How to Get Lighter Skin Color

Certain conditions may cause people to want to bleach their skin--emphysema, uneven skin tones, sunburns and many other skin flaws. There are several solutions to choose from to achieve a lighter skin color. The solutions range from homemade remedies to store-bought products such as bleaching creams and sunscreens. Here are several different options to choose from to get a lighter skin color.

Things You'll Need

• Lemon
• Bleaching cream (optional)
• Sunscreen

Instructions

How to Get Lighter Skin Color

1. Use freshly squeezed lemon juice. The citric acid in lemon juice can lighten the skin. On a daily basis (before bedtime), apply a few drops of lemon juice to a cotton ball and apply to the skin. Lemon juice is a highly absorbent astringent, like alcohol, so make sure to use a rich moisturizer afterwards.

2. Use a sunscreen to block harmful rays from the sun. Exposing the skin to the sun without sunscreen can cause the skin to darken and can possibly cause other skin health problems. Make sure to apply a high Sun Protection Factor (SPF) sunscreen whenever you are exposed to the sun.

3. Get a chemical peel once a month. Chemical peels have been used to achieve lighter and healthier-looking skin. Chemical peels are used to burn away the very top layer of the skin to reveal fresher and younger-looking skin. Normally a lighter skin tone is revealed after a series of peels.

4. Purchase bleaching cream from a grocery store or pharmacy. Bleaching creams are sold over-the-counter and can be used safely on a daily basis to get a lighter skin color. Apply twice a day. Some results are normally seen in approximately two weeks. This type of cream is also used sparingly to lighten skin blemishes.

5. Set up an appointment with a dermatologist. A dermatologist is a trained skin physician that can personally evaluate your skin type. The great thing about a dermatologist is that he can physically treat your skin for certain conditions, such as dryness, acne and uneven skin tone, all while achieving the results you desire. Dermatologists can also write subscriptions for products not available over-the-counter that could help you achieve the skin color you desire.

Tips & Warnings

• While using lemon juice or bleach, make sure not to expose the skin to the sun. Over-exposing the skin to the sun during these procedures can cause skin damage and possible skin cancer.

References

• Center for Disease Control: Sun Protection

Resources

• Homemade Beauty Recipes