Many people go to great lengths to have clearer, brighter, and healthier-looking skin. Fortunately, there are many effective remedies that will give you a smooth, blemish-free complexion. Read on to learn more.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Daily Care
Step 1. Put on sunscreen every day
Exposure to UV rays causes all sorts of damage to your complexion: from freckles to dark spots, from sunburn to skin cancer.
- When the skin is exposed to the action of UVA and UVB rays, the body reacts by producing melanin which in turn darkens the skin. Consequently, the main and most important action you need to take to lighten your skin is to spread a sunscreen cream every day, even if it wasn't too hot or if it wasn't a particularly sunny day.
- You can protect yourself further by wearing light but long clothing, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses when you have to be outdoors for a long time.
Step 2. Regularly cleanses and exfoliates the skin
Caring for your skin means sticking to a strict cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing schedule.
- Wash your face thoroughly twice a day, morning and evening. Doing so removes the dirt and oil that work against your goal of having a clear and healthy complexion.
- Hydrate yourself with a product suitable for your skin type. If you have oily skin or particularly those with the opposite problem they should opt for a heavier product.
Step 3. Exfoliate your skin a couple of times a week
This eliminates the layer of dead cells (which are darker) and allows the underlying layer, fresh and young, to show itself on the surface. You can use a product that contains micro-particles or rub a clean, damp cloth on your face very gently.
Step 4. Drink more water and eat a healthy diet
Nutrition and hydration will not magically lighten your skin but will help it regenerate on its own.
- When the skin regenerates, the old and pigmented layer dissolves and in its place a fresh and new skin, clearer and brighter, rises to the surface. Drinking lots of water speeds up this process, so aim to consume 6-8 glasses a day.
- The diet also contributes to a healthy and fresh appearance by providing all the vitamins and nutrients essential to the epidermis. Try to eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables (especially those rich in vitamins A, C and E), avoid foods rich in calories and highly processed.
- You should also consider taking vitamin supplements that contain ingredients such as grapeseed extract (which provides antioxidant benefits), flaxseed oil or fish oil as both are very high in Omega-3s. useful for skin, nails and hair.
Step 5. Stop smoking
We all know how harmful it is to health, but not everyone is aware of how much it damages the skin. Smoking contributes to premature aging, causes wrinkles and permanent marks. It also hinders proper blood circulation in the face causing it to become grayish in color similar to ash.
Method 2 of 3: Tested Products and Treatments
Step 1. Try a lightening cream
There are all types on the market, including those that can be purchased without a prescription. Their main function is to reduce the production of melanin (which causes sun spots and tanning).
- Look for products that contain really effective active ingredients such as kojic acid, glycolic acid, vitamin C, alpha hydroxy acids, or arbutin.
- These products are pretty safe, but always follow the instructions on the package carefully and stop using them immediately if your skin has a bad reaction.
- Never use lighteners that contain mercury as an active ingredient. In some states (such as the US) they have been banned, but in other countries they are still marketed.
Step 2. Try retinoids
Retinoid-based creams are composed of the acid form of vitamin A and effectively lighten the skin through a deep exfoliation process that accelerates cell turnover.
- Not only do retinoids whiten the skin and eliminate hyperpigmentation, but they are also very effective in smoothing the skin, making it firmer and giving it a younger, healthier appearance. In high concentrations, retinoids are an acne cure.
- Retinoid creams can cause dryness, redness and peeling at first, however symptoms should subside once the skin gets used to it. Also remember that the treatment will make your skin very sensitive to sunlight, so apply it only at night and protect yourself with a high SPF sunscreen during the day.
- Retinoids are only available by prescription, so you should make an appointment with your dermatologist if you are interested in this treatment. However, a less potent, concentrated version called retinol is freely available as a beauty product.
Step 3. Get a chemical peel
This is a very effective treatment for lightening the skin. It works by "burning" the superficial layers of the skin that are highly pigmented or blotchy, leaving the lower layer appear fresh and clear.
- During the peel, an acidic substance (such as an alpha hydroxy acid) is applied to the skin and left on for 5-10 minutes. You may experience a burning, tingling or slight discomfort and at the end of the treatment the skin is often red or swollen for a couple of days.
- A series of sessions is usually recommended (every 2-4 weeks) and during this period it is important to avoid exposure to the sun and to be very picky in applying creams with a high sun protection factor, since the skin is particularly sensitive.
Step 4. Try microdermabrasion
It is a great alternative for people with skin sensitive to acids and creams. In practice, this treatment exfoliates the skin with a "mechanical action" by removing the opaque and dark outer layers of the skin leaving the underlying ones, bright and clearer.
- During the treatment, a small suction tube with a rotating diamond tip is placed on the face. Dead cells are removed and sucked in at the same time.
- A session lasts about 15-20 minutes and at least 6-12 are needed for visible results.
- Some people report some redness and dryness after treatment but, in general, microdermabrasion has few side effects when compared to other methods.
Method 3 of 3: Home Remedies (Unverified)
Step 1. Try lemon juice
The citric acid contained in lemon is a natural whitener that helps make the skin clearer. However. it is absolutely important to expose yourself to the sun with lemon juice on the skin; it can cause a very painful chemical reaction which is called "phytofoto dermatitis". To use lemon safely:
- Squeeze the juice of half a lemon and dilute it 50% with water. Dip a cotton ball into the solution and apply it to your face or where you want to lighten the skin. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes and do not expose yourself to the sun during this time, as lemon juice makes the skin hypersensitive.
- Rinse well once finished and apply a good moisturizer because the lemon dries the skin considerably. Repeat the treatment 2-3 times a week (no more) for best results.
Step 2. Try turmeric
It is an Indian spice that has been used in skin lightening treatments for thousands of years. It works by inhibiting the production of melanin and thus preventing tanning.
- Mix the turmeric with the olive oil and chickpea flour until it forms a paste. Apply it to the skin in circular motions. This will help exfoliate the skin.
- Let the mixture sit for 15-20 minutes before rinsing off. Turmeric may stain your skin yellow, but it should disappear within a short time.
- Repeat the treatment once or twice a week if you want to fully enjoy all the benefits. You can use turmeric in your Indian dishes too!
Step 3. Try the raw potato
It is believed to have mild lightening properties due to the high content of vitamin C. The latter is the active ingredient of many whitening creams. Here's how to proceed:
- Simply cut a raw potato in half and rub the pulp into the skin you want to lighten. Let its juice work for 15-20 minutes and then rinse it off.
- You can repeat this treatment several times a week to maximize results. You can also replace the potato with tomato or cucumber; both are rich in vitamin C.
Step 4. Try aloe vera
It is an emollient substance that helps reduce redness and blemishes. In addition, it deeply hydrates the skin and promotes cell turnover.
- To use aloe vera, break a leaf off the plant and rub its gelatinous sap into the skin.
- Aloe vera is very delicate and therefore does not need to be rinsed, however many prefer to wash as the skin feels a little sticky.
Step 5. Try coconut water
Some people claim that coconut water is an effective whitener, as well as making the skin supple and smooth.
- Dip a cotton ball into the liquid and rub it all over the skin you want it to become lighter. Coconut water is natural and gentle, there is no need to rinse.
- You can also drink it to improve your hydration level and increase your intake of essential minerals.
Step 6. Try the papaya
Cut a ripe papaya in half and remove the seeds. Add 120ml of water and blend until puree. Put the puree in a small container and store it in the refrigerator. If you want to increase its strength, add some lime or lemon juice. Apply it three times a week for best results
Step 7. Consider using hydroquinone
It is an extremely effective product in whitening the skin and is usually used to lighten large areas or sunspots and moles. Although hydroquinone is approved by health organizations and ministries of various nations (such as the US), it has been banned in Europe and Asia as it appears to be related to the development of certain cancers. It also makes the skin permanently mottled.
Therefore the decision to use a hydroquinone product should not be taken lightly. It is worth discussing this with your dermatologist before proceeding. Marketing has been prohibited in Italy since 2000 and we recommend that you do not be tempted by products sold online, as you would jeopardize your safety
Advice
- Milk is a natural skin lightener. Apply it on your face and rinse it off after some time.
- Do not wash your face aggressively with soap as it damages the skin and makes it dry. Buy a cleanser suitable for your skin type, you can find it at the pharmacy or parapharmacy.
- If you have pimples on your face, don't rub them with lemon, or you will irritate them and experience a burning sensation. If you feel discomfort after adding lemon juice, wash off immediately with cold water.
- Be very careful when choosing a skin whitener, some contain dangerous chemicals.
- Mix some milk with lemon juice, it will make your skin clearer in four months.
- Exfoliate your face once a week to remove the layer of dead cells and thus brighten and lighten the skin. Mix two tablespoons of oatmeal and two tablespoons of brown sugar in 60ml of milk and mix to make a paste. Gently rub the mixture into your face, rinse and finally apply a moisturizer.
- Wash your face in the morning and evening with water, otherwise it will dry out.
- Use powdered orange peel with honey and milk.
- Purchase a good quality scrub to remove dead skin cells. Alternatively, you can make your own with honey, lemon and sugar - not only is it edible, but it works wonders!
- Use a papaya-based organic soap regularly that will lighten your skin. Rub the foam for 3 minutes, it may cause dryness. If this happens, apply a good moisturizing lotion after the bath.
Warnings
- Lightening creams can damage the skin if they are not removed within the indicated time, so use them wisely and be sure to follow the directions.
- If you experience skin irritation while applying a cosmetic product, stop using it. Try to always favor quality products.
- Do not use products that contain hydroquinone, as it may be carcinogenic if used for too long.
- Do not use whitening creams, unless they have been prescribed by a licensed dermatologist. They often contain dangerous ingredients that, over time, can also turn out to be carcinogenic.
