It is not surprising when many people want to have fair skin and want to know how to lighten skin. In a society where beauty plays the important role in many aspects of the life, people spend a lot of time taking care of their skin. Gorgeous skin is a dream of almost women and a few men in the world. The standard of gorgeous skin is different from country to country. In some countries, people like tanned skin while other people prefer fair skin.

People who want to have fair and white skin try some methods on how to lighten skin. They use chemical based skin care products that aim to lighten your skin tone. Some people seek for whitening bathing in spas. However, these solutions may thin your skin and result in skin damage in especially people who have a sensitive skin type. Chemical-based skin care products may contain harmful or unwell-known ingredients. Moreover, it is difficult for you to find a spa that has established a reputation. Do you want to know the good alternative solutions that help to lighten your skin naturally at home without causing any unwanted side effects?

There are a lot of causes for dark skin. The first reason is a gene. If your parent has dark skin, it is possible for you to have dark skin too. However, in addition to gene regulating melanin production, there are many other factors in the environment can easily darken your skin. Fortunately, the big question of how to lighten skin naturally is answered. There are various simple ways available for you to take care of skin at home.

How To Lighten Skin Naturally At Home?

This article recommends you ways to use ten popular ingredients in your kitchen to lighten your skin. Let’s find out which method is best for you. You should read this article on AllRemedies.com to know more.

1. Know Why You Have Dark Skin

Before knowing how to lighten skin naturally at home, you should know the reasons why you have dark skin. The most common of dark skin is hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation indicates the increased number of melanin in your body. The melanin, the skin pigment is produced to create a protective layer. However, the more melanin your body is produced the darker skin will be.

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Moreover, dark skin is also caused by skin disorders. For example, Lichen Simplex Chronics can result in dark skin.

During the sunny time in the year, the sunlight makes the skin tone darker. This is because the UV rays in sunlight can boost the skin melanin production. As a result, your skin tone is darker.

Therefore, if you want to avoid dark skin, you should avoid excessive exposure to sunlight. If you have to go out, it is recommended wearing protective clothes and sunglasses.

The bad habits such as smoking, sleeping late and eating unhealthy diet also result in dark skin.

Moreover, environment factors such as dust and pollution also make your skin darker. Moreover, the dirt and oil stuck in your skin pores can result in acnes and pimples.

Read more: natural acne cures

2. Know Your Skin Type

We all know that we should understand your skin type before using chemical-based skin care products. If you use skin care products improperly, it can lead to skin damages. However, natural home remedies also require basic information related with skin types. There are 5 types of skin you should know.

• Normal skin type: If the tissue does not show any oil, you have the normal skin type. People with normal skin type have vibrant, supple and elastic skin. Compared with other skin types, normal skin is the least problematic. It remains a smooth appearance, good circulation, and healthy complexion even if you have a minimum care.
• Dry skin type: If you wipe your skin with a tissue, it does not show any oil. However, your skin feels dry, flaky and tight after you clean your skin or wipe your skin with a tissue. Dry skin is prone to wrinkles, sallow tone, fine pores, irritating skin and aging signs. If you have dry skin, you may look great when you are young. However, when you are over 25 years old, you should need a regular skin care routine, moisturizers, and natural masks to avoid aging signs and other skin problems.
• Oily skin type: If you have oily skin type, the tissue will show some spots of facial oil especially when you wipe the areas such as your nose, cheeks & forehead. Oily skin type is problematic skin. Therefore, it looks coarse, thick, oily and greasy. Moreover, the dry skin often has large skin pores. If oil and dirt stuck in your skin pores. In order to avoid the skin problems caused by excessive oil production, you just need to clean your face skin carefully, limit the carbohydrate consumption and avoid applying rich creams.
• Combination skin type: if you have combination skin type, areas like your cheeks are clean while other areas such as your forehead & your nose are oily. The combination skin type has both dry and oily patches. Therefore, different areas need different skin care routines. The dry areas such as the cheeks and around the eyes require well-formulated moisturizers and rich creams while oily areas located in your nose and your forehead should need frequent cleaning.
• Sensitive skin type: The sensitive skin is more prone to be irritated, inflamed and tight easily. Moreover, sensitive skin has scaly and reddish areas. If you have sensitive skin type, it is important for you to choose skin care products carefully. If you choose the wrong skin care product, it can lead to irritation, allergy, and itchiness. Because this skin type is the most fragile and problematic, you will need a special skin care. Great research should be done to get right skin care products.

3. Exfoliation

Asking for natural ways on how to lighten skin naturally at home, you should not ignore exfoliation. The accumulation of dead skin cells in your skin can make the skin darker and duller. Exfoliation is using the natural or chemical-based method to remove the dead skin cells from your skin. If you exfoliate your skin regularly, it can boost the new skin cell production. As a result, your skin is lighter and whiter. In spite of frequent cleaning, toning, moisturizing and applying sunscreen, if you do not exfoliate your skin, your skin is not healthy. Exfoliation can be done mechanically (using abrasive scrubs) and chemically (using scrubs that contain acids)

When we age, the process of cell production accelerates. The skin sheds dead skin cells and generates new skin cells slowly. When the old skin cells start to build on the surface of your skin, your skin can become rough, dull and dry. Moreover, the accumulation of dead skin cells results in clogged pores, acne, and blemishes.

Regular proper exfoliation can remove the dead skin cells from clogging your skin and reveal the fresh new skin cells below. Exfoliation can help to make the moisturizing products to be absorbed deeply into your skin. As a result, your skin can get the optimum benefits of moisturizing and lighten properties. Therefore, it is recommended maintaining a regular exfoliating routine to get a healthy, bright and fresh skin.

The best exfoliation type should depend on your skin type. You should know your skin health, your complexion and the sensitivity of your skin. People with sensitive skin or acne-prone skin should choose the exfoliating product and method carefully. It is a good idea for you to consult a professional esthetician to find an appropriate method for you.

Manual exfoliation should be used regularly while chemical exfoliation is reserved for intermittent use.

When you exfoliate your skin, you should do it gently to prevent skin damage and irritation. It is important for you to read the ingredients listed on the label of the exfoliating products carefully in order to prevent unwanted side effects.

4. Healthy Diet

Eating a healthy diet should be included in a list of natural ways on how to lighten skin naturally at home. A healthy and nutritious diet is good not only for your health but also for your skin. According to many studies, a healthy lifestyle plays the important role in getting glowing and white skin naturally. Foods such as vitamin rich fruits and green leafy vegetables are beneficial in maintaining glowing and bright skin. Moreover, if you want to have a healthy skin, you should drink a lot of water and build a regular workout program. Water can remove the harmful toxins from your body and cleanse your skin. Working out can help to boost the blood circulation in your body. A regular workout program gives you a glowing and shiny skin.

As one of the effective ways on how to lighten skin naturally at home, you should eat vitamin C, vitamin A, and nutrient rich foods.

For example, carrots are rich in carotene and vitamin A. Therefore, carrots are included in a list of the best vegetables for skin and hair. In order to have flawless bright skin, you should add the carrots in your meal or drink carrot juice regularly.

In addition to carrots, papaya is also a good food on how to lighten skin naturally at home. Papaya has a great source of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E and antioxidants that are beneficial in clearing your skin, treating acnes, and removing blemishes. You can eat papaya regularly. Eating papaya can cleanse your body system and reduce menstrual pain.

Eating tomatoes regularly can also lighten your skin naturally. This red vegetable is rich in lycopene. Moreover, the tomato is considered as a natural sunscreen. Eating tomatoes regularly can help to inhibit the melanin production in your body.

Many people like eating kiwi because this fruit can lighten the skin because of great vitamin C content. Vitamin C is effective in whitening skin naturally.

Other foods on how to lighten skin naturally at home include beetroot, green leafy vegetables, strawberries, red bell peppers, tea, yellow bell pepper, soy products, broccoli, and fish.

It is important to know that oily and processed foods can affect your skin tone, complexion and result in pimples and acnes.

5. Sleep Enough

If you want to have the optimum benefits of skin care routine, you should need a healthy sleep. Sleep plays the important role in maintaining your youth. Sleep gives long list benefits to your looks. It is recommended sleeping about 7 or 9 hours daily. If you sleep less than 6 hours, it can affect your looks and your appearance. It may make your skin look dull and dark.

Sleep can make skin healthy. If the skin is healthy, the nutrients and vitamins can be absorbed deeply into your skin.

6. Honey

Honey is well-known for moisturizing properties. Moreover, not many people know that honey is one of home remedies on how to lighten skin naturally. Because of antibacterial properties, honey can help to get rid of dead skin cells and make your skin bright. Regular application of honey can reduce acnes, scars, and age spots significantly.

Method 1: Honey

Do this:

• Apple a little honey to your hands, face, neck and other dark skin areas where you want to skin lightening
  
• Leave it for a few minutes
• Wash it off with lukewarm water

If you want to have a satisfactory result, you should repeat this treatment regularly.

Method 2: Combine honey with other natural ingredients

You will need:

• Cold water
• A tablespoon of powdered milk
• A teaspoon of almond oil
• A teaspoon of honey
• A teaspoon of lemon juice

Do this:

• Mix all these prepared ingredients together to create a smooth paste
• Apply this paste to your skin
• Leave it for 15 to 20 minutes
• Wash it off with lukewarm water

If you want to have a satisfactory result, you should repeat this treatment regularly.

Read more: honey for skin

7. Licorice Root Extract

Licorice root extract is a well-known remedy for skin problems such as eczema and psoriasis. Moreover, application of licorice root extract is also effective way on how to lighten skin naturally. It inhibits the production of melanin and boosts the new skin cell regeneration. As a result, your skin is brighter if you do this treatment regularly.

Method 1: Licorice root extract

Do this:

• Put some drops of licorice extract in a bowl
• Dip a cotton ball in this licorice extract
• Apply it to your dark areas such as your neck, your face, hands before bedtime
• Leave it overnight
• Rinse it off with lukewarm water in the morning

Method 2: Combine licorice root extract with other natural ingredients

If you want to get the optimums benefits of lightening your skin, it is recommended combining licorice root extract with other natural ingredients such as cucumber, tomato juice, and lemon juice. Tomato and lemon juice are effective in lightening your skin too because of its great vitamin C content. Moreover, cucumber has soothing properties that make the nutrients and properties be absorbed deeply into your skin.

You will need:

• A cucumber
• One tablespoon of sandalwood paste
• One tablespoon of tomato juice
• Some drop of licorice root extract
• A tablespoon of lemon juice

Do this:

• Blend a cucumber and put some drops of licorice root extract into it
• Put tomato juice, lemon juice, and sandalwood paste into the mixture of cucumber and licorice extract
• Blend it well until you have a smooth paste
• Apply this paste to your neck and your face skin
• Leave it for 20 to 30 minutes
• Wash it off with lukewarm water

It is recommended doing each treatment twice a week to lighten your skin effectively.

8. Almond Oil

Almond oil is effective in treating dull skin and hyper-pigmentation. This is because almond oil is rich in vitamin B6, B3, B2 and vitamin A, phytosterols, minerals, and fatty acids that are not only good for the health but also beneficial in enhancing skin complexion. Almond oil has many active compounds that can help to reduce blemishes, acne, pimples and dull skin.

Do this:

• Warm some almond oil on a stove for a few minutes
• Apply this oil to the dark skin areas such as your hand, neck, face and legs
• Leave it for 15 minutes
• Use a tissue paper to remove the excess oil from your skin

Of course, you can apply almond oil to your dull skin at any time during the day. However, it is recommended applying almond oil before bedtime to get the optimum benefits. You should do this treatment two or three times weekly for 2 weeks to see the visible result.

9. Mulberry Extract

Looking for natural home remedies on how to lighten skin naturally at home, we should not ignore mulberry extract. Many people use mulberry extract to get the bright skin and see a significantly visible result. Moreover, the mulberry extract has a great source of quercetin, fatty acids, and gallic acid that are effective in lightening your skin. Do you want to use mulberry extract?

Do this:

• Pour some drops of mulberry extract into your skin lotion.
• Dilute the mulberry extract completely
• Apply it to your face skin as well as other skin areas you want to lighten before bedtime
• Do this treatment twice daily

10. Kojic Acid

Kojic acid, a natural compound found available in fungi or mushroom. Moreover, the kojic acid is effective in lightening your skin by inhibiting melanin formation on the skin layer.  Do you want to know how to lighten skin with kojic acid?

Do this:

• Cleanse your face, neck, hands and legs with water first
• Add one teaspoon of kojic acid into your cream, gel or lotion
• Stir it well
• Apply this solution to your skin when your skin is dry
• Leave it

You should do this treatment before bedtime. It is important to know that application of kojic acid can lead to skin irritation. Therefore, you should test kojic acid on the small area of your wrist before using. Repeat this treatment daily for you to get a satisfactory result.

11. Toothpaste

It is surprising to know that toothpaste is used not only for the teeth but also for the skin.

However, not many people know the benefits of toothpaste for skin. Applying toothpaste is effective in removing skin problems such as acnes, blemishes, wrinkles and dark spots. Moreover, using toothpaste can improve the skin tone. It lightens and gets rid of the pigmentation caused by sunlight. If applied regularly, it can give your skin a better look. Therefore, toothpaste is also one of effective home remedies on how to lighten skin naturally at home I would like to introduce to you in this article. Toothpaste is a potential whitening treatment you should try if you are interested in home remedies for lightening and whitening skin.

Get this:

• One tablespoon of toothpaste
• A little of lemon juice

Do this:

• Mix toothpaste and lemon juice well
• Apply this mixture to your face skin as a pack
• Let this mixture stay on your skin for at least 15 minutes
• Rinse it off with lukewarm water

If you want to have a satisfactory result, you should repeat this treatment daily for a few weeks. It is recommended applying this method in the evening before you go to bed.

Read more: home remedies for weight loss

12. Cucumber

Cucumber is a simple remedy on how to lighten skin naturally. Cucumber is available in a kitchen. Cucumber has cooling effects. There are a lot of ways using cucumber to lighten your skin.

• Rub some slices of cucumber to your affected skin for a couple of minutes. Remove these slices and wash it off with lukewarm water. You should repeat this treatment twice daily.
• Grate a cucumber and mix it with one teaspoon of organic honey. Apply it to your skin areas such as your face, neck, legs, and hands for at least 15 minutes. Wash it off with lukewarm water. It is recommended repeating this treatment twice daily to get a good result.
• Mix cucumber juice with lemon juice. Apply this mixture to your skin for 15 to 20 minutes. When it dry, you can wash it off with lukewarm water. This treatment should be done daily.

13. Oatmeal

Oatmeal is considered as a healthy breakfast because of its high nutrient content. Moreover, people also use oatmeal topically to reduce acnes and pimples. Furthermore, oatmeal can lighten your skin by removing dead skin cells from your skin. Oatmeal is a wonderful exfoliator.

Here are the ways on how to lighten skin with oatmeal.

• Mix tomato juice with oatmeal to create a smooth temperature. Apply this mixture to your skin for about 20 minutes before washing it off with lukewarm water. This treatment should be repeated daily.
• Mix turmeric, lemon juice, and oatmeal into a smooth paste. Spread this mixture on your skin and rinse it off with lukewarm water. This treatment should be repeated once a day to get a good result.
• Mix one teaspoon of each tomato juice, oatmeal, and yogurt together. Apply this mixture to your affected skin areas. Leave it. After 20 minutes, you can rinse it off with warm water.

Read more: how to remove dead skin cells

14. Potato And Milk

The combination of potato and milk is effective in lightening the skin and removing dead skin cells. Potato has a great source of vitamin C, vitamin E and antioxidants, while fresh milk is rich in nutrients such as saturated fat, calcium, protein, and vitamin C. The combination of potato and milk, is considered as a wonderful mask for women who want to seek for natural ways on how to lighten skin naturally at home.

You will need:

• One potato
• Half a cup of fresh milk

Do this:

• Boil a potato under the medium heat
• Cut this potato into pieces and then steam potato pieces.
• Mash the cooked potato and the mix it with water to form the soft and sticky mixture.
• Wash your face with water and let your face dry before spreading the mixture of potato and milk to your skin.
• Leave this mask on your skin for 30 minutes
• Rinse it off with lukewarm water

If you want to get a satisfactory result, you should repeat this treatment regularly.

15. Ripe Banana And Tomato

The combination of ripe banana and tomato is effective in lightening your skin. A ripe banana has exfoliating properties that can get rid of dead skin cells and boost the new skin cell regeneration. Tomato has a great source of vitamin C and lycopene. Vitamin C contains lightening effects while lycopene is an antioxidant that can reduce excessive oil production, preventing skin aging and treating acnes.

You will need:

• Tomato
• Ripe banana

Do this:

• Smash ripe banana into a paste
• Massage your skin for a few minutes
• Leave it for 15 minutes and then rinse it off with lukewarm water
• Apply tomato juice to your skin
• Let it sit for a few minutes
• Rinse it off with lukewarm water

You should repeat this treatment regularly to get a good result.

16. Strawberries And Egg White

We all know that strawberries have a great source of vitamin C and exfoliating properties. Strawberries can be eaten or used topically. Eating strawberries can also give you a bright and healthy complexion. Egg white can close the skin pores, tight your skin and prevent saggy skin. If we look for natural masks on how to lighten skin naturally at home, you should not ignore the combination of strawberries and egg white.

You will need:

• Some strawberries
• Honey
• Lemon juice
• 2 eggs

Do this:

• Separate the egg white from eggs
• Wash some strawberries carefully
• Crush these strawberries
• Mix it with honey, lemon juice and egg white thoroughly
• Apply this mixture to your skin areas where you want to lighten
• Let it sit on your skin for 20 to 30 minutes
• Rinse it off with lukewarm water

This treatment should be repeated regularly. Because lemon juice is included in this mask, it may make your skin more sensitive. Therefore, you should avoid sun exposure for at least 8 hours after applying this mask.

17. Cucumber, Oatmeal, And Yogurt Mask

Oatmeal is effective in getting rid of dead skin cells and reducing excess oil. Cucumber has cooling properties and yogurt is effective in treating skin irritation. The combination of cucumber, oatmeal and yogurt is a magical mask on how to lighten skin naturally at home.

You will need:

• Juice from one cucumber
• A small cup of oatmeal
• Two tablespoons of yogurt

Do this:

• Mix all these ingredients together
• Apply it to your skin
• Let it sit on your skin for about 20 to 30 minutes
• Use lukewarm water to rinse it off

If you want to have the brighter and smoother skin, you should repeat this treatment regularly.

18. Turmeric Powder, Lemon, And Attar Mask

The turmeric powder, lemon, and attar mask is another tip on how to lighten skin naturally at home I would like to introduce to you in this article. Lemon is one of the common healthy spices that contains many health and beauty benefits. Fresh lemon is effective in lightening your skin. Attar is beneficial in improving the skin tone, reducing hyper-pigmentation and getting rid of dead skin cells. If you can repeat applying this mask two or three times a week for two weeks, you can get a white, smooth and tight skin.

Do this:

• Mix one teaspoon of turmeric powder, one teaspoon of lemon juice and a couple drops of attar
• Apply this mixture to your skin for about 30 minutes
• Rinse it off with lukewarm water

After using this mask, you can use a suitable moisturizer afterward to get glowing skin.

19. Lemon, Yogurt, And Chicken Eggs

Yogurt is well-known for a number of its health and beauty benefits. Yogurt contains a great source of the mineral, vitamin, and calcium that can strengthen the bones and promote the digestion. Eating yogurt daily can make your skin lighter and more glowing.

You will need:

• ½ lemon
• 1 chicken egg
• Yogurt

Do this:

• Beat up one egg and separate the egg white from the egg
• Whisk the egg white well
• Mix the egg white with lemon juice and yogurt
• Apply this mixture to the dark skin and leave it for at least 20 minutes
• Rinse it off with lukewarm water

Applying this mask regularly can give you smoother and brighter skin.

20. Honey, Lemon Juice, And Milk Mask

Honey contains antibacterial properties. Lemon juice is effective in lightening your skin. And milk has lactic acid and exfoliating effects. However, before trying this mask, you should try each ingredient on the small area of your wrist. If you have an allergy to lactic acid, you should not use milk.

You will need:

• One tablespoon of lemon juice
• One tablespoon of milk
• One teaspoon of honey

Do this:

• Combine all these ingredients in a bowl
• Apply this mixture to your face and leave it for 20 minutes
• Wash it off with lukewarm water

You should do this treatment regularly to get the good result.

21. Pumpkin Mask

Pumpkin is loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, and exfoliating acids. Moreover, pumpkin has a great source of vitamin C, vitamin A and beta-carotene that are effective in brightening and lightening your skin.

You will need:

• ½ teaspoon each of milk and honey
• 2 teaspoons of pumpkin puree

Do this:

• Mix all these ingredients together in order to create a thick paste
• Apply this paste to your dull and dark skin
• Let it sit on your skin for about 20 minutes
• Wash this paste off with lukewarm water

It is recommended applying this mask before bedtime every night to get a good result.

22. Citrus Mask

Egg white is rich in protein that contains antibacterial properties. Using egg white can help your skin prevent external infections. Moreover, citrus fruits are loaded with vitamin C and antioxidants that can help to brighten your skin and make your skin glowing. Therefore, if you are looking for natural masks for how to lighten skin at home, you should not ignore citrus mask.

You will need:

• 1 teaspoon of grapefruit juice
• 1 teaspoon of lemon juice
• 1 egg white
• 2 teaspoon of sour cream (you should choose fat-free sour cream)

Do this:

• Beat an egg and separate egg white from this egg
• Whisk this egg white in a bowl until it becomes fluffy
• Put the sour cream in another bowl
• Add lemon juice and grapefruit juice in the bowl of sour cream
• Add this mixture into the bowl of egg white
• Stir it thoroughly to create a smooth paste
• Apply this paste to your face, hands, legs and neck
• Let this mixture sit on your skin for about 15 minutes
• Rinse it off with lukewarm water

It is a good idea for you to repeat this treatment before bedtime three times a week.

23. Blueberry Brightening Peel

Blueberry has a great source of vitamin C and antioxidant that can help to lighten your skin naturally and effectively. Moreover, the great immunity-boosting properties of blueberry can make your skin glowing and healthy. It prevents many skin infections. If your skin is healthy, it can absorb the nutrients and lightening benefits deeply and give you a significant result for a particular period of time.

You will need:

• ½ cup of plain yogurt
• A handful of fresh blueberries

Do this:

• Blend these blueberries into a paste and then mix it with plain yogurt
• Stir it well
• Apply this mixture to your face, your neck, hands, legs and other skin areas you want to lighten
• Leave this mixture on your skin for 15 minutes
• Wash it off with lukewarm water

After applying, you should use a suitable moisturizer to get a glowing skin. It is recommended doing this treatment before bedtime every night for one month to get a satisfactory result.

24. Curd And Gram Flour Mask

Curd is found to improve the complexion and brightness of your skin. Both curd and gram flour can make your skin healthy and glowing. You should apply this mask before bedtime.

You will need:

• 1 tablespoon of curd
• 1 tablespoon of gram flour

Do this:

• Mix all these ingredients in a bowl
• Apply this mixture and spread it over your face skin as well as other dark skin areas
• Leave it for 20 minutes
• Use warm water to rinse it off

This treatment should be repeated three times a week to get a good result.

25. Mulberry Leaf Extract

The lightening effects of mulberry leaf extract are due to arbutin that is a key tyrosinase inhibitor present in mulberry leaves. Moreover, mulberry leaves have a great source of flavonoids such as gallic acid. Moreover, this remedy on how to lighten skin is rich in antioxidants. Both flavonoids and antioxidants are good for skin health. However, before using mulberry leaf extract as one of the effective ways on how to lighten skin naturally at home, it is important to know that the mulberry leaves may cause mild itchiness in some people. People with sensitive skin should use this remedy carefully. It is a good idea if you can test this remedy on the small areas of your wrist and see its reaction. If nothing happens, you can apply it to your face skin.

You will need:

• 1 cup of mulberry leaves
• 1 ½ cup of virgin coconut oil

Do this:

• Wash the mulberry leaves carefully under the running water
• Soak these leaves in the coconut oil for three to four days
• Spread this oil over your skin
• Use your fingertips to massage your skin gently
• Let it sit on your skin for 10 minutes
• Rinse it off with lukewarm water

Alternatively, you can buy the mulberry leaf extract in the market and then add a few drops of this extract to your water-based night cream. You just need to apply this cream regularly; it can give you a satisfactory result. You should do this treatment three times a week.

26. Baking Soda

Baking soda is well-known for its exfoliating effects. Regular application of baking soda can help to get rid of dead skin cells, boost the new skin cell regeneration and kill the bacteria. As a result, it can make your skin tone lighter and fresher. In order to see the visible difference in your skin tone, you just need to repeat this treatment daily for one week.

You will need:

• Water
• One tablespoon of baking soda

Do this:

• Add baking soda into a bowl filled with a sufficient amount of water to form a thick and smooth paste
• Apply this paste to your skin and scrub it gently for 5 minutes
• Rinse it off with lukewarm water
• Moisturizer your skin afterward

If you want to enhance the lightening effects of baking soda solution, you can put a few drops of lemon juice into this paste. Lemon juice is effective in lightening your skin. However, lemon juice and baking soda may make your skin more sensitive. Therefore, you should avoid sun exposure after 7 hours of applying this mask.

27. Milk Powder And Rice Flour Mask

Bothe rice powder and rice water have been utilized to get lighter, softer and healthier skin for a long time. Rice contains anti-aging benefits; therefore, the use of rice water and rice powder can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and aging spots. Moreover, studies found out that rice is effective in fighting against UV rays. Milk has soothing effects; therefore, it can nourish your skin.

You will need:

• Milk
• 1 cup of raw rice

Do this:

• Grind the rice until it becomes a fine powder
• Add a sufficient amount of milk into this powder to create a thick paste
• Apply this paste to your dark skin
• Let it sit for about 20 to 30 minutes
• Wash it off with lukewarm water

You should repeat this treatment three times a week.

Read more: home remedies for wrinkles

28. Coconut Milk Mask

If coconut milk is combined with milk powder and almonds, it can help to lighten your skin by providing your skin essential mineral and vitamins. Moreover, the combination of coconut milk, milk powder, and almonds can remove the toxins from your skin. This remedy also uses lemon juice. We all know that lemon juice contains bleaching properties. If all these ingredients combine together, it can give you a magical mask on how to lighten skin naturally at home. You should continue reading to know how to make coconut milk mask.

You will need:

• 2 teaspoons of coconut milk
• 2 teaspoons of lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon of milk powder
• 4 almonds

Do this:

• Soak 4 almonds in water and leave it overnight
• Peel its skin in the morning and grind them until you get a smooth paste
• Mix this paste with lemon juice, coconut milk and milk powder
• Apply this paste to your dark skin areas such as your face, your neck, hands and legs
• Let it sit for about 30 minutes
• Rinse it off with lukewarm water

If you want to get the good result in skin whitening, you should apply the coconut milk mask two or three times a week.

29. Sandalwood Whitening Mask

Looking for the home remedies on how to lighten skin naturally, we should not ignore sandalwood whitening mask. Sandalwood contains skin lightening and brightening properties. It blocks the activities of tyrosinase that make your body produce melanin excessively. Moreover, both milk and almond powder are loaded with nutrients and vitamins. Therefore, the regular application can give you a lighter and healthier skin. This mask needs to be applied two or three times a week.

You will need:

• 1 tablespoon of almond powder
• 1 tablespoon of sandalwood powder
• Milk

Do this:

• Mix almond powder, sandalwood powder and a sufficient amount of milk to create a smooth paste
• Apply it to your skin
• Massage and leave it for 20 minutes
• Rinse it off with lukewarm water

If can apply a suitable moisturizer afterward to prevent skin dryness.

30. Rose Essential Oil

Rose essential oil possesses a pleasant fragrance. Moreover, application of rose essential oil can make your skin soft and supple. Rose essential oil is also included in a list of home remedies on how to lighten skin naturally at home.

You will need:

• 10 drops of rose essential oil
• 1 cup of chilled milk

Do this:

• Mix rose essential oil with chilled milk
• Apply this mixture over your skin
• Let it sit for a few minutes
• Use warm water to rinse it off

It is recommended using this solution for a couple of days to see the visible result.

31. Orange Essential Oil

In addition, rose essential oil, orange essential oil is effective in brightening your skin. Therefore, if you are looking for home remedies on how to lighten skin naturally at home, you should not ignore that. Orange essential oil can boost the production of collagen; therefore, it prevents the aging signs such as dark spots and fine lines. Moreover, this remedy is considered as a natural sunscreen. It helps your skin prevent damages caused by UV rays. It inhibits the production of melanin. If applied regularly, orange essential oil can give you a healthier and brighter skin complexion.

You will need:

• A few drops of orange essential oil
• A few drops of coconut oil

Do this:

• Mix orange essential oil and coconut oil together
• Apply this mixture to the dull skin
• Massage your skin gently for about 4 or 5 minutes
• Leave it for a couple of minutes
• Rinse it off with lukewarm water

This treatment should be repeated daily for two weeks until you get a satisfactory result.

32. Lemon Essential Oil

Extract the lemon to get the essential oil that possesses a lot of benefits. Moreover, the lemon essential oil contains antibacterial, antiseptic, astringent and antioxidant properties. It can nourish your skin and lighten your skin tone. Therefore, if you are looking for home remedies on how to lighten skin naturally, you should not ignore lemon essential oil.

You will need:

• 3 drops of lemon essential oil
• 1 tablespoon of jojoba oil

Do this:

• Mix lemon essential oil and jojoba oil together
• Apply this mixture to your skin
• Massage your skin in circular motions for a few minutes
• Rinse it off with lukewarm water

You should repeat this treatment daily for one week to get a visible result. It is important to know that after applying this solution, you should not go out immediately and avoid the sunlight as possible as you can because it can lead to sunburn. You can use water to replace jojoba oil. Mix lemon essential oil with one tablespoon of water and do the same process as the combination of essential oil and jojoba oil.

33. Lavender Essential Oil

The lavender essential oil contains wonderful healing properties; therefore it is effective in getting rid of scars and marks from your skin. Regular application of lavender essential oil can give you bright and radiant skin.

You will need:

• 4 drops of lavender essential oil
• 1 tablespoon of carrier oil

Do this:

• Mix lavender essential oil with carrier oil
• Apply this mixture to your skin
• Leave it overnight
• Rinse if off in the morning

You should do it before bedtime every night.

34. Neroli Essential Oil

Neroli essential oil is home remedy on how to lighten skin for people who have oily skin type. Moreover, this oil contains anti-aging properties that can help to fight against the aging signs such as wrinkles, fine lines, and aging spots.

You will need:

• A few drops of Neroli essential oil
• 1 tablespoon of carrier oil

Do this:

• Combine these oil in a bowl
• Soak a cotton ball in this solution and then dab it onto your skin
• Leave this mixture on your skin for about 20 minutes
• Rinse it off with lukewarm water

You should repeat this treatment daily for a couple of days to see the visible result.

35. Cedarwood Essential Oil

Cedarwood essential oil is suitable for all skin types, from oily skin to combination skin type. Because cedarwood essential oil contains antifungal and antiseptic properties, it is included in a list of home remedies on how to lighten skin naturally. This treatment can be used daily.

You will need:

• A few drops of cedarwood essential oil
• One tablespoon of jojoba oil

Do this:

• Mix both oils together
• Apply it to your dull skin
• Leave it for 30 minutes
• Wash it off with lukewarm water

Alternatively, you can substitute jojoba oil with bergamot oil and do the same process.

36. Bearberry Extract

Arbutin present in bearberry extract is considered as a whitening compound. We can found arbutin as a key ingredient listed on the labels of many lightening and whitening skin care products. Arbutin plays the important role in inhibiting the activity of tyrosinase that can boost the production of melanin. Continuous application of bearberry extract can give you a lighter skin tone.

Do this:

• Add 10 drops of bearberry extract to your cream or lotion
• Apply it to your skin in the morning and before bedtime daily to get the best result

37. Grape Seed Extract

Grape seed extract has a good source of antioxidants, essential minerals, and vitamins. Moreover, it contains antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties. Regular use of grape seed extract can make your skin lighter, healthier and brighter. It is important to know that grape seed extract can lead to irritation and itchiness in some people. Therefore, if you have sensitive skin type, you should test this remedy on your forearm before applying to your skin.

Do this:

• Clean your skin first
• Massage your skin for a few minutes
• Rinse it off with lukewarm water

You should repeat this treatment daily until you get the satisfactory result.

38. Potato Juice

Potato juice is rich in vitamin C. It also contains antioxidant properties that can help to fight against the aging signs on your skin. Bleaching effects of potato juice can remove the dead skin cells and boost the new skin cells regeneration.

You will need:

• 1 potato

Do this:

• Clean potato and peel its skin
• Cut this potato into small thin pieces
• Rub these pieces on your skin gently
• Let the potato juice sit on your skin for 15 minutes
• Wash it off with water

Alternatively, you can squeeze the juice from a potato and use a cotton ball to apply it. This treatment should be repeated twice weekly.

39. Milk

If you are looking for ways on how to lighten skin, don’t forget to put milk in your list. Milk is an ideal choice of gently rubbing the skin, which will help you remove dead skin cells and encourage the new ones to grow. The new skin cells will make the skin lighter.

Milk is rich in calcium, which helps your skin struggle against moisture loss.

Dryness may also make the skin darker.

Need to prepare:

• Milk (cow’s or goat’s) – 1 bowl
• Facecloth – 1 peace

How to lighten skin with milk:

• Warm the milk a little bit (Just warm, we don’t need to make it hot)
• Dip the facecloth in the bowl of warm milk
• Take out the facecloth and wring it to avoid dripping
• Then use the facecloth to gently rub your face.
• Once the facecloth gets dry, dip it in the milk again
• Repeat the process 3-4 times
• Apply it daily. After 2 weeks, do it 2 times per week.

40. Yogurt

As a rich source of Lactic acid, yogurt also is one of the best recommendations if you are finding how to lighten skin naturally at home. Lactic acid prevents the body from producing melanin which is a main factor darkening skin. In addition, this acid helps to remove dullness and dead skin cells in your face and encourage growing new cells.

Need to prepare:

• Yogurt (unsweetened and unflavored)  
• Lemon juice and oat’s meal (optional)
• Honey (optional)

How to lighten skin with yogurt:

There are 3 ways to take advantage of yogurt to make skin brighter.  

Way 1: Yogurt

• Rub the yogurt onto the skin for a few minutes
• Leave it for another few minutes then wash with clean water
• Apply it daily for better result

Way 2: Yogurt + lemon juice + oat’s meal

• Mix these ingredients together in a bowl
• Apply it onto your face
• Leave it for around from 15 to 20 minutes then wash with clean water
• Do it daily for better result

Way 3: Yogurt + honey

• Mix yogurt and honey at 2:1 ratio
• Apply it onto your face
• Leave it for around from 10 to 15 minutes then wash with clean water
• Do it daily for better result

41. Lemon Juice

If you want to figure out how to lighten skin at home, let’s try lemon juice and see what it can do for you. Lemon juice is known as a natural astringent and bleaching agent for skin. Therefore, it especially benefits people with oily skin. Moreover, Vitamin C contained in lemon juice stimulates to produce new skin cells so that it makes skin brighter.

There are 3 ways to use lemon juice depending on types of skin.  

Way 1: For normal skin

Need to prepare:

• A lemon
• A cotton ball

How to lighten skin with lemon juice:

• Squeeze a lemon to get its juice
• Dip a cotton ball in this juice
• Rub the cotton ball onto your face gently
• Leave it for around 20 to 30 minutes then clean with water
• Apply it daily for better result

Way 2: For oily skin

Need to prepare:

• A tablespoon of lemon juice
• A tablespoon of rosewater
• A tablespoon of Fuller’s earth

How to lighten skin with lemon juice:

• Mix these above ingredients together to make a face mask
• Apply it onto your face
• Leave it for around 20 to 30 minutes then clean with water

Way 3: For dry skin

Need to prepare:

• A tablespoon of lemon juice
• A tablespoon of honey
• A tablespoon of olive oil

How to lighten skin with lemon juice:

• Mix these above ingredients together
• Apply it onto your face and gently massage for a few minutes
• Leave it for around 10 to 15 minutes then clean with water

Note: Avoid sunrays after application for a few hours because lemon juice makes the skin extremely more sensitive with sunrays.

42. Rice Powder

For a long time ago, Asian women have take advantage of rice water or rice powder to lighten their skin. Some science evidences also prove that rice extract has many positive effects including hydrating, lightening and anti aging for mature skin. Let’s explore how to lighten skin with rice powder by following the below instruction:

Need to prepare:

• Rice powder
• Milk
• Warm water

How to lighten skin with rice powder:

• Mix milk and rice powder to make a paste
• Apply this paste onto your face
• Leave it for around 20 to 30 minutes then clean with warm water
• Apply it 2-3 times per week

43. Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera contains Aloesin which can inhibit activities of tyrosinase, therefore, it helps to reduce melanin production. Melanin is one main factor that makes your skin darken. Aloe Vera also improves general skin health by repairing damaged tissue and growing new skin cells.

Need to prepare:

• A leaf of Aloe Vera

How to lighten skin with Aloe Vera:

• Get gel inside the leaf of Aloe Vera
• Apply this gel onto your skin
• Leave it for around 30 minutes then clean with water
• Do it 4 times per day for the first 15 days.
• After 15 days, apply it 2 times per day, 3-4 days per week

44. Tomatoes

Tomato is known as a natural bleaching or whitening agent for skin. It is a perfect remedy for you if you have an oily skin or skin with acne prone. Natural acids contained in tomato help to balance pH of skin and remove excessive oil from skin. In order to brighten skin, there are 5 methods of using tomato depending on what kind of ingredients combined. Let’s try and find out which method works best for you.

Need to prepare:

• A tomato
• A lemon (optional)
• Buttermilk (optional)
• An avocado (optional)
• Yogurt (optional)

How to lighten skin with tomatoes:

• Grind a tomato to get its pulp then rub this pulp onto your skin. Once it is dry, apply more tomato pulp. Repeat it for 15-20 minutes then clean with water.
• Take a tomato and get its juice then mix it with some drops of lemon juice. Apply it onto your face for 15 minutes then clean with water.
• Take 2 tablespoons of tomato juice and 4 tablespoons of buttermilk then mix it together. Apply it onto your face for 30 minutes then clean with water. It is especially recommended if you get sunburn.
• Get pulp of a tomato and an avocado then mix it together. Apply this combination onto your skin for about 30 minutes then clean with warm water.
• Get pulp of a tomato then mix it with 2 tablespoons of yogurt. Apply it for 20 minutes then clean with water.

45. Oranges

Orange contains an abundance of vitamin C which is one of the most crucial ingredients for taking care of skin. Moreover, orange is recommended for lightening skin due to its bleaching property.

There are two methods to take advantage of orange for your skin as below:

Method 1: Orange juice + Turmeric powder

Need to prepare:

• An orange
• Turmeric powder

How to lighten skin with orange:

• Squeeze an orange to get its juice
• Mix 2 tablespoons of this juice with a pinch of turmeric powder to make a paste
• Apply this paste onto your skin before sleeping
• Clean with water in the next morning
• Apply it daily

Method 2: Orange peel + yogurt

Need to prepare:

• Dried orange peels
• Yogurt (unflavored and unsweetened)

How to lighten skin with orange:

• Grind the orange peels to get its powder
• Mix the powder with yogurt at 1:1 ratio to make a paste
• Apply this paste onto your skin for 15-20 minutes then clean with water
• Do it 1-2 times per week

46. Turmeric

If you want to find out how to lighten skin, turmeric is an ideal ingredient for you. It is believed that turmeric helps to inhibit the production of melanin so that it improves skin tone. Moreover, having an abundance of natural antioxidants and antiseptics, turmeric is also good for general health of skin.

There are two simple ways turmeric can benefit your skin as below:

Way 1: Turmeric and milk cream

• Mix turmeric powder with milk cream to make a paste
• Apply this paste onto your skin
• Wait until it’s dry and wash it off
• Do it regularly for better result

Way 2: Turmeric, olive oil and chickpea flour

• Mix turmeric powder with olive oil and chickpea flour to make a paste
• Apply this paste onto your skin
• Leave it for 15-20 minutes then wash it off
• Do it 1-2 times per week

47. Papaya

Papaya is commonly used for skin care because it contains a lot of nutrients which are good for general health of skin and especially because of its natural whitening properties. It is a rich source of Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, and alpha hydroxyl acids (AHA) which have anti-aging effects for skin. Therefore, papaya is an ideal remedy for how to lighten skin naturally at home.

The simplest way to use papaya for skin care is eating papaya as a fruit. By this way, the body of impurities causing darken skin will be cleansed.

Regarding of exterior application for how to lighten skin, there are two simple ways available for you:

Need to prepare:

• A ripe papaya
• Some lemons (optional)

How to lighten skin with papaya:

Way 1: Papaya

• Take papaya peel
• Rub the inner part of this peel onto your skin
• Wait until it’s dry then wash it off
• Do it daily

Way 2: Papaya + Lemon juice

• Squeeze lemons to get a cup of juice
• Mix the papaya with this juice
• Rub this mixture onto your skin
• Leave it for 30 minutes then clean with water
• Do it at least 1 times per week

48. Gram Flour

For a long time ago, Indian women have used gram flour to take care of their skin. Gram flour helps grow a soft, smooth and bright skin due to its various nutrients. In addition, regular use of gram flour face mask will help remove skin’s excessive oil and retain sufficient moisture for skin.

How to lighten skin with gram flour? Let’s follow below instruction.

Method 1

Need to prepare:

• 1 Tablespoon of gram flour
• 1 Tablespoon of milk cream
• ½ Tablespoon of honey
• A few drops of lemon juice

How to lighten skin with gram flour:

• Mix the above ingredients to make a paste
• Apply it onto your skin
• Leave it for 15-20 minutes or until it’s dry
• Clean with warm water
• Do it daily for the first 4 weeks, then once a week

Method 2

Need to prepare:

• 2 Tablespoons of gram flour
• ¼ Tablespoon of turmeric powder
• Milk
• A few drops of lemon juice

How to lighten skin with gram flour:

• Mix the above ingredients to make a paste
• Apply it onto your skin
• Leave it for 15-20 minutes
• Clean with warm water
• Do it daily for the first month, then once a week

If you want to know more about natural, at-home remedies for other diseases and conditions go to our main How to page. After reading the article of 10 solutions on how to lighten skin naturally at home, hope that it can help you find out the best remedy to help you get a gorgeous skin. However, these ways will take some time to make your skin lighter but their results are long lasting without any side effects. Don’t hesitate to share with your friends our advice if you found it help. If you have any question, or you want to know other ways for skin care, please leave comments below. Also, you can share the experience if you know any other remedies for how to lighten skin.

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