Learn how bleaching affects your skin and alternative methods to get naturally glowing skin. Bleaching is an effective way to minimize the appearance of dark patches, uneven skin tone, and blemishes. You can easily do it at home using skin bleaching creams if you know how to bleach your skin safely and what precautions to follow. While bleaching can give you instant results, you must be careful about its usage.
Factors like pollution and excessive sun exposure may lead to increased melanocytes in your skin, making it appear dull and causing pigmentation, tanning, and skin discoloration. Bleaching can help minimize these common issues and make your skin appear brighter and even. However, chemical bleaches contain strong ingredients that can damage the skin if you use them excessively. Therefore, it is better to ditch the chemical bleaches and try natural remedies to brighten your skin. These ingredients are safe for the skin and will not irritate it. This article explains why you should avoid chemical bleaches, their risks, and natural ways to bleach your skin at home without any damage. Read on to know more.
Is Bleaching Safe For Skin?
No. Absolutely not.
According to statistics, there is an unhealthy obsession with “fair” skin, especially among African and Asian women. UN data says that 40% of African women bleach their skin (1). By 2024, the market of skin-lightening and whitening products is estimated to be worth $31.2 billion (2). However, little do you realize that you are actually damaging your skin by using chemical bleaches. Skin bleaching may cause serious skin complications. Therefore, you need to know the risks and side effects before you try out any bleaching agent.
DIY Home Remedies To Brighten Your Skin Naturally
Before you try any of these remedies, do a patch test to make sure you are not allergic to any of the ingredients. Also, keep in mind that these are natural remedies and will not have an intense bleaching or whitening effect like chemical bleaches
1. Yogurt
ogurt (and other milk products) contains lactic acid that helps in skin lightening . Also, applying yogurt on your skin has a calming effect.
Take a tablespoon of yogurt and add a pinch of turmeric to it. Apply the paste on your skin and leave it on for 15-30 minutes before washing. Follow this routine once daily.
2. Lemon
Lemon contains vitamin C that inhibits melanin formation and has a depigmenting effect. However, avoid this remedy if you have sensitive skin as it can cause redness and irritation. Also, lemon makes the skin photosensitive . Apply sunscreen before stepping out after using this remedy.
3. Milk
Milk contains lactic acid that has a skin-lightening effect.
Mix a teaspoon of honey in a tablespoon of raw milk and spread it on your face using a cotton ball. Leave it on for 15-30 minutes and wash off. Follow this routine once a day.
4. Tomato
Eating tomatoes can safeguard you from the damaging effects of UV rays. There is no scientific proof of its brightening effect on the skin upon topical application, but it is commonly used as a home remedy for skin brightening. You may add tomatoes to your daily diet or use the following home remedy.
Mix a tablespoon of tomato paste with a pinch of turmeric and a bit of milk. Apply it to your face and wash it off after 20-30 minutes. Repeat this routine three times a week.
5. Gram Flour
Gram flour (or besan) is one of the most commonly used ingredients for its beauty benefits. It exfoliates and cleanses your skin thoroughly to brighten your skin tone. It also helps reduce tan and oiliness .
To use gram flour for skin brightening, mix a tablespoon of gram flour with rose water and apply the paste on your skin. Let it dry before washing it off. Use this remedy thrice a week.
6. Turmeric
Turmeric has exceptional wound-healing and antiseptic properties, which is why it is commonly used in Ayurvedic preparations to treat a number of skin ailments. Turmeric can help reduce pigmentation, dark spots, and uneven skin tone to give you bright and glowing skin.
Mix half a teaspoon of turmeric with milk cream and massage it on your skin. Let it dry before washing it off. Follow this remedy once daily.
7. Sandalwood
White sandalwood powder is used to cure skin allergies. It also has a cooling and soothing effect on the skin. White sandalwood powder is especially beneficial in reducing the appearance of scars and acne marks to give you a brighter skin tone.
Mix a teaspoon of white sandalwood powder with a teaspoon of honey and apply the paste on your skin. Wash it off after 20 minutes. Follow this routine thrice a week.