How to Make Your Skin Lighter

Last Updated: May 27, 2022 References

You may want to lighten your skin for a variety of reasons, from concealing sun damage to personal aesthetics. While it's not possible to drastically change your skin tone, it may be possible to lighten it a few shades through natural or chemical means. It's important to think carefully about what you're putting on your skin and to consult a doctor if possible. If lightening your skin is the right choice for you, you can try home remedies, use skin lightening products, or practice good skin care to help you achieve your goal.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Using Lemon Juice

1
Apply lemon juice to your skin with a cotton ball. While not scientifically proven, many believe that lemon juice can have skin lightening effects. To test this theory yourself, cut a lemon in half. Using only one half, squeeze the lemon juice into a bowl. Use a cotton ball to soak up the lemon juice and then rub it onto the area you wish to lighten. Leave it on for about 15 to 20 minutes before washing it off. Use warm water to rinse, and always apply moisturizer afterwards. Repeat this 2 - 3 times per week.^{[1]
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- You could apply it to your face, neck, or anywhere else you wish to lighten. Avoid getting the lemon juice in your eyes.
- If you feel that the lemon juice is too harsh on your skin, try diluting it to half strength with water before applying.
2
Make a lemon juice mask for your face. A mask will let the acidic part of the lemon slowly seep into pores and gradually change the complexion of the skin. Mix together 1 tablespoon (14.8 ml) of lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of tomato juice, 1 tablespoon of cucumber juice, and 1 tablespoon (14.8 ml) of sandalwood paste into a paste. Apply it to your face and let sit for 15-20 minutes. Rinse with warm water and moisturize.^{[2]
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- Masks, exfoliants, and peels should be used sparingly—once or twice a week. Too much exfoliation can cause excessive dryness or irritation.
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3
Use a lemon exfoliator. An exfoliant will help lighten skin by using the natural lightening components of citric acid, as well as by sloughing off the top layer of dead skin cells. Mix together 2 tablespoons (29.6 ml) brown sugar, 1 egg white, and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. Massage the exfoliant into your skin using gentle circular motions. Gently scrub or keep it on for 10-15 minutes, rinse with warm water, and moisturize.^{[3]
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- Apply this mask sparingly. You should only apply it once a week to avoid drying out your skin.
- Lemons contain citric acid, which is a natural Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA). Exfoliation with AHAs help remove the top layer of skin to allow growth of new skin, which may help fade superficial discolored areas.
4
Make a mask out of turmeric, lemon juice, and cucumber. When turmeric is used topically, it can improve some skin conditions, such as facial photoaging.^{[4]
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Trustworthy Source
PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
Go to source} To use turmeric for skin lightening, make a mask containing half a teaspoon (2.5 g) of turmeric, 2 teaspoons (9.8 mL) of lemon juice, and two teaspoons (9.8 mL) of cucumber juice. Spread it on the area you wish to lighten. Let it sit for 15 minutes before rinsing off. Apply this mask up to a few times a week.^{[5]
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- You can also take turmeric internally by using it in your cooking. Try this Indian curry.
- The turmeric may stain your skin slightly yellow, but don't worry, it will fade quickly.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Trying Other Home Remedies

1
Dip a cotton ball in coconut water. While no scientific research has been done on the subject, some say that coconut water can lighten the skin, while also leaving it soft and supple. Dip a cotton ball into a bowl of coconut water. Then, wipe the liquid over your face or any other area you wish to lighten. Leave it on overnight and rinse it off in the morning. You can repeat this daily.^{[6]
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- You can also try drinking coconut water to hydrate your skin from the inside out. Coconut water is a great source of essential minerals and is also low in calories.
- Coconut oil can also have a positive impact on your skin. Apply it two times daily to improve symptoms of eczema and moisturize your skin.^{[7]
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2
Apply aloe vera gel to your skin. Gel made from aloe vera plants is very soothing for the skin. It is also moisturizing and encourages skin rejuvenation. Some think that this enables it to fade dark patches and lighten skin. Break off the leaf of an aloe vera plant (available in plant nurseries) and rub the gel-like sap all over the area you wish to lighten. Repeat this four times a day for at least 15 days in a row.^{[8]
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- Aloe vera is good for your skin, so you can use it as often as you'd like with no fear of side effects.
- You can use commercial aloe gel if it is organic and not made from chemicals.
- Aloe vera can also help with psoriasis, seborrhea, dandruff, minor burns, skin abrasions, and also radiation-induced skin injuries.^{[9]
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3
Rub raw potato on your skin. Many think that potatoes can lighten skin although there's currently no scientific evidence that proves this. The juice from a raw potato is said to have mild bleaching properties which naturally lighten skin, due to the high quantities of vitamin C it contains. All you need to do is cut a raw potato in half, and rub the exposed flesh on the skin that you wish to lighten. Leave it on your face for 15 minutes and then wash it off.^{[10]
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- You can use raw potato daily.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Using Skin Lightening Products and Treatments

1
Be aware of the risks associated with skin lightening creams. Many natural bleaching agents can lead to allergy or irritation. Prolonged use of skin lightening products can also lead to premature aging of skin because of increased sensitivity to UVA/UVB rays. Some chemical ingredients in topical creams can be absorbed into your bloodstream, so it is important to avoid products that contain harmful ingredients, such as mercury and steroids.^{[11]
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- Steroids in some skin lightening products can increase the chance of infection and increase the likelihood of acne.
- To be safe, only use products manufactured in the U.S. or those recommended by your dermatologist.^{[12]
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  American Academy of Dermatology
  Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
  Go to source}
2
Try a skin lightening cream. Look for a cream that contains beneficial rather than harmful ingredients. Purchase an over-the-counter cream containing kojic acid, glycolic acid, azelaic acid, alpha hydroxy acids, vitamin C or arbutin (also known as bearberry extract). Alternatively, get a dermatologist to prescribe a stronger skin lightening cream containing retinoids (acidic form of vitamin A) or an ingredient called hydroquinone.^{[13]
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- All of these skin lightening products work by reducing melanin, which is a pigment that causes skin to tan when exposed to sunlight.
3
Try chemical peels or microdermabrasion. Chemical peels and microdermabrasion treatments are sometimes recommended by dermatologists to achieve skin lightening. Both of these treatments work to peel or exfoliate away the outer, darker pigmented skin, revealing the fresher, lighter colored skin underneath. These treatments can also help with acne scars, brown spots, and other pigmentation problems.^{[14]
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Mayo Clinic
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- A chemical peel involves having a concentrated acidic solution applied to the skin by a dermatologist. The acid will burn away the outer, pigmented layers of skin, leaving lighter skin behind.^{[15]
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  Expert Source
  
  Mohiba Tareen, MD
  FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist
  Expert Interview. 26 March 2020.}
- Microdermabrasion achieves the same results, but uses a different method. With microdermabrasion, a rotating wire brush is used to slough off the top layers of pigmented skin.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Practicing Good Skin Care

1
Wear sunscreen every day. The sun can cause serious damage to the skin—from sun spots to burns and skin cancer. This is why it's important that you wear sunscreen every day to protect your skin and keep it healthy.^{[16]
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Expert Source

Mohiba Tareen, MD
FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist
Expert Interview. 26 March 2020.} Even if it's cloudy, the sun's UV rays can still break through, so you need to wear sunscreen in winter too. Use an SPF of at least 30 on a daily basis.^{[17]
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- It's especially important to wear sunscreen when using skin lightening treatments.
2
Drink a lot of water. Keeping your skin hydrated helps your skin stay healthy.^{[18]
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University of Wisconsin Health
Integrated healthcare system of the University of Wisconsin focused on treating and providing support to patients and public health initiatives
Go to source} Drink at least 6 to 8 glasses a day for best results.
- Keep a bottle of water with you to make keeping yourself hydrated a little easier.
- Add lemon or another type of fruit if you don't like the taste of water alone.
3
Follow a skincare routine. Cleanse your face twice a day with a foaming cleanser or soap and follow with a good moisturizer. You should also use gentle skincare products formulated for your skin type. If you use products unsuitable for your skin, it may cause redness. Along with a daily routine, exfoliate at least once a week to remove dead skin cells.^{[19]
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- Always take your makeup off before bed. Otherwise, the oils could clog your pores, leading to uneven skin tone or even breakouts.
- Be careful about using a lot of products on your skin at once since it could cause irritation and dryness.^{[20]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Mohiba Tareen, MD
  FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist
  Expert Interview. 26 March 2020.}

Expert Q&A

Question

How can I lighten sunspots?

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.

Mohiba Tareen, MD

FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist

Expert Answer

Over-the-counter products that contain retinol can increase skin cell turnover and help sunspots fade. You can also use products that contain alpha-hydroxy acid. For faster results, visit a dermatologist for a chemical peel or laser treatment.
Question

How does smoking affect skin?

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.

Mohiba Tareen, MD

FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist

Expert Answer

Smoking makes your skin look sallowed and wrinkled. If you want to improve the look of your skin, don't smoke and quit if you do.
Question

Is it bad to use multiple face products?

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.

Mohiba Tareen, MD

FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist

Expert Answer

It can be if you use them all at once. Too many products all at once can dry out and irritate your skin.

Warnings

Lemon juice is very acidic and can make your skin tremendously sensitive. Do not continue use if it irritates your skin.

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Stay away from any and all products that have mercury as an ingredient.

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Always test skin products on a small, inconspicuous area before applying them fully. If you experience itching, redness, or any other reaction symptoms within 48 hours, do not use the product.

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Check the ingredients on everything before you use it. If you see something that concerns you, don't use the product until you've done more research.

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Chemical peels and microdermabrasion can be a little painful, and the skin on your face may be red and inflamed for several days afterwards. However, they can also be very effective. Discuss with your dermatologist to see if they think these treatments are a good option for you.^{[23]
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To make sure you aren't allergic, apply aloe vera to a small patch of skin before applying it more extensively.^{[24]
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Mayo Clinic
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