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Lots of products claim to safely lighten your skin a few shades, but most contain harsh chemicals that can actually damage or darken your skin over time—are there any gentle, natural solutions? As it turns out, you probably have a ton of items in your kitchen right now that can brighten your complexion without harm. In this article, we’ll walk you through the best natural, DIY methods to whiten your skin safely . If you’re ready to get started, read on!

Things You Should Know

  • Apply mixtures with natural lighteners like lemon juice, honey, turmeric, or papaya to your face and skin. Rinse with lukewarm water after 20 minutes.
  • Keep your skin exfoliated and moisturized and use sunscreen to keep your skin from getting darker or duller.
  • Remember that all skin shades are beautiful! Healthy, radiant skin looks great in any color.
1

Lemon Juice

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  1. Dab your skin with equal parts lemon juice and water. Squeeze 1 whole lemon into a bowl, then add an equivalent amount of water. Stir the mixture and dab a cotton ball into it. Rub the cotton ball on your face or any other area of your skin and let the juice sit for 20 minutes. Rinse it away with water (no soap). [1]
    • Do this 3-4 times a week to lighten your skin, fade dark spots, and even out your skin tone. You’ll start seeing result in 3-4 weeks.
    • If the lemon juice is irritating, dilute the solution with more water.
    • Lemon juice might react to sunlight and cause irritation, so make sure it’s thoroughly rinsed off before you go outside.
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4

Gram Flour and Curd

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  1. Grate a small potato and squeeze all of the juice out of the little bits. Use a towel or cotton pads to rub the juice onto your face, neck, or other areas, then wait for it to dry completely. Afterwards, rinse the area with lukewarm water. Potato is very mild, so repeat this up to twice a day. [7]
    • Alternatively, cut your potato into thin slices and wet them with a few drops of water. Place the slices over spots you want to lighten for 10 minutes daily. [8]
    • The starches and sugars in potatoes act as exfoliants. They also have vitamins C and B6, potassium, zinc, and phosphorus to boost your collagen.
7

Cucumber and Aloe Vera

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  1. Throw a whole cucumber (sliced), 0.5  tsp (2.5 mL) of aloe vera , and 1 US tbsp (15 mL) of lemon juice in a blender and mix it all into pulp. Apply it to your skin with your hands and leave it for 30 minutes, then wash it away with water (no soap). [9]
    • Use this mixture daily until you start seeing results. Cucumbers have a high water content and lots of vitamins and minerals that fight skin discoloration.
    • To target dark spots, slice up a cucumber and rub the juice on dark pigmented areas. Leave the slices on each spot for 20 minutes.
    • Aloe vera is rich in vitamins A, C, E, and B12, all of which are helpful for skin lightening (especially when combined with cucumber). [10]
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9

Orange Peel Juice

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  1. Save up your orange peels and run them through a juicer to make orange peel juice. Use a cotton pad to dab the juice directly onto your skin, especially on age spots or dark spots. Let the juice sit and dry for about 20 minutes, then rinse your skin with water. [12]
    • Alternatively, place orange peels over dark pigmented areas to draw toxins and impurities out of your skin.
    • Orange peels have lots of vitamin C, calcium, and antioxidants that rejuvenate skin and fight free radicals, which helps create new skin cells.
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11

Rice Flour

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  1. Combine 2 tbsp (15.6 g) of rice flour with 1 US tbsp (15 mL) of milk and 3-4 strands of saffron in a bowl. Mix until the ingredients are fully blended and then set the paste aside for 5-10 minutes. Then, rub the paste onto your face, neck, or other areas you want to lighten. [15]
    • Leave the paste on for about 20 minutes, then rinse it away with lukewarm water. Pat your skin dry.
    • Use this mixture 2-3 times per week until you see results and moisturize after each use if your skin feels dry.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How can I stop my skin from darkening?
    Lydia Shedlofsky, DO
    Dermatologist
    Dr. Lydia Shedlofsky is a Resident Dermatologist who joined Affiliated Dermatology in July of 2019 after completing a traditional rotating internship at Larkin Community Hospital in Miami, Florida. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology at Guilford College in Greensboro, North Carolina. After graduation, she moved to Beira, Mozambique, and worked as a research assistant and intern at a free clinic. She completed a Post-Baccalaureate program and subsequently earned a Master's Degree in Medical Education and a Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) from the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine.
    Dermatologist
    Expert Answer
    If you don't want your skin to darken, use some sort of photoprotection against sunlight.
  • Question
    Is rose water good for our skin?
    Community Answer
    It sure is! Rose water soothes, tones, and moisturizes, and it is very gentle on the skin. It's great for your hair, too.
  • Question
    How do I protect myself from sun damage?
    Community Answer
    Wear protective clothes and sunscreen. Examples of protective clothing are hats, tracksuits and closed shoes.
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      Warnings

      • If you notice chronic dryness, redness, or irritation after using a home remedy, stop using it and let your skin rest and recover. Try a milder method when your skin is healthy enough for lightening again. [20]
      • Avoid bleach, ammonia, or harsh chemical lighteners. They might lighten your skin in the short term, but may cause lasting damage and darkening if overused. [21]
      • Some whitening products may contain toxic substances like mercury or hydroquinone that inhibit your body’s ability to make and move protective melanin. [22]
      • Be wary of marketing terms like “lightening” or “brightening” that aim to make you feel self-conscious about your skin or promote colorism in the beauty industry. Embrace your skin and remember it’s beautiful no matter what shade it is! [23]
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      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      If you want to naturally whiten your skin at home, mix one part lemon juice to one part water, then dip a cotton ball in the solution and apply it to your skin. Rinse off the mixture after about 15 minutes, and repeat 2-3 times a week. To lighten the skin on your whole body at once, pour a cup of full-fat milk and the juice from a whole lemon into a bathtub full of warm water, then soak in the tub for about 20 minutes. Rinse off in the shower, then gently dry your skin. Repeat this once a week. Keep reading to learn how exfoliating and moisturizing can make your skin look brighter!

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      Reader Success Stories

      • Irene Wanjiru

        Jun 6, 2016

        "I have learned how to lighten my skin naturally. I only know that it is just by the use of skin lightener. Thanks a ..." more
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