How To Safely Lighten Your Skin

Lightening your skin comes with risks, especially if you do not equip yourself with proper information about the necessary precautions to avoid permanent skin damage. Although there are safe and proven ways to get a lighter skin tone, you must still bear in mind the basic factors of skin lightening. Perhaps the most important among these factors is the fact that using skin lightening products makes the skin much more sensitive to sunlight. This means prolonged sun exposure increases the likelihood of suffering from sunburn or skin cancer. This is the reason why it is of utmost importance to use sunscreen with the highest level of protection.

When it comes to skin lightening, there are a variety of methods to choose from. Your choice depends on your individual skin condition and how much lighter you want your skin to be. The simplest and safest way to lighten your skin tone is by using lemon juice. This is also recommended for those who do not want to spend a lot of money on different products. It is important to note, however, that even if lemon juice is natural, it can still cause skin damage. If you decide to go this route, it is best to stay indoors after applying lemon juice and do not use it more than three times per week.

In order to use lemon juice effectively, squeeze half a lemon into a bowl and mix water that's twice the amount of lemon juice. Dab a cotton ball into the solution and gently rub it on your skin. Keep in mind that you should stay indoors after applying lemon juice on your skin, as the lemon juice makes your skin extra sensitive to sunlight, causing your skin to burn much more quickly. Also note that sunlight can still cause damage even if the weather appears cloudy, so avoid going outside by all means.

After 15 minutes have passed, rinse your skin well and then apply a gentle moisturizer. You probably wouldn't notice any significant changes after your first application. This is only natural; just continue with the routine two to three times a week and you should begin to notice your skin turning lighter after a few months.

Aside from this easy-to-prepare home remedy, there are also a lot of skin lightening creams you can buy over-the-counter. Make it a point to check the ingredients first before buying. If you want to get the best results, look for products containing alpha hydroxy acids or glycolic acid. Retinol-based creams are also proven to be very effective.

You must also keep an eye out on certain ingredients which you need to avoid including mercury and hydroquinone. These ingredients can cause significant damage to your health, prompting many countries to ban them. Whatever product or method you choose, skin lightening needs to be handled with care. For best results, consult your doctor or dermatologist and seek recommendations as to the best way to lighten your skin.