Dusky is beautiful - how many times have we thus consoled ourselves about our dark complexion? We cannot change the color we were born with, or the amount of melanin we have, though we can definitely remove all the darkening and shadows formed over the years of sun and exposure.
Causes for Dark Skin
Sunlight, tanning and stress are factors due to which the tone of our skin gets darkened, but with proper care, our skin tone can again become rosy and flawless with a glowing complexion.
Lightening skin color can take a long time, so patience is the key ingredient along with consistency and hard work.
Before you start working on your complexion, there are a few things you will need to pay attention to - dealing with exposure to the sunlight comes first in the list.
Tips for Skin Lightening
Drink More Water and Get Enough Sleep for a Healthy Skin
Drink enough water - at least 8 glasses a day to keep your skin well hydrated. A sound sleep with some exercise will make your skin perspire and help open your pores.
Cleanse Face for a Clear Skin
Cleanse your face well after a long day of work. Do this by using an oil or cream to remove make-up and wash your face with a gentle face wash. It is very important to moisturize your skin - use oil or cream of your choice. Aloe vera gel is ideal for a dry skin.
Apply a Sunscreen to Avoid Harmful Effects of Sunlight
Always use a sunscreen before you leave home, an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) 30, and if you are indoors, you can use a SPF 15 sunscreen cream. Reapply at midday.
Exfoliate to Remove Blemishes on Skin
Exfoliate the skin on a daily basis by using face scrubs. For a dry skin, mix some salt and sugar and gently massage the skin with this till it melts, the alpha hydroxyl acids present removes blemishes and dark spots.
Face Mask for a Bright Face
Use a face mask after a scrub - but not after a fruit mask or after a salt and sugar scrub, as it can aggravate the skin and make it very sensitive.
Here are some Homemade Remedies to Lighten Skin
Yogurt with Lemon Juice for Skin Lightening
In 1 tablespoonful of yogurt, add 8-10 drops of lemon juice. Mix well and apply as a night cream. You can add a drop of lavender or rose oil to this. Apply on the neck as well. Lemon juice is great for lightening skin. If your skin cannot tolerate lemon juice, use tomato puree instead.
Papaya with Yogurt and Lemon
Take a small slice of ripe papaya and mash it well with a fork. Add a spoonful of fresh cream or yogurt to this; squeeze a few drops of lemon juice and mix well. Apply on the face and neck for 20 - 30 minutes.
Strawberries with Honey
Crush 2-3 fresh strawberries; add a drop of honey to this and a few drops of lemon juice. Leave on the face and neck for 15 - 20 minutes and wash off.
Mashed Bananas
Apply a thick layer of mashed bananas, leave it on the neck and face for 20 minutes before washing with tepid water.
Milk Powder with Honey and Lemon
Make a paste with 1 tablespoon of milk powder, half a teaspoon of honey and a few drops of lemon juice. Mix well and apply on the face and neck. Wash well after 20 minutes.
Oats with Lemon Juice
Take 1 tablespoon of cooked oats - well mashed, to which a teaspoon of lemon juice is added. Let this paste dry on the face before washing off it in a scrubbing motion. It makes the skin lighter and rejuvenated.
Turmeric Powder with Gram Flour
Add a pinch of turmeric powder to a tablespoon of gram flour with a few drops of lemon juice. Mix well and apply. Wash off in half an hour.
Orange and Milk Powder
Extract the juice of half an orange - around 2 teaspoons; mix a teaspoon of thick cream or milk powder to this and apply for 20 minutes before washing off.
Cumin Seeds for Glowing Complexion
Boil 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds in a glass of water. Cool it. Rinse face and neck with this concoction for a glowing complexion.
If you don’t have time for any of the above, halve a lemon and gently rub in a circular motion on the face, arms and legs. Wash after half an hour.
Tender Coconut Water
The tender coconut water is very good to rinse the skin. It removes scar marks and blemishes too. Rinse your face with this water morning and evening? Leave it for 15 minutes before washing.
Drinking coconut water hydrates the skin making it look more youthful and supple. The antioxidants present in coconut water have an age-defying effect on the skin.
Eat Right Foods with Essential Intake of Vitamins
Vitamin A for a Healthy Skin
Vitamin A is also beneficial in keeping the skin healthy, tight and clears up tan and blemishes. Foods which contain beta-carotene help by minimizing effects of the sunlight. Foods rich in vitamin A include carrots, watermelon, papaya and tomatoes. Foods like oysters, egg yolk and non fat milk are also good sources of vitamin A.
Vitamin C to Maintain Skin Tone
Eat foods rich in vitamin C as this lightens skin tone as well as maintains suppleness of the skin. Citrus fruits like lemons, oranges and gooseberries are great for the skin. Strawberries, sweet peppers, tomatoes, cantaloupes and green peas are good sources of vitamin C.
Lightening and making the skin look fairer takes very long - a few months. Consistent facials and patience is all that it takes. Added to this, a healthy diet, proper exercise and enough sleep should work wonders.
