this ingredient has the potential to cause cancer. Hydroquinone can also cause permanent skin discoloration, so use this product with extreme caution.
Consult treatment first with your dermatologist. Hydroquinone concentrations of up to 2% are available at beauty stores, while stronger concentrations (up to 4%) require a doctor's prescription
Tips
- If you have acne on your face, don't rub lemon on your face or you'll feel sore and your skin will start to feel like it's burning. If you suddenly feel like your skin is burning, wash your face with cold water.
- Mix turmeric and lime, then apply on your face. Let it dry and wash your face.
- Be careful when choosing whitening products, because some of them contain harmful chemicals.
- Washing your face before bed and drinking more water is always a good step if you want to lighten your skin tone.
- Mix lemon and milk to make your skin brighter in 4 months.
- Wash your face with water in the morning and evening, so that your facial skin does not become too dry.
- You will experience skin turnover after 2-3 months, so be patient and wait, a new layer of skin will form and your skin tone will return to normal.
- Mix honey and lemon juice in a bowl and apply it directly to your face. Let it dry and wash your face using cold water.
- Do not wash your face harshly with soap, this will damage the skin and make it dry. Be sure to buy the right face wash, which can be found at any drugstore.
- Apply a natural lotion to the skin regularly, such as Aveeno lotion with colloidal oatmeal. Try rubbing oatmeal and lemon over your skin. Do this every 3 days for 2 weeks.
- Invest in buying a good scrub product to get rid of dead skin cells. Or you can simply make it using honey, lemon, and sugar. These scrubs are edible… and they work really well!
- Scrubbing your face once a week will remove dead skin cells which will make your skin look brighter. Combine two tablespoons of oatmeal and 2 tablespoons of brown sugar with a quarter cup of milk, and mix everything until it forms a paste. Gently rub on face, rinse and moisturize.
- Mix honey with lemon juice and massage it on the skin for 3-5 minutes.
- Turmeric masks are very helpful in clearing and whitening acne scars and black spots.
- Use organic papaya soap, especially "Likas Papaya Soap". Regular use of this soap will whiten your skin. Apply and leave on the skin for 3 minutes. This soap may dry out the skin. If this is the case, you can apply lotion after you're done showering.
- You can try using a tablespoon of honey and rub it on your face. Leave it for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Use orange peel powder with milk and honey.
- Mix lemon juice, brown sugar, almond extract, vanilla extract, honey and a little milk to make the ultimate soothing facial scrub.
Warning
- Be careful with products containing hydroquinone, because it can cause cancer as a side effect in the long run.
- Whitening creams can damage the skin if left on the skin too long, so use them wisely, and make sure that you follow the instructions provided.
- Do not use skin whitening creams unless recommended by a doctor. These creams often contain harmful ingredients, some of which can even cause cancer.
- When using any cosmetic product, if you feel irritation on the skin, discontinue use. Always use leather products of good quality.
