Unlocking Lighter Skin: 10 Easy Tips To Try

Published May 20, 2024

No one wants to have a dull, grayish skin. This type of complexion can give off an impression that you look lifeless and tired. In contrast, having a bright, fair skin gives off a thinking that you are fresh, lively, radiant, glowing, and ever so attractive. A light, even toned complexion is also in general more appealing, it makes you look healthy, it makes you look put together. 

While cases of hyperpigmentation is normal, we can do things to prevent our skin from getting darker and bettering it from there. In this article, we’ll discuss ten, plus one, effective ways to unlock a lighter skin. By the end, we hope to help you take actions and see results from our guide. We are backed with science, let’s start. 

1. Use preventative sun care

Most of the uneven skin issues can be exacerbated or triggered by prolonged UV exposure. It is true for age spots, melasma, and PIH. UV radiation generates free radicals. It is what stimulates melanin production to protect the skin from these harmful rays. 

UV exposure creates a vicious cycle. Increased sun exposure boosts melanin levels in the skin, which causes darker complexion. Existing hyperpigmentation may turn darker, all while new age spots, freckles, or melasma occur. 

Make it a habit to use a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 and above. Even if you are indoors, your skin is still vulnerable to UVA rays. You should always apply sunscreen on your face and body. You should also use a hat and a pair of sunglasses outside for added sun protection. 

2. Exfoliate your skin regularly

The keratinocytes in the top layer of the epidermis take up again every month. Without regular exfoliation, dead skin cells are likely settling on top of your complexion. It will then make it look dull. It will also cause your skin tone and blemishes to take a longer period to lighten.

Using physical and chemical exfoliants in your beauty regime is ideal. Both will help lighten your skin at a quicker rate. Physical exfoliants are great for superficial discoloration issues. 

Chemical exfoliants contain skin brightening ingredients like beta hydroxy acids (BHAs). They can penetrate deeper into the dermis. Because of this, they are more ideal for addressing more stubborn blemishes. Chemical exfoliants also do not employ abrasive motions which means they are perfect for sensitive skin types. 

3. Protect your skin barrier from environmental pollutants

You may have noticed a surge in anti pollution skincare products. You may wonder if your skin needs them too, and surely, it does. 

Most of us live in urban areas. It means our complexion is constantly at risk from pollution like smog, radiation, chemicals, and even the blue light from technologies. 

Pollutants are the antithesis of healthy skin. They generate free radicals which can trigger premature aging. Also, it can increase melanin production. 

Thus, it is vital to use skincare products that provide a barrier against external environmental factors. 

4. Use skin lightening products

After diving into the habits you can do to prevent your current skin tone from turning darker, we’ll go on to discuss all the things you can do to make your complexion lighter. 

There are skincare products you can lean into that contain skin lighteners. When choosing one for yourself, ensure it contains at least one of these ingredients. 

1. Azelaic acid. This is a beloved skin ingredient that is highly effective in lightening your skin without negative skin complications. 20% azelaic acid is said to be as effective as 4% hydroquinone in managing melasma. 
2. Arbutin. Arbutin inhibits melanosomal tyrosinase activity. It is what makes it a great skin lightening agent. 
3. Bergamot. Bergamot possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Both aid to reduce and guard oxidative stress to cells. 
4. Kojic acid. 2% kojic acid is safe for use as a depigmenting component in cosmetics 
5. Lactic acid. Lactic acid can improve melasma significantly. 
6. Mulberry. The leaves of the mulberry plant contain polyphenols. Polyphenols have depigmentation properties. It makes it a natural skin lightener. 
7. Niacinamide. Finally, niacinamide is a proven candidate as a skin lightening agent. It can impede melanosome transfer from melanocytes to keratinocytes. 

5. Eat antioxidant-rich foods

Free radicals facilitate the production of more melanin. You can definitely benefit from consuming more antioxidant rich foods. Antioxidants counteract the damaging outcome of free radicals. It does so by donating an electron to stabilize them. As such, the free radicals are neutralized, which could soften melanogenesis. 

Here’s a list of foods to lean into: 

• Berries: Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries and cranberries 
• Nuts and seeds: Almonds, pecans, walnuts, flaxseeds and chia seeds
• Vegetables: Leafy greens like spinach and kale
• Fruits: Peaches, plums, oranges, and red grapes
• Legumes
• Oats, quinoa, and brown rice
• Herbs and spices: Turmeric, cinnamon, and ginger 

6. Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is superb in lightening leftover acne blemishes. This skincare procedure involves a deep exfoliation of the skin to reveal new skin cells. It even out skin tone, lighten PIH marks, and alleviate fine lines and wrinkles. Repeated sessions are usually urged for a marked enhancement in your skin tone. 

7. Laser therapy

Laser therapy is a cosmetic treatment. It is designed to decrease pigmentation, lighten dark spots, and unlock a more uniform skin tone. It leverages on concentrated light therapy to target and break down melanin. It can help address concerns such as melasma, sun spots, age spots, freckles, etc. 

How To Lighten Skin Naturally

1. Turmeric

A component in turmeric can cut melanin synthesis. This compound, called curcumin, works by impeding tyrosinase. In doing so, it suppresses the ability of melanocytes to create more melanin. 

2. Aloe vera gel

Aloe vera gel may lessen melanin production after sun exposure. The plant contains aloesin, a component that displayed that showed promise in suppressing tyrosinase. 

3. Lemon juice

Some people also use lemon juice to cut skin pigmentation. This is because of its potent vitamin C content. This vitamin reduces tyrosinase activity, which prevents the formation of melanin. 

4. Green tea

Green tea has a component known epigallocatechin gallate. EGCG showed the most effectiveness in preventing melanin accumulation.