Lighten Skin Tone

Smooth, unblemished, even complexion is everybody's dream. Unfortunately, not everyone is lucky to have such dream complexion in reality. They have to rely on several skin lightening products to evenly lighten their skin tone. Although, most products to lighten skin complexion promise dazzling results within days, there are hardly very few who live up to their promises. Besides, there are certain natural ways to lighten skin tone, which are just as effective. Here are some tips that will help you to lighten skin color.

Lightening Skin Tone with Lightening Products

Sunscreen Lotion
Most skin damages are caused due to over exposure of the skin to the sun. The harsh UV-A and UV-B rays from sun increase the activity of a pigment called melanin, which is responsible for darkening the skin. Thus, irrespective of your natural skin color, you should always use a good quality sunscreen lotion with SPF 15 or more. Thus, sunscreen helps to lighten your skin by protecting against sun damage. Another advantage of sunscreen is its ability to inhibit the growth of cancerous cells.

Topical Creams
Commercially available topical skin creams are sometimes effective in lightening the skin tone. Some of these products are available as over the counter drugs, while some may require prescription. If you are going for over the counter products make sure they are manufactured using plant extract or other natural ingredients. Steer clear from products containing hydroquinone as one of the ingredients. This is a highly toxic chemical which induces various health hazards. Steroid creams are also effective, but they are available only on prescription.

How to Lighten Skin Tone Naturally

There are a number of ways to lighten your skin tone naturally, that too within the confinements of your own home.

• Mash some papaya and directly apply it over the dark or tanned area.
• Mix some tomato juice and potato juice together and apply on the tanned surface. Wash it off after sometime.
• Take 2 tbsp gram flour and add a few drops of milk to make a paste. Apply this paste on the face and rinse it off after 15 minutes with lukewarm water.
• Directly massaging the skin with a slice of lemon also helps in improving the skin tone.
• Mix 2 tbsp cornflour or oatmeal with 2 tbsp of olive oil and make a thin paste. Apply over the dark areas of the body.
• Soak a handful of almonds in water and leave them overnight, grind them in a paste the next morning. Apply this paste on the face or the affected region.

Lightening Skin Tone with Treatments

Certain cosmetic or dermatological treatments are effective in lightening the skin tone. These include skin peels or laser treatment. When it comes to skin peels, glycolic peels are the most effective in lightening the skin tone. These peels exfoliate the skin and remove dead cells, which are responsible for rendering the dark appearance to your skin. Thus, when the dead cells are removed, the fresh, fair underlying skin is revealed. However, it is important to get these treatments done from a qualified dermatologist only.

If the darkening of the skin is due to side effects of certain medications, then you may ask your doctor to prescribe substitute medicines. Also, sudden darkening of skin may be due to some underlying disorder. Thus, it is important to get yourself checked from a doctor who may suggest you some treatment.