How to Lighten Your Entire Body's Skin Complexion

There are many different products on the market today that have been shown to lighten and brighten complexions. While many products are targeted toward facial skin, there are also ways to lighten the skin on your entire body.

Things You'll Need

• Sunscreen
• Wide-brimmed hat
• Protective clothing
• Lightening or bleaching cream
• Chemical peel
• Body scrub

Instructions

1. Use sunscreen daily all over your body. Sun exposure is the number one cause of sun spots, freckles and darkened complexions. Apply a sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Remember to apply all over your body, including your ears, the back of your neck and your feet. If you are outside for extended periods of time, you should reapply periodically.

2. Wear a wide-brimmed hat for additional sun protection. While sunscreen is essential, none offers complete protection. A wide-brimmed hat will offer additional coverage from the skin's darkening rays.

3. Cover your body in sun-protective clothing like long-sleeved shirts and long pants, as well as shoes.

4. Use a skin lightening or bleaching cream. There are many versions available at drug stores and cosmetic counters. Opt for one designed for full-body use. Facial lightening creams tend to come in smaller, more expensive doses.

5. Talk to your dermatologist about more intensive lightening creams that require a prescription. If your doctor feels this is a good option for you, be aware that you may experience sensitive skin when you first start using the creams.

6. Consider chemical body peels, which have been shown to lighten complexions. Since peels come in different strengths--light, medium and deep--you should ask your doctor which is best for you . Make sure to follow her specific instructions regarding self-care before and after your chemical body peel.

7. Exfoliate regularly. Exfoliation helps to slough away dead, superficial skin cells and encourage new cell growth. This will help bring about lighter skin as you remove the darker, sun-damaged skin on top. Aim to exfoliate once to twice a week using a body scrub.

8. Make daily use of lotions or serums that contain Vitamin C. Vitamin C has been shown to lighten skin when applied regularly.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid exposure to the sun while using lightening or bleaching creams. Spending time in the sun will simply reverse any progress you make with the creams.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish