Whether it’s for cosmetic or medical reasons, people are always looking for ways to change skin color safely and easily. Of course, there are medical procedures that you could go through like chemical peels and UV radiation therapy, but most of these are painful, not to mention expensive. Yes, they are technically safe because those procedures are usually done by medical experts, but if there’s a way to do it at home with no pain, then why not?
Of course, as with any all-natural home remedies for lightening your skin, it’s always best to start with a patch test. A patch test is a procedure wherein you apply a bit of the home remedy on a small patch of skin and wait for an allergic reaction. It’s also worth noting that unlike medical procedures, home remedies are a much more gradual process, meaning that you’ll have to do multiple applications over a period of time before you see any noticeable results.
Because these are all-natural remedies for lightening skin, the best way to get the most out of it is to apply a holistic approach, which means incorporating proper diet and exercise into your skin lightening regimen. And remember: while these are all-natural remedies that have centuries of anecdotal evidence, conclusive scientific studies have yet to determine whether or not these remedies are effective. If you find that any of these remedies irritate your skin, contact a dermatologist ASAP.
Here are some all-natural home remedies you can use to get lighter skin:
How to Get Lighter Skin Using: Yogurt and Gram Flour
Yogurt has been used as a home remedy for centuries, with people using it to cure both cosmetic and gastrointestinal issues. The probiotics present in yogurt not only eases a lot of tummy problems, they’re also a great way to introduce beneficial bacteria onto your skin.
Yogurt is rich in lactic acid, which acts as a natural bleaching agent that benefit your skin, leaving it softer and more radiant. Adding gram flour improves it further by ensuring your skin has the right nutrients for it to thrive, not to mention that gram flour contains enzymes that also aid in lighter complexion.
To use yogurt and gram flour to get lighter skin, you need to mix equal parts yogurt and gram flour into a thick, but spreadable, paste. Apply it onto your skin, let it dry, then leave on for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, wash off the mixture with warm water while massaging your skin. This can also be used to lighten your skin after getting a suntan. For best results, use daily for 2 to 3 weeks.
How to Get Lighter Skin Using: Papaya
Papaya has been used as a natural bleaching agent in Southeast Asia since time immemorial, thanks to the presence of an enzyme called Papain. Papain has been known to lighten skin by acting on certain melatonin receptors to decrease the amount of melanin that the skin produces.
Papaya is also rich in antioxidants and other essential vitamins which help your skin retain a naturally glowing look. Consuming papaya regularly will not only aid in digestion, but also help your skin remain elastic and youthful.
To get lighter skin using papaya, mix equal parts mashed papaya and banana (another natural bleaching agent) until it forms a thick paste. Add honey to the fruits and mix until fully incorporated. Apply the paste to your skin and let it dry. Leave on for half an hour then wash off with warm water. For best results, use daily.
How to Get Lighter Skin Using: Honey
Often, dark spots start to appear on our skin. This is usually a result of having dry skin, and one of the most natural ways to rejuvenate and hydrate your dark spots is to use honey. Honey has natural antibacterial agents that can help prevent acne, not to mention help fade age spots and acne scars. Honey also has plenty of vitamins and minerals that keep the skin hydrated, reducing the risk of developing dry skin, and thus, reduce the chances of developing dark spots.
To use honey to lighten your skin, apply honey using a q-tip directly onto your dark spots. Leave on for a few minutes then wash thoroughly with warm water. For best results, use daily.
How To Get Lighter Skin Using: Lemons
Much like other citrus fruits, lemons naturally contain high levels of citric acid, a natural bleaching agent that works gently on the skin. It’s also rich in vitamin C, which actively promotes the creation of new skin cells. Lemons are also rich in antioxidants, a crucial component in creating a healthy and vibrant skin complexion, helping you achieve that ‘porcelain skin‘ look.
To use lemons to lighten your skin, juice 1 lemon and dilute the juice with water. Apply it to your skin using cotton pads. Let dry, then rinse with warm water. Take note, however, that people with sensitive skin might develop a negative reaction to lemon juice Always do a patch test when applying remedies that contain high levels of citric acid. Do NOT apply to areas with open wounds.
How To Get Lighter Skin Using: Aloe Vera Gel
Most commonly used to treat sunburns, aloe vera gel can also be used to lighten your skin, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties that help heal and repair skin. Aloe vera contains enzymes and proteins that promote cell division in skin, which kickstarts the skin’s natural healing properties.
An active ingredient in Aloe vera is an enzyme called Aloin. Aloin is crucial in aggregating melanin in the melanophores, which leads to faster skin lightening. Some studies have also seen aloe vera as being a highly effective treatment of hyper-pigmentation. When discussing whether or not you should use concealer vs. foundation, always go for the product that contains some form of Aloin or aloe vera.
To use aloe vera gel to lighten your skin, simply apply the gel onto your skin and leave on for 20 minutes to half an hour. After that, rinse with warm water. Apply daily.
How to Get Lighter Skin Using: Turmeric
Usually used in cooking, turmeric is a spice derived from dried turmeric plants, a relative of the ginger family. When dried and ground, turmeric has natural proteins that inhibit melanin production in skin, which can help people achieve a more even complexion. Turmeric is also rich in antioxidant and antiseptic properties, making them perfect for people who wish to cover up dark spots caused by acne scars.
Another active ingredient in Turmeric is curcumin, a naturally occurring vitamin that promotes healthy skin by activating the skin’s natural production of new skin cells. This effect can be seen both when turmeric is applied topically, or when consumed regularly as part of your diet.
To use turmeric to lighten your skin, mix turmeric powder with yogurt until a thick, but spreadable, paste forms. Apply the paste to your skin and let dry. After 30 minutes, wash with warm water. Take note, however, that some turmeric powders might leave a yellow stain after you wash it, but don’t worry: this fades away after some time.