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If you want to lighten your skin tone, even out blotchy areas, and get a rosy tint, use a face mask made from natural products once a week. In addition, keep your skin healthy by washing your face, using toner, and moisturizing regularly. Over time, doing these things may lighten your skin and give you a rosy glow!

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Maintaining Fair and Glowing Skin

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  1. [1] Choose a sunscreen that's water resistant and offers broad-spectrum protection for the best results. Apply it liberally each morning whether you're planning to spend time outside or not. Going outside without sunscreen, even for just 5 minutes a day, eventually adds up! Your skin won't stay as white as you like unless you keep it well-protected at all times. [2]

    If you plan on spending time out in the sun, reapply your sunscreen several times throughout the day to keep your skin protected. If you're swimming, reapply your sunscreen each time you get out of the water.

  2. Try to stay indoors between 10am and 2pm, since that's when the sun's rays are the strongest and most damaging. When you're outside, try to stay in shady areas. Wear protective clothing like lightweight long-sleeved shirts and sunglasses, if possible, for even more protection. [3]
    • Completely avoid using tanning beds.

    Tip: Be extra careful if you plan to be around snow, sand, or water, since they all reflect the sun's rays and increase your exposure.

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  3. Use a mild facial cleanser twice daily, in the morning and before bed, to keep your skin looking fresh and light. Exfoliate gently a few times every week to slough away dead skin cells that are often dark and damaged, revealing a brightened complexion.
    • Exfoliating may also give your cheeks a rosy glow by improving blood circulation. [4]
    • Be sure to exfoliate gently! Exfoliating too vigorously can cause red, irritated skin.
  4. Stop smoking to brighten your complexion. Over time, cigarette smoke can cause fine lines and wrinkles, making skin look dull and tired. Smoking also prevents blood from flowing properly to the face area, which can give your skin a greyish cast. Quitting smoking can brighten up your skin and make it look fairer.
  5. [5] Try to drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water each day to keep your skin looking fresh and supple. Staying well-hydrated also helps your skin rejuvenate faster, keeping the top layers of skin lighter and brighter.

    Natural fruit juices and tea are also good choices for hydration.

  6. Working up a sweat can keep your skin looking healthy and fresh by increasing blood flow. The increased blood flow carries oxygen to your skin cells, nourishing them and carrying away free radicals and other cellular debris. [6]

    Try running, using elliptical machines, and riding stationary bikes to work up a sweat and get your heart pumping.

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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Using Skin-Lightening Products and Procedures

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  1. Face creams that contain kojic acid, glycolic acid, alpha hydroxy acids, vitamin C and arbutin can help your skin reduce melanin, which is pigment responsible for tan skin, freckles, and brown spots. Apply the cream of your choice according to the product's instructions.
    • If you experience skin irritation, stop using the cream and consider visiting a dermatologist.
    EXPERT TIP

    Laura Martin

    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist

    Laura Martin, a cosmetologist, advises: "You can maintain your natural skin tone and prevent tanning and discoloration through the use of sunscreen and wearing protective clothing and hats . The only way to lighten your skin is through skin bleaching."

  2. You can buy retinoid creams at most drug stores or visit your dermatologist for a prescription cream, which will be much stronger than the over-the-counter varieties. Retinoids work by speeding up cell turnover and exfoliating the top layer of skin, making skin looking brighter, fresher, and more youthful. [7]
    • Retinoids can make your skin very sensitive to sunlight, so be sure to use a good sunscreen every day to protect your skin.
  3. Chemical peels slough away the top layers of skin, resulting in lighter, brighter, and more youthful looking skin. These peels are pretty harsh, so expect to have sensitive, red skin for a few days after the procedure. Stay out of the sun and apply your sunscreen liberally to protect your skin after the procedure.

    Note: Generally, you'll need to have a series of chemical peels to get the effect you want. One chemical peel procedure will have benefits, but multiple peels will produce long-lasting and visible results.

  4. Microdermabrasion is a form of extreme exfoliation that is best performed by a licensed professional. The procedure polishes the top layers of skin, sloughing away dark and damaged cells and revealing a brighter, fresher look.
    • You'll probably need between 6 and 12 treatments before you see real results. Luckily, each treatment only takes about 15 minutes!
    • Your skin will be very sensitive after the procedure, so stay out of the sun.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Using Natural Skin Lighteners

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  1. Chop a large tomato into 4 sections, and toss them into a blender. Pour in 1–2 US tbsp (15–30 mL) of natural lemon juice, and mix them together into a paste. Apply the mask to your entire face, and let it sit for 20-30 minutes. Then, wash off the tomato and lemon juice with cool water. [8]
    • The tomato plant contains lycopene, a natural chemical compound that protects your skin from the sun. It gives tomatoes their rich, red color. Lemon contains natural lightening agents and antibacterial properties.
    • Do this once a week for several months, and you may notice that your skin looks lighter.
  2. Get a small, cosmetic spray bottle, and mix one part fresh-squeezed lemon juice with 4 parts water. After you wash your face, spray a light, even layer of the mixture over your skin. The acidity of the lemon juice can naturally lighten the pigment of your skin.
    • It may take 4 or more weeks to notice any difference in your skin.
    • Use a hand juicer if you want to juice your lemons yourself. Cut the lemon in half, and push it into the juicing section. Twist the fruit back and forth slightly to release the juice.
  3. To make the mask, peel away the papaya skin with a sharp knife, use a spoon to scoop out the seeds, and slice it into small chunks. Throw the chunks into a blender, and blend the papaya into a smooth paste. Then, scoop the papaya with a spoon and apply a thin, even layer across your face. Let the mask sit for 20 minutes, then rinse it away with warm water. [9]
    • Papaya nourishes your skin with a high concentration of vitamin C, which can help lighten skin over time.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    What procedures can brighten skin complexion?
    Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, MD
    Board Certified Dermatologist & Dermatopathologist
    Dr. Adarsh Vijay Mudgil is a board certified Dermatologist, Dermatopathologist, and the Owner of Mudgil Dermatology, a state-of-the-art dermatology practice based in New York, New York. As one of the few dermatologists in the area to achieve board certification in both dermatology and dermatopathology, Dr. Mudgil specializes in all aspects of medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology. He received his Bachelor's degree with Phi Beta Kappa honors from Emory University and earned his Doctor of Medicine (MD) with Alpha Omega Alpha honors from the Stony Brook University School of Medicine. In medical school, Dr. Mudgil was among a handful of students nationwide to receive a coveted Howard Hughes Medical Institute Fellowship and Scholarship. He then completed his residency in dermatology at the Mount Sinai Medical Center in Manhattan, where he served as chief resident. Additionally, Dr. Mudgil went on to complete a fellowship at the prestigious Ackerman Academy of Dermatopathology. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, and the American Society of Dermatopathology. Dr. Mudgil is also a member of the Mount Sinai School of Medicine teaching faculty.
    Board Certified Dermatologist & Dermatopathologist
    Expert Answer
  • Question
    How can I make my lips pink?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Exfoliating with a soft-bristled toothbrush or sugar scrub will remove dead skin and brighten your lips. However, if your natural lip color is more brown than pink, you may need to add a tinted gloss or lipstick to achieve a pink color.
  • Question
    How can dark skin get lighter?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    If you wear sunscreen daily, avoid prolonged sun exposure, and exfoliate a few times a week it will brighten your skin, but not dramatically. The only way to achieve significantly lighter skin is with bleaching.
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      The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
      • If you want to create instant white look without makeup, wash your face with an oil-free face wash, moisturize, and spread some talc powder evenly across your face. This will not damage your skin and will help it appear lighter.
      • One teaspoon lemon juice mix with two teaspoon fresh milk is one of the best remedy with zero side effects. You can use it daily even twice a day for cleansing. Your skin will become fairer and baby like within ten days.
      • Increase your intake of fruits and vegetables, specially those that have vitamins A and C, and drink 8 to 10 glasses of water daily.
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      1. http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/health-disease/skin-health/vitamin-C
      2. Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, MD. Board Certified Dermatologist & Dermatopathologist. Expert Interview. 8 October 2020.

      About This Article

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      To get rosy white skin, start by wearing sunscreen every day and limiting the amount of time you spend out in the sun to maintain your skin's fairness. Over-the-counter lightening creams and procedures like chemical peels and microdermabrasion can also help your skin look smooth, fair, and spot-free. For a healthy, rosy glow, try face masks made with papaya, lemon juice, and tomatoes! For more tips, like using rose water as a toner, keep reading!

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