Products
Sunscreen Lotion
Most skin damage is caused due to over-exposure to the sun. The harsh UVA and UVB 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 it 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 to lighten the skin. Some of these products are available as over-the-counter drugs, while some may require a prescription. If you are going for over-the-counter products make sure they are manufactured using plant extracts or other natural ingredients. Steer clear from products containing hydroquinone, this is a highly toxic chemical which induces various health hazards. Steroid creams are also effective, but they are available only with a prescription.
Natural Methods
There are a number of ways to lighten your skin naturally right at home.
- Mash some papaya, and apply it directly over the dark or tanned area.
- Mix some tomato juice and potato juice together, and apply on the tanned surface. Wash it off after some time.
- Take 2 tbsp of gram flour and add a few drops of milk to make a paste. Apply this paste on your 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 to a paste the next morning. Apply this paste on your face or the affected region.
Treatments
Certain cosmetic or dermatological treatments are also effective. These include skin peels or laser treatments. When it comes to skin peels, glycolic peels are the most effective to lighten the skin. These peels exfoliate the skin and remove the dead cells which are responsible for the dark appearance. Thus, when the dead cells are removed, the fresh, underlying fair skin is revealed. However, it is important to get these treatments done by a qualified dermatologist only.
If the skin darkening 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 by a doctor who will suggest the appropriate treatment for you.
