Homemade Tips for Skin Whitening

Skin whitening is a way to reduce or eliminate scars, age spots, port wine stains, freckles and other skin discolorations. In reality, the skin is not whitened. Skin-whitening products bleach the hyper-pigmented areas of skin to achieve a more even complexion. Skin-whitening products go by other names, such as fade creams, bleaching creams or skin lighteners. But they all perform essentially the same function. The main difference is the ingredients. Some are natural and others are manufactured chemicals. The safest and least expensive products are made from natural ingredients.

Use Lemon Juice

Lemon juice has been a folk remedy for treating age spots and freckles for a long time. This homemade skin whitener is safe and natural. The citric acid in lemons act as a mild acid that exfoliates or removes the epidermis or top skin layer. By removing the dead skin cells, excess oil and dirt, the lemon juice can better penetrate the skin and fade the discolored areas. The skin renews itself faster after the surface of the epidermis is removed. When the new skin reaches the surface, it is less discolored. Squeeze a fresh lemon or buy a bottle of the juice. Apply the lemon juice to the hyper-pigmented areas with a cotton ball. You can apply lemon juice a few times a day. Results will be seen within a few weeks.

Use Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a popular bleaching substance. Many hair coloring kits and teeth-whitening products have hydrogen peroxide as one of the main ingredients. Hydrogen peroxide has many uses (such as a disinfectant) so many homes already have a bottle of peroxide. The hydrogen peroxide sold in drug stores is in a dark-colored bottle because sunlight and artificial light lessens its potency. Use a cotton ball to apply a small amount of the peroxide to the areas you want to lighten in color. As with lemon juice, you can apply hydrogen peroxide a few times a day.

Use Buttermilk

Buttermilk is also recommended to fade discolored areas and lighten skin. The lactic acid in buttermilk works in a way similar to citric acid. The lactic acid exfoliates the epidermis and helps to fade the age spots or scars. Buttermilk can be applied to the skin and used as a facial. Leave on for 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse off with warm mater. You can have a buttermilk facial a few times a week.