Q&A for How to Make Whitening Cream

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  • Question
    How can I whiten my skin naturally?
    Mohiba Tareen, MD
    FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist
    Mohiba Tareen is a board certified Dermatologist and the founder of Tareen Dermatology located in Roseville, Maplewood and Faribault, Minnesota. Dr. Tareen completed medical school at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where she was inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha honor society. While a dermatology resident at Columbia University in New York City, she won the Conrad Stritzler award of the New York Dermatologic Society and was published in The New England Journal of Medicine. Dr. Tareen then completed a procedural fellowship which focused on dermatologic surgery, laser, and cosmetic dermatology.
    FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist
    Expert Answer
    While there are many over the counter and prescription options available such as retinol, azelaic acid, niacinamide and more, there may be a few things in your kitchen cabinet that might help achieve lighter skin including turmeric—which can be taken orally to help prevent darkening of the skin or applied topically to brighten it over time— and green tea—which can help prevent melanin stimulation due to the compound EGCG, reducing pigmentation.
  • Question
    Which method works better: the lemon one or the almond one?
    Community Answer
    Lemon, because it contains citric acid and is widely used for lightening skin. Almond also lightens the skin, but not as fast as lemon does.
  • Question
    Is it possible to make this without using yogurt?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can use milk instead, but I think yogurt is better because it adheres to your skin more easily.
  • Question
    Can I use baking soda, cornstarch, and virgin coconut oil for a whitening cream?
    Community Answer
    Baking soda will lighten your skin, BUT it is strong and harmful to your face. Try using it for the rest of your body (not your face). Virgin coconut oil is wonderful for your face and body. The more "virgin" the better. You can use it to make homemade lotions, soaps, masks, and more!
  • Question
    How can I make long lasting whitening cream without needing it to be refrigerated?
    Community Answer
    You will need a preservative to keep the lotion or cream lasting long without being refrigerated.
  • Question
    Can I use homemade yogurt for this?
    Community Answer
    Of course - it is even better for your skin!
  • Question
    Can I make my own yogurt?
    Community Answer
    You sure can. Follow the instructions in Make Yogurt .
  • Question
    Where can I get yogurt?
    Community Answer
    You should be able to find yogurt at any grocery store.
  • Question
    Where do I get rose water?
    Community Answer
    Rose water, aka rose hydrosol, can be found in local health & wellness stores, drugstores, and sometimes even in well-stocked grocery stores in the face and body care aisle. It is usually marketed and sold as a facial toner, so you'd likely find it near face care products such as cleansers and moisturizers.
  • Question
    Should I use sweetened or unsweetened yogurt when making whitening cream?
    Community Answer
    Use unsweetened yogurt because there will be numerous additives, colorings and the like added to sweetened versions, so they are less pure.
  • Question
    Does whitening cream have any side effects?
    Community Answer
    All the ingredients are natural, so it doesn't (unless you're allergic to any of the ingredients), but don't use it on you your face because lemon and baking soda are harsh and your facial skin is more sensitive than the rest of your body.
  • Question
    Can I do this recipe without rose water?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can. Rosewater only soothes the skin, but if you use too much lemon, your skin will become dry and itchy.
  • Question
    Can I add other whitening ingredients and preservatives?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can put milk, along with a hint of lotion. This is because milk and lotion both moisturize the skin, and if you put it in the lemon method, the lemon will not dry your skin.
  • Question
    How much milk do I use in place of yogurt?
    Community Answer
    You can use 1 teaspoon of milk. It may vary in consistency but it will work in a similar way to the yogurt.
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