Would you like to have lighter skin? Using natural products can whiten it a few tones, without the harmful side effects of using chemical whiteners. The simple habit of not exposing yourself to the sun is equally useful in preventing the skin from darkening. There is no magic potion to lighten skin by more than a couple of tones, so your expectations must be realistic. Above all, remember that dark skin is beautiful too.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Using Natural Whiteners
Step 1. Apply a lemon juice solution
Lemon juice has been used for thousands of years as a natural skin whitener. It contains acids that lighten the skin slightly and exfoliate the surface layer of the epidermis, which is darker. Since pure lemon juice can be irritating to the skin, make a solution by mixing one part of the juice with one part of water. Take a cotton ball and apply the mix on your face. Leave it on for 15 minutes, then rinse it off with warm water.
- Limit the application of the lemon juice solution to two or three times a week. Applying it more often could cause skin irritation. Apply a moisturizer after rinsing out the lemon juice, as it can dry out the skin.
- You should start seeing results three to four weeks after using the solution several times a week. While lemon juice does not guarantee instant whitening effects, it is the most effective and easily available natural solution.
- Be careful when trying to apply any type of citrus juice to your face, do not expose yourself to the sun. Phytophotodermatitis can occur, due to a reaction that is created between UV rays and the photosynthesizing chemicals found in citrus fruits. While it's okay to use lemon juice on your skin, you need to rinse it thoroughly before sun exposure, and apply a high SPF cream.
Step 2. Try a lemon milk solution
If you want a whitening and soothing treatment for the whole body, start by preparing a lukewarm bath. Pour a glass of whole milk and squeeze the juice of one whole lemon into the tub. Shake the solution with one hand so that the milk and lemon are evenly distributed. Soak for 20 minutes, then wash off with clean water.
- Milk should be used in this solution because it contains enzymes that gently lighten the skin. In addition, it moisturizes it, remedying the effect of the dehydrating properties of lemon juice.
- Try taking this bath once a week and you should see results about a month later.
Step 3. Make a yogurt and honey mask
Like milk, yogurt contains enzymes that can gently whiten the skin. Honey has moisturizing and antibacterial properties. Together, the two ingredients can form a nourishing mask. Mix one part of honey and one part of yogurt, then apply the mix to your face and body. Leave it on for 15 minutes, and rinse it off with warm water.
- Make sure you use plain, unsweetened yogurt. The sweetened or flavored one is too sticky.
- Instead of honey, try pulping an avocado, but you can also use aloe vera. Both of these ingredients have a wonderful moisturizing effect.
Step 4. Try a thick lightening solution
For more concentrated benefits, try making a consistent solution using natural ingredients that help whiten the skin. Spread the mix on your face immediately after washing it, leave it on for 15 minutes and rinse it off with warm water. Here are two recipes for a natural whitening solution:
- Solution based on chickpea flour. Pour 30 grams of chickpea flour into a bowl. Add enough lemon juice or milk to get a thick consistency.
- Turmeric based solution. Pour a tablespoon of turmeric into a bowl. Add enough lemon juice or milk to get a pasty consistency.
Part 2 of 3: Know what to avoid
Step 1. Never use bleach or other harmful chemicals on the skin
There are some dangerous myths about using bleach, ammonia, or other home hygiene products to try to lighten the skin. These substances are extremely harmful to the skin, and can cause long-term damage. Damaged skin actually looks darker, so using these products ultimately gets you the opposite of what you want. Avoid them.
Step 2. Don't give in to misleading beauty standards
Whatever the color of your skin, it is beautiful as it is. It's okay to use safe products like lemon juice to lighten the skin a little, but don't try to change the skin's natural color. Instead of trying to have a different complexion, accept yourself for who you are. If you were born with dark skin, learn to understand its beauty and appreciate it, don't let them tell you to change.
- Around the world, many women cling to beauty standards that enhance fair skin, and underestimate dark skin. Many others would go to great lengths to have golden skin: they pay for tanning beds and risk skin cancer to achieve a healthier complexion they believe. Doesn't make much sense, does it?
- To have beautiful skin, the most important thing you can do is think about its health first. It is the largest organ in the body, and it deserves a lot of care. Eat well, hydrate constantly, exfoliate and nourish it to always have it bright and healthy.
Part 3 of 3: Changing Habits for Clearer Skin
Step 1. Exfoliate the skin
Accumulation of dead cells on the skin surface can make the skin look a little dull. To brighten it up, it is important to exfoliate it regularly. An excellent way to do this is to use a sugar or salt based body scrub. In the bath or shower, moisten the skin and massage the exfoliant in a circular motion over the entire body. This way, you can remove the superficial layer of dead skin cells to give it a healthy glow.
- To exfoliate your face, use a milder scrub. Ground almonds or oat flakes have good exfoliating properties that won't damage the fragile skin on your face.
- Using a dry brush to remove dead skin cells from the body is another good exfoliating method. Find a natural fiber brush, and rub it on your skin before taking a bath or shower.
Step 2. Keep your skin hydrated
Keeping the skin nourished prevents dead cells from building up and the skin from flaking off quickly. For clearer skin, use your moisturizer daily after getting out of the bath or shower. Choose a creamy product that does not contain alcohol, as it can actually dry out the skin.
- Coconut oil is another great moisturizer that keeps skin glowing and visibly healthy. Spread it on your arms and legs after you get out of the shower. Wait 10 minutes for it to absorb into your skin before dressing.
- Jojoba oil also has moisturizing properties, and is great for the skin. The olive or sweet almond one is equally valid and works wonders.
Step 3. Limit sun exposure
It's hard to keep out of the sun every day, but exposure darkens the skin. You don't even have to barricade yourself at home: just take a few minutes to prepare the skin before going out during the day. To prevent him from tanning excessively, take the following measures:
- Use sunscreen with a high SPF. The one of 30 or higher is preferable, because a low SPF still allows the sun's rays to tan the skin. If necessary, reapply it throughout the day.
- Wear a hat with a wide brim. Prevents the sun from reaching the face, neck and shoulders.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants. In summer, choose cool, soft fabrics so you don't get too hot.
- Also try not to avoid the sun completely. The body needs some sun exposure to produce vitamin D, which is essential for bone health and other vital functions.
Advice
- You can also apply some tomato puree on your face and leave it on for 20 minutes.
- Don't avoid the sun completely. Sunlight emits harmful ultraviolet rays, but it also helps the body make vitamin D.
- Applying this solution every other day can intensely lighten the skin. During the day, don't forget to completely protect your skin from direct sun exposure to prevent it from darkening further.
- Drink lots of water and apply sunscreen.
- Apply an apple cider vinegar and cornmeal solution twice a week. It is a useful method for whitening the skin.
