Dark skin on the hands and feet can be caused by several factors including dirt, medications, environmental factors and chemicals, infection, inflammation, and sunlight. Several beauty and cosmetic product companies make skin lightening products that are widely sold in drug stores or pharmacies. However, you can also make skin lightening remedies using home ingredients to apply topically. It is important to remember that the best way to keep skin healthy and radiant is to eat a healthy and balanced diet, exercise regularly, adopt a healthy lifestyle, and take care of your skin.
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Part 1 of 3: Brighten Skin
Step 1. Apply food containing lactic acid
Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid, which is a group of acids naturally found in certain foods. This acid removes the top layer of dead skin and is widely used in over-the-counter skin care products to soothe dry, crusty, or dark skin. Use lactic acid products only at night because they can make your skin more susceptible to UV damage.
Apply a thin layer of plain yogurt on your hands and feet before going to bed. Leave it for 5-10 minutes and rinse with warm water. Repeat this step several times each week
Step 2. Apply citrus fruits which contain lots of vitamin C
The citric acid in citrus fruits acts as a scavenger of dead skin cells and helps lighten dark patches. The vitamin C will refresh the skin and help hyperpigmentation, namely dark skin patches caused by excess melanin. Never apply these fruits on the face. Use these fruits with caution on other areas of the body as these acids can disrupt the skin's natural pH level and make the skin more susceptible to UV rays. Do not use citrus fruits on the skin more than once a week.
- Apply the juice of a squeezed orange or lemon on the skin of the hands and feet with a cotton swab before going to bed. Leave it on for about 30 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
- Dry the orange peel in the oven and grind to a powdery texture. Mix the powder with plain yogurt and apply it on the skin before going to bed. Rinse after 15-20 minutes.
- Mash 300 grams of fresh papaya fruit until it becomes a pulp, and apply on the skin. Try this method in the bath as papaya can be slippery. Rinse after 20 minutes.
- Apple cider vinegar can also be used as a topical antifungal cream which is natural and can help lighten the skin. Dilute the vinegar with water using the same ratio. Then, apply it on the skin of the hands and feet and let it dry.
Step 3. Make a mask with spices, flour, or clay powder
Turmeric, chickpea flour, and Multani mitti (also known as Fuller's earth) have long been known to lighten skin. These ingredients can be mixed with water or other liquids to make a paste that is easy to apply to the skin.
- Mix 1 tablespoon of Multani mitti or gram flour and rose water to form a thick paste. Apply the mask on your hands and feet. Let the mask dry and rinse with warm water. Repeat this step 2-3 times a week.
- Mix 1 teaspoon of turmeric and some cucumber juice until it forms a liquid paste. Apply the mask on the skin and leave it on for 20-30 minutes before rinsing it off. Repeat this step every two or three days.
Step 4. Apply soy or starch topically
Soy-based foods like tofu and starchy foods like potatoes and rice can lighten the skin. Tofu can also be ground into a paste and rubbed on the skin, and potatoes can be sliced and rubbed directly on the hands and feet. After 10-20 minutes, rinse your hands and feet. You can also use rice flour paste or rice water:
- Mix 1 tablespoon of rice flour and water to form a paste. Apply the mixture on the skin. Leave for 10-20 minutes and rinse.
- To use rice water, wash 185-370 grams of rice with water before cooking. Strain the rice and save the water. Soak your hands and feet in the rice water for 10 minutes before rinsing them.
Step 5. Buy a skin lightening cream
Many creams and lotions created to lighten skin can be purchased at most beauty supply stores, drug stores, or cosmetic stores. Most of these products work by reducing the amount of melanin (pigment) in the skin. However, these products are quite risky and you should discuss them with your doctor before using them.
- Avoid products that lighten the skin with mercury.
- Many skin lightening products contain hydroquinone. Avoid products that contain more than 2 percent of these ingredients, unless a doctor prescribes them.
Part 2 of 3: Keeping Skin Clean and Moisturized
Step 1. Clean the skin every day
Clogged pores and dirt can make the skin appear darker. By keeping it clean, the skin will not break out and look fresh and clean. You don't need fancy or expensive cleansers to keep your skin clean; mild soap and water will suffice.
Step 2. Apply moisturizer every day
You can use a commercial moisturizer or a simple homemade moisturizer. However, be sure to apply moisturizer to your skin after cleansing. Some natural ingredients that can be used as moisturizers are:
- Almond or coconut oil
- Cocoa butter or shea butter
- Aloe vera
Step 3. Exfoliate the skin
One of the best ways to keep skin healthy and not too dark is exfoliation, which is the process of removing dead skin cells from the skin's surface. Don't do it more than once or twice a week. You can make a natural exfoliating product for hands and feet by mixing coconut or olive oil with:
- Coffee powder
- Oats
- Sugar
Step 4. Massage your hands regularly
Use your favorite lotion, aloe vera, or honey and massage your hands and feet. The skin will be moisturized and blood circulation will increase so that the skin becomes healthier and brighter. If you use honey, be sure to rinse it off after the massage to prevent the skin from sticking.
Part 3 of 3: Preventing Skin Darkening
Step 1. Eat a healthy and balanced diet
The best way to get rid of dark skin is prevention, and a proper diet is one of the best ways to do that. Consumption of the right foods will keep the body and skin healthy.
- Consume foods with a variety of colors. To get as many vitamins and minerals as possible from your diet, eat fruits and vegetables with lots of color. Eat foods that contain lots of vitamin C so that your skin is firmer and more elastic.
- Drink enough water. Water is important for keeping the body and skin healthy, but it can be dangerous if consumed in excess. The best way to measure water consumption is to listen to your body: if you're thirsty, drink water.
- Don't avoid healthy fats like avocados. Fat is not only important for the body, but also needed for the skin to stay healthy and bright.
- Instead of processed or fast food, choose fresh, home-made foods.
Step 2. Protect your skin from the sun
One of the main factors of skin darkening is UVA and UVB rays. This is because the body will produce more melanin to protect the skin and if there is a large amount, the skin will appear darker. The best way to protect your skin from the sun is to avoid it, but if that's not possible, make sure that you:
- Wearing protective clothing, including gloves when driving
- Use sunscreen or sunblock, especially on the hands and feet.
- Choose makeup and lip balm that contains SPF
Step 3. Take care of your hands and feet
Darkening of the skin can also be caused by dirt, weather or pollution, and infection. To keep them healthy and prevent darkening and damage, protect the skin of the hands and feet.
- If possible, avoid touching harsh chemicals to avoid damaging your skin.
- Be careful and choose manicure and pedicure products properly because improperly sterilized equipment can lead to fungal infections.
