Skin pigmentation is an evolutionary trait developed by the skin to defend itself against the sun's harmful rays. Throughout history, many cultures have attached enormous importance to having very light skin, considering it a status symbol and a synonym of wealth, and only recently has it become fashionable to be tanned. If you too want to show off a pure white, there are many ways to lighten your skin effectively, first of all those to avoid exposing it to the sun's rays and to take care of it diligently.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Protection from Sun Exposure
Step 1. Avoid UV exposure
Populations living near the equator are exposed to more ultraviolet light, so their cells produce more melanin. This excess of melanin causes the skin pigmentation to darken, favoring better protection against damage caused by the sun. As is easily understood, staying away from sunlight is the best way to achieve and maintain the desired pallor.
- Avoid the sun's rays as much as possible, especially between 10 am and 4 pm, when they are of greater intensity.
- Always keep a small umbrella handy, it will protect you from the sun's rays and any sudden storms. A regular black colored umbrella will keep you dry on rainy days and will also be able to block at least 90% of ultraviolet rays.
- Remember that sunlight and UV rays bounce off many surfaces, including concrete, water, sand, and snow, so be sure to protect yourself from reflected as well as direct rays.
Step 2. Use a sunscreen
Choose a broad spectrum product that therefore protects you from both UVA and UVB rays; the best choice will be a cream with SPF between 30 and 50. Products with sun protection factor above 50 are not significantly more effective, so don't worry about being able to identify a higher SPF.
In winter, even if the climate is colder and the sun is farther from the Earth, the skin is still exposed to ultraviolet rays, so it is important to use a cream with a protective sun factor every day of the year, especially if you are a fan of high-altitude winter sports
Step 3. Protect your body skin with the right clothing
Most normal summer clothes, thin and made of cotton, do not provide the right degree of protection from the sun's rays. Do a careful search and buy clothes that bear the words "UPF" ("Ultraviolet Protection Factor", or protection factor from ultraviolet rays), therefore equipped with long-lasting sun protection. Opt for long-sleeved, high-necked shirts and avoid skirts and shorts. Wide-brimmed hats are also valuable allies, as are sunglasses and gloves.
Although the sun is necessary for the body to produce vitamin D, most people do not need more than 20 minutes of direct exposure to the sun
Part 2 of 4: Taking Care of Your Body and Skin
Step 1. Eat healthily
A well-balanced diet consisting mostly of fresh and natural foods, such as seasonal fruit and vegetables, can bring countless benefits to the skin. A healthy body implies a healthy skin and a healthy skin tends to be free of imperfections, redness, chapping, spots and discoloration.
- Choose fruits and vegetables of multiple colors to ensure the full range of vitamins and minerals provided by the plant world.
- Opt for foods rich in vitamin C, as it can help you lighten your skin - while also promoting elasticity by contributing to collagen production.
- Choose foods and drinks rich in antioxidants, excellent allies in countering the signs of aging, including a dull or dull complexion and the much unwanted wrinkles.
Step 2. Drink plenty of water
While there is a medical condition called water intoxication, our bodies and skin need to be very well hydrated to stay healthy. When you are thirsty, drink, especially during physical activity. Moisturizing the skin prevents it from becoming dry and cracked and promotes a healthy and radiant appearance.
Step 3. Exercise regularly
A cardio workout is beneficial for the heart and lungs, as well as promotes good circulation and healthy skin. Also helping to reduce stress, physical activity reduces the elements that cause the appearance of redness and blemishes, including acne and eczema.
People with skin conditions, including rosacea, psoriasis or dermatitis, should train in cool environments to prevent hot flashes, while also hydrating the body properly both before and after exercise
Step 4. Keep your skin clean and hydrated
To take care of your skin, moisturize and wash it daily with a mild cleanser, plus exfoliate once or twice a week. By performing the scrub you will be able to remove the dead superficial cells giving a younger and cleaner appearance to your complexion. Since impurities often contribute to a dull tone to the skin, a proper skin cleansing routine will help make it appear clearer and brighter.
Step 5. Massage the skin
Just like exercise, a good massage also helps improve blood circulation, thereby promoting the health and radiance of the skin. Before falling asleep, take a few minutes to apply a cream to the skin, patiently massaging it until completely absorbed. As an alternative to a normal moisturizer you can opt for aloe vera gel.
Part 3 of 4: Home Treatments and Lightening Creams
Step 1. Eliminate the tan
The skin that has been exposed to the sun darkens due to an increase in the production of melanin, so if you want to return to the previous pallor you must necessarily remove the tan layer. The tan normally fades when the body naturally removes the superficial layers of skin that have been exposed to ultraviolet rays. While you may not have the ability to lighten dark skin cells, you can still try to speed up the skin renewal process with a light scrub, but avoid exfoliating your skin more than twice a week.
Step 2. Treat your skin with foods that contain a lot of lactic acid
Foods that contain lactic acid can be used in do-it-yourself skin care treatments, especially to counteract and relieve dry, scaly or dark parts, as they favor the elimination of dead epithelial layers. Before going to sleep, apply a thin layer of natural yogurt to your skin, then rinse your skin with warm water after 10 minutes. Alternatively, make a beauty mask by mixing one tablespoon of each of the following ingredients: oat flakes, tomato juice, and yogurt. Spread the treatment on the skin, let it sit for 30 minutes, then rinse.
Step 3. Try a vitamin C treatment
Foods rich in vitamin C, such as citrus juices, can be applied directly to the skin to help exfoliate and lighten any dark spots. Be careful, though, as citric acid shouldn't be applied directly to the skin on the face - and anywhere else on the body - more often than once a week. Apply the juice to the skin using a cotton ball, then rinse the area off after 10-20 minutes.
Step 4. Make a lightening mask with chickpea flour and turmeric
Make a mixture of chickpea flour and rose water or turmeric and cucumber juice, then apply it to the skin. Rinse once dry or after 30 minutes.
Step 5. Wet the skin with the rice water (ie the water in which you washed the rice before cooking it)
You could also rub it with a piece of raw potato. After 20-30 minutes, rinse the area with warm water.
Step 6. Try a lightening cosmetic cream
It is a product easily available in pharmacies and perfumery that works by reducing the cutaneous quantities of melanin. Note that before opting for a product of this type it is advisable to consult your doctor; moreover, it is important to follow the instructions on the package exactly.
- Many lightening formulations contain hydroquinone, an active ingredient banned for sale in many countries due to its health effects. Also note that products containing more than 2% hydroquinone can only be purchased upon presentation of a medical prescription.
- Although the sale of cosmetics that contain mercury is prohibited in many countries, it is still possible to buy them on the web - but it is much better to avoid them.
Part 4 of 4: Availing the Use of Clothing and Make-Up
Step 1. Use concealer and foundation occasionally
Both cosmetics help to give the skin a paler appearance, but choosing a shade that is too light for your complexion will risk getting a very unnatural look. So work to find the color that best suits your skin tone (or a lighter tone) and use concealer or foundation to cover minor imperfections and create a candid base on which to apply the rest of the make-up.
Try using a BB cream to even out skin tone and cover blemishes or skin imperfections
Step 2. Choose dark color eyes, lips and nails
Dark eyeshadow, lipstick and nail polish will create a noticeable contrast to the color of your skin, making it appear naturally paler. Among the dark tones that best accentuate the whiteness of the skin we can include those of black, garnet, dark purple, red and blue, and even indigo or cobalt blue.
Step 3. Consider dyeing your hair
Like dark-toned make-up products, black or brown-toned hair also creates an effective contrast to the skin of the face and neck, making it appear lighter. As an alternative to normal dyes, you can use natural henna, especially if you have sensitive skin or if you want to avoid contact with the harmful chemicals they contain.
Step 4. Dress in dark clothing
Light-skinned people who choose to wear soft or pastel colored clothing are likely to appear dull. To prevent this and make your skin appear even brighter and brighter, opt for dark shades.
