photo credit: Candida.Performa (on vacation)

Skin with a darker hue is highly admired by men and women, particularly in the western side of the world. People from these places would spend hours under the sun just to achieve the perfect sun-tanned look. Tanning salons, sun tan oils, and other treatments are very predominant in these countries just to get a natural looking tan. However, there are countries in another part of the world that desires for the opposite.

The presence of melanin in the skin gives it its color and tone. A lack thereof would mean a lighter skin tone. Different racial communities have different skin. Those with lighter ones want to make it darker and those with darker ones want the opposite. Thus, the conceptualization of skin lightening products, laser treatments, and the like. But with continuous research, the risks posed by these products have been realized. That is why more and more people have begun looking for skin lightening home remedies to aid them in getting rid of dark spots and uneven skin tone. These homemade skin lightening products pose far less risk than those sold in the because they are made from ingredients that are all natural. Surprisingly, these may not be produced by reputable companies and may not cost you a lot, but effects may be enjoyed after prolonged use.

Citrus based remedies

Ingredients that contain citrus acid like lemons, limes, and oranges do have some lightening capabilities. This works best in dealing with red blemishes and helping to fade scars. By mixing dried orange peel with curd, the problem area can get treated. Advocates of this particular remedy swears for its effectiveness after several weeks of continuous usage.

Dairy products

Milk can also lighten the skin. This helps to fade tan and make you skin look glowing and supple to touch.

Oats, Fruits, and Vegetables

Other foods such as tomatoes and potatoes also have some skin lightening effects. The secret to getting the full effects of these ingredients is to make them up fresh and apply them vigorously for a month or so. A solution for lightening dark spots is a mixture of oatmeal and mashed tomato. The acid found in tomatoes helps to lighten the spots and the oatmeal works as a scrub for exfoliating dead skin cells that cause uneven tints on the skin. Exfoliated skin can be treated easier that is why these two work hand in hand to achieve a lighter and more even skin tone.

Potato Paste is also used to even out skin tone. Simply peel a potato, ground it to a juicy paste and spread liberally on the skin. It is believed that the juice of the potato serves as the whitening agent and regular application can make skin lighter.

The disadvantage of resorting to skin lightening home remedies is that they are very time consuming to make. You need to research for which ingredients would go best together to be able to concoct a mixture that works. Also, it is often messy to apply and can be uncomfortable for the person having to let the mixture stay on particular areas of the body for several minutes. Not only does it take a while to prepare, it can also become tiring since most remedies work if applied several times a day for months. But as they say, no pain no gain. All it takes is a little perseverance and a lot of hard work and dedication.