Diet, exercise, and self-care are the best ways to keep your body healthy, but there are some external factors that can affect your health as well, like the color of your skin. If you have blotchy wor darker skin than you would like, you may want to try whitening your skin naturally by making small changes to your routine. These 10 natural home remedies will help you naturally whiten your skin and make it look brighter and healthier in no time!
1) Lighter Food
Eating lighter foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables and grains, as opposed to meats and heavy starches, can make a big difference in how your skin looks. Carrots are an excellent example of how food impacts your skin; one cup of cooked carrots contains just 33 calories but packs over 900 IU of beta-carotene—an essential vitamin that converts into vitamin A in your body.
This powerful nutrient is a key player in producing more pigmentation (read: color) in your skin cells. Adding carrots to a healthy diet can help improve complexion naturally.
2) Lemon Juice
In a glass of warm water, mix 2 teaspoons lemon juice. Drink first thing in morning, or just before going to bed, for maximum benefits. Lemons are a superfood because they provide you with vitamin C and calcium, two of your body’s key ingredients for glowing skin. Vitamin C helps keep your skin smooth and soft by fighting off free radicals that damage skin cells; lemons also contain salicylic acid, which can help fight acne by drying out blemishes. All of these benefits are compounded when lemons are mixed with warm water and consumed first thing in the morning or before bed; lemon juice increases gastric juices so it breaks down and absorbs faster into your system.
3) Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera is a perennial plant with thin, green leaves that contain powerful antioxidants. Aloe vera contains vitamins A, C and E, which are good for nourishing your skin and preventing signs of aging. It also contains glycoproteins and polysaccharides, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. Apply aloe vera gel directly on your face after cleansing in order to soothe and hydrate your skin—and reduce inflammation in response to skin-aggravating pollutants.
While you can apply aloe vera gel fresh from a plant or store-bought bottle, remember that some commercial brands may contain fragrances or other additives—so it’s best if you make sure yours is completely organic. If you choose to apply aloe vera straight from a leaf, be careful not to get any dirt in it as well!
Instead, peel off long ribbons of clear gel before applying. Or just buy an all-natural aloe vera product like Source Naturals Aloe Vera Gel; not only does it come without any added flavors or colors, but many reviewers claim their acne has improved since using Source Naturals Aloe Vera Gel daily.
4) Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is great for your overall health, but it also has specific uses for skin care. The acidic pH of apple cider vinegar has been shown to help restore skin's normal pH level, which can help skin appear brighter and less red. In addition, using apple cider vinegar as a toner may help decrease acne breakouts by lowering bacteria on your skin (though some studies are inconclusive). To use apple cider vinegar in its raw form as a natural way to whiten skin at home, mix one part of organic ACV with three parts water in a spray bottle.Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil if you'd like (lavender or tea tree oil are both great options). Spritz evenly over face and neck before bed every night for three weeks.
5) Mulberry Leaves
Mulberry leaves are a popular home remedy for whitening skin. Mulberry leaves contain tannins, which can help reduce excess pigmentation, as well as essential fatty acids and vitamin C that encourage healthier-looking skin. Simply mash up some mulberry leaves, mix with a little lemon juice, and apply directly to your face or mix with water and use as a face mask before washing off. Repeat 2–3 times per week until you’ve reached your desired level of whiteness. (If it burns a bit at first—no worries!)6) Green Tea
For many centuries, green tea has been used as a natural way to whiten skin. Green tea contains high amounts of tannins and catechins, which help remove dead skin cells that cause spots. Green tea also contains antioxidants that neutralize free radicals in your body. Studies have shown that people who drink green tea regularly are less likely to develop cancer and signs of aging than those who don’t drink it. To use green tea as a natural skin brightener, make sure you're buying pure organic green tea leaves or powder instead of bottled green teas or teas flavored with fruit extracts and other ingredients.7) Pomegranate Seeds
Pomegranate seeds have a mildly abrasive quality, which makes them an effective exfoliant that can reduce dark spots, age spots and blemishes. Simply crush up some pomegranate seeds and rub gently onto your skin with circular motions. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and dry gently with a towel afterwards. If you want to store excess seeds for later use, store them in an airtight container in your refrigerator for no more than two weeks.8) Turmeric Powder
Another popular skin-whitening ingredient, turmeric powder is a spice commonly used in curries. Not only does it have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, but studies have shown that taking just 100 mg of turmeric every day for three months can lighten dark spots on your skin. That’s because curcumin, an active compound in turmeric powder that gives it its yellow hue, has been shown to inhibit a key enzyme involved in melanin production. Apply turmeric topically or ingest orally for an even more potent effect.9) Fennel Seeds
If you suffer from hyperpigmentation or skin discoloration, look no further than your kitchen cabinet. Fennel seeds have natural bleaching properties and have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. Soak a cotton ball in water mixed with a few crushed fennel seeds, then place it on your skin for at least 20 minutes before rinsing off. Repeat three times a week for best results.10) Yogurt
Yogurt contains probiotics, which are live bacteria cultures that aid in digestion and also improve your immune system. Probiotics can also help with blemishes. To do so, wash your face with a natural cleanser and pat dry. Spread some unsweetened yogurt on a cotton ball and dab it on any areas where you are prone to acne or other breakouts. Allow it to sit for 10 minutes before rinsing off.As an added bonus, yogurt helps whiten skin naturally because of its lactic acid content, which acts as a natural exfoliant by removing dead skin cells from your complexion. The more dead skin cells you remove, the more even-toned your face will be! This is especially helpful if you tan easily or have hyperpigmentation (scars, age spots) since they occur when your body produces excess melanin (the pigment that gives color to our skin).
While we all love moisturizers, they can actually make our oily zones (forehead, nose) get even oilier because they trap moisture and attract dust/dirt. If you find yourself suffering from pore-clogging issues after using moisturizer, switch over to using non-comedogenic oils instead. These lighter oils won’t clog pores due to their weightless texture and high penetration rate.
