Skin lightening approaches include chemical peels, laser treatments and topical lotions or natural cures.

Dark spots, freckles, acne scars and irregular skin tone are merely some of the hurdles in the endless quest for clearer, lighter skin. Although fair skin continues to be associated with attractiveness since antiquity, skin-lightening methods should be done with awareness and caution.

An earlier instance of skin whitening happens during the Nara Period in Japan (710-94) when women painted their faces white using a powder called oshiroi. These days, there are numerous safe skin lightening products on the market because of advances in medical research and science. But first, know the distinction between skin lightening and skin whitening and the advantages and risks of each technique.

Natural skin tone variations are normal and gorgeous before you try skin lightening. The very first step must always be accepting your natural skin tone. But if you do opt for skin lightening there are natural methods.

There are several natural means to lighten your skin tone. Here are some methods:

Juice of lemon: Lemon juice bleaches the skin tone. Apply freshly squeezed fresh lemon juice to your skin and leave on for 10 to 15 minutes prior to cleaning off with water. Do this 2 to 3 times each week.

Aloe vera: Aloe vera gel consists of compounds which hinder melanin production, the pigment which provides your skin tone. Apply fresh aloe vera gel to the skin and then leave on for thirty mins prior to cleaning off. Do this daily for maximum results.

Turmeric: Turmeric possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which improve skin tone. Blend turmeric powder with water or milk and put on to skin. Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes prior to washing off. Do this 2 to 3 times each week.

Honey: Honey is a humectant which helps hydrate skin and bleaches the epidermis. Apply raw honey to the skin and then leave on for 10 to 15 minutes prior to cleaning off with water. Do this one time a day.

Yogurt: Lactic acid in yogurt exfoliates the skin and also brightens it. Spread plain yogurt on your skin and then leave on for 15 to 20 minutes prior to cleaning off with water. Do this 2 to 3 times each week.

The Difference Between Skin Lightening and Skin Whitening:
Skin lightening and skin whitening may sound similar but aren’t the same. Nevertheless, skin lightening entails decreasing pigmentation and dark areas to even out the epidermis tone and skin whitening entails making the skin lighter overall.

Although each method might use exactly the same products and ingredients, skin whitening is more aggressive and also has a greater risk of unwanted side effects like skin irritation and sunlight sensitivity. Use caution with any skin-lightening product and also speak with a dermatologist in case you have any questions.

What Skin Lightening Method Is Recommended?
Skin whitening could lighten your skin tone in a quicker time but is hardly ever recommended due to possible health consequences. Rather, skin lightening is safer and brings about fewer unwanted unwanted side effects.

Understanding Causes of Skin Darkening.
Many pigmentation problems are brought on by melanin. Sunspots & melasma are brought on by extra melanin deposited in the dermis and post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is triggered by excess melanin production or irregular distribution following skin inflammation. Freckles are instead a genetic disorder, since skin cells contain melanin.

Skin Lightening by Targeting Melanin Production.
Target melanin production in your skin to brighten your skin and solve these pigmentation issues. Melanin is made in melanocytes, the pigment cells of the lower layer of the skin. Each melanocyte is flanked by 36 keratinocytes which constitute the melanin component. Melanin is transferred to these keratinocytes and the surrounding skin area darkens after being synthesized.

Alternate variations in melanin production or transfer may cause age spots, melasma, freckles, acne scars and vitiligo. Vitiligo is a depigmenting skin condition brought on by oxidative stress to the melanocytes that results in loss of skin color.

Producing Melanin – the Science.
Probably the most crucial enzyme for melanin production is tyrosinase. It does this by transforming l-tyrosine into dopaquinone and creating melanin. Additional melanogenesis enzymes include tyrosinase-associated proteins (TRP-1 and TRP-2) and phospholipidase-associated proteins (TRP-1 TRP-2 and).

Consequently, lots of skin lightening products have substances which inhibit tyrosinase activity to reduce and inhibit melanin production. They may be synthetic ingredients like alpha arbutin. However organic ingredients like kojic acid and papaya extract have just recently emerged as safer and more useful skin lighteners.

How Does Your Skin Get Lighter?

How to make your skin lighter is discussed here.
To begin with, use preventative sun care – work with a broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher – and also put on a hat and sunglasses to stop UV-induced pigmentation.
The second is exfoliating regularly and eliminate dead skin cells using chemical and physical exfoliants.
The third tip: protect your skin barrier from environmental contaminants with anti pollution skin care products.
The last tip is using skin lightening products which have azelaic acid, bergamot, arbutin, lactic acid and kojic acid.

Overall, the secret to effectively and safely lightening your skin is treating it with caution and awareness and embrace your natural beauty despite skin tone variations.

Note that natural remedies might take more time to work than chemical based items and also might be better on various skin types and tones of individuals. Put on sunscreen and restrict time in the sun as it will darken the skin further.

Topical lotions or natural cures for skin lightening are routine but not necessarily safe. Numerous natural ingredients for skin lightening haven’t been scientifically proven effective and some are bad for the skin. For instance, fresh lemon juice and vinegar both are acidic and may also result in skin irritation or chemical burns in case used incorrectly.

For safe, effective skin lightening, speak with a skin doctor or licensed skincare expert. They can assess your skin type and suggest treatments and products which may also skin tone safely.