Natural Skin Lightening: How to Whiten Your Skin at Home

Beauty is more than skin-deep. Some people find dark and tanned skin more attractive, while others see fair skin to be more beautiful.

While every skin tone has a distinct appeal, we believe that more women are interested in natural skin lightening.

People with sunspots, those with sunburnt skin, or individuals with uneven skin areas are constantly looking for reasons to make their skin lighter. Fortunately, there are some things that you can do to make your skin lighter.

Here are 17 best hacks that you can do to lighten skin naturally.

1. Lemon Juice: A Skin Whitening Secret

Lemon juice is quite popular, since it has a lot of uses. Since it is rich in citric and malic acid, it is also effective as a natural skin whitening formula.

You have the option to use lemon juice or the rind for the purpose of skin lightening. You can apply the juice directly on your skin, or mix it with equal parts of water. If you are planning to use lemons for other purposes, you can use the rind.

When using lemons on your skin, avoid any cuts or injuries – lemon juice can sting. Also, people with highly sensitive skin are advised not to use lemon juice. Be sure to wash it off your skin after a few minutes and always apply sunscreen afterward. The skin becomes more sensitive after applying lemon juice.

2. Tomato Beauty Hacks: Sophia Lauren’s Ultimate Skin Solution

The tomato is the ultimate food for the heart. Aside from keeping your heart healthy and sustaining your eyes with much-needed nutrients, it is also perfect for lightening skin naturally.

If you want to lighten your skin or you want to even out your skin tone, the tomato is your best friend. Vitamins A, B, and C are great for improving the appearance of your skin. Vitamin A can help fade blemishes and dark spots, while vitamin B can reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

The natural acids in tomato can also decrease the appearance of pores. There are many ways to use tomatoes for skin bleaching. Here are some of the most effective ways to make this fruit work for you:

• Blend the tomatoes to make a paste and apply it to your skin.
• Mix tomato paste with lemon juice for skin bleaching.
• Combine tomato paste and olive oil for softer and whiter skin.
• A Milk and tomato combination nourishes and lightens skin.

3. Yogurt Skin Hacks: Probiotics Can Do Wonders for Your Skin

As a good source of lactic acid, yogurt is not just good for your tummy, but also for your skin. Aside from fighting off premature aging, yogurt can also help with acne and pimple breakouts. Only a handful of people realize that yogurt can benefit their skin.

Before you decide to slather yogurt all over your face, think about the pros and cons. If you are allergic to lactic acid, yogurt could be your worse choice. When choosing the type of yogurt for your beauty treatments, always pick natural yogurt. Choose the unsweetened and plain variety, as this type of yogurt is healthier for your skin and body.

Yogurt is a good choice for natural skin bleaching since it helps remove dead skin cells. Aside from that, it can moisturize and hydrate your skin effectively.

4. Licorice Root: A Natural Skin Lightening Solution for Sensitive Skin

Licorice root has long been used in candies, but it also has more functions than just a sweet treat. Native to Europe and in certain parts of Asia, licorice can provide numerous health benefits. It can also make your skin whiter with continued use.

Since licorice is easy on the skin, it is one of the best natural skin lightening remedies you can apply at home. Licorice contains an active ingredient known as glabridin. This can reduce skin discoloration, get rid of age spots, and help you avoid having “Panda eyes.” At the same time, people with oily skin can benefit from the antioxidants in licorice.

Licorice is so effective in improving the appearance of skin, it is used in many skincare products.

5. Gram Flour Mask: India’s Natural Beauty Treatment

Gram flour, also known as besan, Garbanzo bean flour, chickpea flour, and cici bean flour is popular in Middle Eastern and Indian cooking and baking. Although gram flour is not too popular in the western parts of the world, it has been used for beauty treatment in Southeast Asia and in India for a long time. The mask made from combining the flour with milk, sesame oil, rice flour and almonds is part of the wedding day routine in some cultures.

Here’s how to prepare your own gram flour facial mask at home:

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoon of gram flour
• 1 teaspoon of olive oil
• ½ teaspoon of turmeric powder
• 2 tablespoon of water

Preparations:

• Put the gram flour with olive oil and turmeric powder in a glass bowl. Then, add water into the bowl.
• Mix the ingredients by stirring steadily to create a smooth paste.

How To Use:

• Apply the gram flour mask on the face. Avoid the eye areas. You can also spot apply the paste on acne, if any.
• Leave the mask on for about 15 minutes.
• When the mask is fully dry, remove the mask gently by moving your fingers in circular motions.
• Wash your face with cold water.

This kind of beauty regimen is popular in Asia and it is quite effective especially in lightening skin. If you are planning to use this solution, you should only prepare enough for one use. You cannot store this solution so you need to prepare just enough for one use. Alternatively, you can buy gram flour mask on Amazon.

6. Milk for Skin Whitening: Natural Remedy for a Lighter Complexion

For those who are worried about the appearance of their skin, milk may be the best solution. The lactic acid present in milk is perfect for the purpose of making skin lighter. Milk is one of the most effective natural skin lightening ingredients available, and therefore, you can find it in soaps, lotions and creams.

According to reports, milk can make your skin lighter by half a shade. Taking milk baths on a regular basis can make your skin softer and lighter. Cow’s milk is effective in helping you achieve the desired results; however, there are also people who use buttermilk.

7. Orange Peels: Vitamin C is the Secret to Radiantly White Skin

Vitamin C is not just the secret to a healthy immune system. It could also save you from dark and uneven skin.

One of the best sources of citric acid, oranges could be the best home remedy for dark skin.

Although applying fresh oranges on your skin is possible, you can use the rind to lighten your skin.

Aside from smelling great, orange rind contains nutrients. Just like the fruit, it has vitamin C, which keeps blemishes and acne away.

It also works as an exfoliant since it has calcium that renews dead skin cells.

In addition, orange rinds have magnesium and potassium. Magnesium can bring out your skin’s radiance, while potassium can help keep your skin hydrated.

8. Almond Oil: A DIY Treatment to Soothe and Whiten Skin

Almond oil is an effective way to lighten skin, but be sure to exercise some caution when using this home remedy. There are two types of almond oil: bitter and sweet.

You should never use bitter almond oil for any skin treatment. This type of oil can be poisonous, since it contains cyanide.

Pure almond oil extracted from an oil press or the blender would be perfect for beauty treatments. Almond oil is rich in vitamins A and E; both of which are great for the skin.

This type of oil can reduce the pore size and make skin appear smoother. At the same time, it can make skin look lighter and fresher.

9. Rice Powder: An Asian Approach to Natural Skin Bleaching

Rice is one of the main food staples in Asia. Rice powder is made from grinding uncooked rice. Water or milk is added to this powder to create a paste. This paste is good for the skin, since rice is full of nutrients that promote healthier and lighter skin.

Rice powder is effective because it contains allantoin, para-aminobenzoic acid and ferulic acid. These nutrients help improve the appearance of the skin by soothing sunburnt skin and doubling the skin’s natural sun protection.

People who are not comfortable with using rice powder can choose rice water instead. Rice water is produced by rinsing rice. This water can have wonderful effects on the skin because it can make the skin look more translucent.

10. Mulberry Extract: A Chinese Remedy for Dark Spots

Originating from China, Mulberry has been used for its healing properties since the ancient times.

This extract is rich in vitamins A, E and C. Due to these nutrients; this extract can help make dark spots lighter. At the same time, it can get rid of dead skin cells and improve the collagen production in your skin.

Mulberry extract is also considered to be one of the possible cures for cancer. There are a lot of nutrients in this plant extract, which is why it is a good choice as a skin lightening remedy. There are several skin care products containing mulberry extract since the effectiveness of this skincare remedy has been proven.

11. Kojic Acid Soap: A Natural Skin Lightening Soap That Works

Kojic acid is among the most popular ingredients in soap. Kojic acid is derived from different kinds of fungi. This ingredient works effectively in lightening skin because it inhibits the production of melanin, the skin’s primary pigment.

While kojic acid soap can be an effective product when you are interested in improving the appearance of your skin, it is not for everyone. For some people, kojic acid soap can be too strong. People with sensitive skin should try to be more careful with products containing this acid.

12. Aloe Vera: An Anti-Inflammatory Agent Laced with Skin Vitamins

If you thought aloe vera is only good for treating burns, you are wrong. This plant is perfect, and not just for homeopathic healing, but also for making your skin lighter. Since it is all natural, there is no need to worry about it having adverse effects on your skin. The gel from the leaf of the plant is cool to the touch, although some people are not too fond of the smell.

Aloe vera is the ultimate choice if you want to hydrate and moisturize your skin. There are also antioxidants in this plant that can undo the skin damage from exposure to harsh chemicals and pollution. Aside from that, certain chemicals in aloe vera can improve your skin’s elasticity and firmness and at the same time, make your skin lighter and brighter, too.

You have the option to apply the gel directly on your skin and leave it for about 10 minutes. After that, you can just rinse it off; however, if you want to achieve better results, you can combine aloe vera gel with honey or rose water.

13. Oatmeal: A Diet Food That Could Also Be Your Way to Whiter Skin

Considered to be one of the most heart-smart foods, oatmeal can also be the key to having lighter skin. For those who want to have fairer skin, just mix oatmeal with egg and olive oil to create a mask. This face and body mask could improve the appearance of your skin.

You need to leave the oatmeal on your skin until it dries up. It could take about 30 minutes for the mask to dry up on your skin. The oatmeal mask can get rid of acne scars and dark spots on the skin. It would be best to continue this practice for about a month to see tangible results.

14. Papaya Extract: The Ultimate Skin Food for Natural Skin Whitening

For those who search the shelves of their local stores for beauty soaps, papaya is a common ingredient. Papaya contains a lot of active ingredients that could improve your skin complexion. With the help of the papaya enzyme papain and vitamin A, papaya helps get rid of dead skin cells. The antioxidant in the fruit also defers aging.

Perhaps the best thing about papaya is its ability to keep your skin hydrated. Eating the fruit or applying it to your skin can yield a lot of benefits. Papaya is a natural exfoliant and massaging the crushed fruit on your face could help even out the skin tone. Papaya contains AHAs similar to the ones in chemical exfoliants. The only difference between papaya and your exfoliant in a bottle is that papaya is safer and more natural.

15. Potato Exfoliation: A Root Crop That Brings Out Fairer Skin

Potatoes are among the most popular root crops. They are easy to find and are used in cooking filling dishes. Aside from being a main source of food, potatoes can also help improve the appearance of your skin. The same potato that you use to prepare soups and stews can be applied to your skin.

Mashed potato can be applied on your skin to get rid of dark spots. If you find mashing the root crop too tiresome, you can just slice the potato and leave the slices on your skin for about 20 minutes. Potato contains acids that could help with skin lightening, but are gentle, even for sensitive skin.

16. Cucumber Slices: An Age Old Beauty Hack for Dark Circles

Anyone who is familiar with cucumber knows that a few slices are all you need to say goodbye to eye bags. You can cover your eyes with chilled slices of cucumber; however, cucumbers are not just for dark eye circles as you can also use them to lighten any part of your skin.

While it is alright to slice the cucumber and leave it on your skin for a few minutes, it would be better to use chilled slices, especially for your eyes. Cucumber is perfect for mild bleaching and it has more skin benefits than just skin lightening. In fact, you can find a natural skin lightening cream or two that lists cucumber as an ingredient.

17. Turmeric Powder: A Popular Remedy for All Kinds of Skin and Health Conditions

Turmeric has been gaining much attention because of its numerous skin benefits. It is the perfect solution to skin pigmentation. This is why it would be a great pick for those who are interested in improving the appearance of their skin.

Turmeric contains lactic acid, which is useful for removing dead skin cells to bring out lighter and healthier skin. Aside from that, this is also perfect for preventing skin aging to make you look more radiant and youthful.

Now It’s Your Turn…

Beauty can be found in any skin color, although there are a lot of people who want to have lighter skin, especially if their coloration is patchy. Staying out of the sun is the best way to make skin lighter. Be sure to apply sunblock if you need to go out, even on a cloudy day.

These tips are not just for people with fair skin; they can also be effective in natural skin lightening for black people. Although they cannot make your skin instantly lighter, they could help make your skin healthier, more evenly toned, and even more radiant over time.

P.S. Try these out one at a time, and let us know which one serves you best in the comments section below…