As we age our skin becomes darker. Not only is exposure to the sun problematic, but so are things like air pollution and many other environmental factors. Additionally, age spots and freckles can make skin tone appear uneven. You could purchase one of the the many skin-lightening creams currently on the market. However, when it comes to lightening your skin naturally, you need look no further than your kitchen. Here are our favorite remedies.
1. How to Lighten Your Skin Naturally with Yogurt
Yogurt contains lactic acid which has bleaching properties. The best part is that it works for all types of skin but is especially good for dry skin as it will also moisturize while lightening.
Ingredients
- 1½ cup plain organic yogurt.
- 1 teaspoon of honey.
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice.
- 3-4 almonds (ground until powdered) or an equal amount of almond flour.
- A pinch of ground turmeric.
- A small bowl.
- Mixer.
Instructions
- Mix almond powder, honey, lemon juice, turmeric and yogurt until creamy.
- Apply a liberal amount on the skin and allow it to sit for 20-30 minutes.
- Rinse it off with warm water.
- Repeat 3x per week until the desired look is achieved.
2. How to Lighten Your Skin Naturally with Lemon Juice and Gram Flour
Lemons contain citric acid that serve as a bleaching agent, vitamin C which generates new cells and antioxidants that help heal damaged skin. It’s important, however, that you use real lemons and not lemon concentrate which contains sugar and preservatives. Gram flour, on the other hand, helps remove excess oil from your skin while helping it retain its natural moisture.
Ingredients
- A pinch of turmeric.
- 2 teaspoons of gram flour.
- 5-10 drops of lemon juice.
- Heavy cream added 1 teaspoon at a time until a creamy paste has been created.
- A bowl.
- Spoon.
Instructions
- Mix gram flour with turmeric in a bowl.
- Add the lemon juice and stir the mixture.
Note: Depending on the sensitivity of your skin, you may need to adjust the amount of lemon juice used. - Add the heavy cream a teaspoon at a time until you create a cream.
- Apply it to your skin and allow it to sit for 30 minutes.
- Rinse off with warm water.
- Repeat 2x per week for a month.
3. How to Lighten Your Skin Naturally with Lemon Juice and Rose Water
The advantages of lemon juice were previously discussed. However, rose water brings a new level to skin whitening because of its many benefits. Rose water is often used in spas, dermatology clinics and centers for relaxation because it improves circulation that heals and tones the skin while tightening pores.
The mixture penetrates the pores serving as an exfoliant while removing dead skin cells, dirt, oil and makeup. As a result, it exposes the fresh, blemish-free skin beneath. It is also known to balance pH levels in the skin plus it emits an incredible odor.
Ingredients
- 1 cup lemon juice.
- A few drops of rose water.
- Small bowl.
- Cotton balls.
Instructions
- In a small bowl mix lemon juice and rose water.
- Dip a cotton ball into the solution and, using a circular motion, rub it onto the areas that need lightening.
- Allow it to sit for 15 minutes then shower it off with warm water.
- Repeat every other day until the desired look is achieved.
4. How to Lighten Your Skin Naturally with Oranges
Oranges contain vitamin C and citric acid. While the vitamin is good for improving the texture of your skin when taken internally and the healthy appearance of skin when applied, the citric acid serves as an excellent lightening solution.
Ingredients
- An orange.
- Pinch of turmeric.
- Juicer.
- Small bowl.
- Spoon.
- Cotton Balls.
Instructions
- Peel then juice the orange then pour the juice into a small small bowl.
- Add a pinch of turmeric and stir until completely dissolved.
- Dip a cotton ball into the solution and apply it to your face, neck and any other skin you need to lighten.
- Allow the mixture to sit for 20-30 minutes then rinse it off with warm water.
- Repeat daily until the desired look is achieved.
5. How to Lighten Your Skin Naturally with Honey
One of the key reasons your skin tone becomes uneven and darkens is because it becomes dry. Honey is a natural antibacterial and antioxidant that heals damaged skin while moisturizing. It also contains a natural bleaching agent. It helps to reduce acne scars while fading age spots.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon of honey.
- 1 tablespoon powdered milk.
- 1/2 teaspoon of almond oil.
- Juicer.
- Small bowl.
- Spoon.
Instructions
- Peel and juice a lemon then pour the juice into a small bowl.
- Add honey, powdered milk and almond oil and mix until a paste forms.
- Apply the mixture to your skin then allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes.
- Rinse off with cool water.
- Repeat every other day.
6. How to Lighten Your Skin Naturally with Aloe Vera Gel
The best part about Aloe Vera is that you can grow it right in your home and it’s excellent for treating burns. When it comes to uneven skin tone, though, it also fights hyperpigmentation which is the primary cause for darkening skin. It has a cooling effect when applied and increases the regeneration of new skin cells while rebuilding damaged tissue.
Ingredients
- Aloe Vera leaf.
- Paring knife.
- Small bowl.
Instructions
- Remove an Aloe Vera leaf from the plant.
- With a paring knife, cut off the ends and slice it down one side.
- Open the leaf and use the knife to scrape the jelly-like substance inside into a small bowl.
- Apply the gel to the skin.
- Allow it to sit for 30 minutes then rinse off with warm water.
- Repeat 2x per day for 2 weeks.
7. How to Lighten Your Skin Naturally with Turmeric
Many home remedies use turmeric which is a spice from India that has long been used to lighten skin. It contains properties that inhibit the production of melanin which not only prevents the skin from becoming darker but also lightens dark spots.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon turmeric.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil.
- Enough chickpea flour to form a paste.
- Small bowl.
- Spoon.
Instructions
- Mix turmeric and olive oil until thoroughly mixed.
- Add enough chickpea flour to form a thick paste and mix thoroughly.
- Apply the paste to the skin using a circular motion.
- Allow the mixture to sit on the skin for 15-20 minutes.
- Rinse off with warm water and pat dry.
- Repeat 1 to 2 times per week until the skin color becomes even and lightens to the desired tone.
Summing Up
A lighter skin tone appears brighter and healthier-looking. Although many manufactured products on the market today are designed to achieve that goal, finding the one that will work for you can become costly. The homemade combinations presented should achieve the same results using products you already have on hand.
