Ever wished your skin was a little fairer? This does not just apply to Caucasians, but also women with naturally dark complexions, who simply want a 'paler' or 'untanned' version of their skin tone. Some women prefer not to be tan too.
- 1Stay out of the sun. This cannot be stressed enough. Most of the normal darkening and discoloration of your skin is caused by the sun. Or at least use a high SPF sunblock with a minimum SPF of 30. Most dermatologists agree an SPF 15 is not sufficient anymore. Dangerous UVA and UVB rays are still reaching your skin. You want 98% or more of the sun's rays to be blocked.
- 2Wear a hat when outside. Especially in the summer. There are so many fashionable hats these days, you can also be a trend-setter while you are protecting your skin.
- 3Try a home-made remedy to help.
- Apply a mixture of lemon juice and honey. Leave it for 20 minutes. Then wash it off. If you have dry skin: Apply a mixture of equal amounts of cucumber juice and honey on the face and full body for 15 minutes. Then wash it off.
- Mix a teaspoon of oatmeal powder, a pinch of turmeric and a few drops of lemon to make a thick paste. Apply to face and leave it to dry. Wash off mask with water.
- Mash ripe bananas and smear it on the face once a week. Wash it off after 3-4 minutes.
- A face pack made of fullers' earth, mashed ripe papaya and cucumber juice when applied to the face and throat will help tighten skin and lighten it in the process.
- Apply slices of raw potato to the face. Let the juice sit for 10 minutes, then wash off with cool water.
- Make a paste of 2 tbsp of wheat flour using as much water as needed. Apply on your face in an upward motion. Leave to dry. Then, wash with cool water and pat dry. This helps remove excess oil from your skin.
- Apply a mixture of 1 tbsp of honey and 1/2 tbsp of lemon juice on your face. Leave it to dry for 15-30 minutes. Then rub it off using a very small quantity of water.
- Rub the inner part of the skin of a papaya on your face. Let it dry. Then, wash your face with cold water and wipe dry. This will give your skin a nice glow.
- 4Try using any or a combination of these chemicals at least 3 times a week on your skin: Glycolic acid, retinal and even salicylic acid. These are all chemicals that naturally even out discoloration. The Gold Standard of lightening skin is Hydroquinone. It can be found in many over-the-counter cosmetic products in 2% or less. Rarely, some people find a darkening in their skin. This is mostly an abnormal reaction that happens to people with darker skin. Obviously, if this happens, discontinue using the product and consult a dermatologist.
- 5Exfoliate your skin a few times a week. Exfoliation takes off dead skin cells. Exfoliation only helps if your current skin is darker than your normal skin tone, because it reveals fresh skin, untouched by the sun. If you do not have an exfoliator, make one by mixing sugar or sand into liquid soap.
- 6Dab lemon juice on your face each night. Wash off all make-up and lotions before doing this. Close your eyes or keep the juice away from your eyes. It will burn your face, but if you can keep on a small quantity for fifteen minutes, then wash it off, it will help in lightening your skin.
- 7Wear plain yogurt facial masks and wash it off with milk. They are both skin lightening agents.
- 8Use tea tree facial cleansers. Tea tree goes deep into the skin and cleanses it out for a clear look. If you were fair but tanned or burned, tea tree cleansers should help.
- 9Be patient. Skin becoming a fair color takes a long time. Depending on the damage done to your skin, it can take anywhere between a few months and a couple of years. Remember that consistency is the key-do facial treatments daily. Typically, if you have only mildly tanned or burned, a few months should be adequate. But if the sun has been at your skin for hours and several days, be prepared to wait for two years or more.
- You should, mix up some lemon, honey and oil, and apply it to your skin, you will get lighter skin. Apply it on to your hair as well if you want lighter hair!
- Try washing your face often, and try some home remedies as well.
- mix lemon juice and honey in same amount and apply all over the body,after 15 minutes wash it off. Just try this for 15 days you can see the change.
- If you find that the natural way of skin lightening is too slow, use a lightening cream. Consult dermatologists if needed. Using a lightening cream in addition to natural treatments speeds up the process.
- Use ripe tomato paste and wash your face 2-3 times in a week.
- When choosing a sunblock, try to find one with a mineral block such as Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide. Not only are these broad-spectrum blocks, they naturally add a slight whitish tinge most people do not like. But since you are trying to appear paler, this is exactly what you want! If it goes on TOO whitish, just mix a little with your foundation to even out the color.
- Think about your skin like a painting. You want to make your skin appear lighter, so a good rule-of-thumb is to wear clothes that are darker than your skin tone. Wearing too many whites, peaches, and beige clothes will only make your skin appear darker in contrast. Go for dark colors such as black or any other dark colors which flatter you.
- For women, try wearing dark lipstick and/or eye colors that will contrast with your skin. Stick to one feature on your face ( the eyes or the lips ) so as not to look overdo and clown-like.
- Wear fair and lovely cream.
- Never use household bleach, or hair bleach on your skin thinking you can lighten your skin. These will not work, as they are not designed to lighten the melanin in your skin.
- Remember, this will only work if you are genetically fair-skinned. If you were fair at birth and then tanned for several years, enough treatment will get you back to your original color. But if you were born dark-skinned, be thankful for what you have. No lightening cream or treatment can drastically lighten your skin.
- Wear a moisturizer on your skin after using lemon juice.
- Never use any concentrations of hydroquinone higher than 2% without consulting a doctor. You risk adverse reactions and possible damage to your skin.