In an attempt to achieve a lighter skin tone you may ask, is skin bleaching safe?' You might also wonder if there are other ways to brighten skin.
Bleaching is perhaps the most popular way to even out blemishes and uneven skin tone. Sometimes it could prove to be effective versus dark patches. The beauty of bleaching is that you can do it right at home, as long as you know what ingredients you should use and how to use them properly. As a word of warning, you should take extra care if you want to get the desired results.
Dull skin, unwanted tanning and pigmentation are mostly due to too much sun and pollution. However, you can turn to bleaching as a way to make your skin bright and even. Most bleaching products contain harsh chemicals though, and you might end up with a damaged skin if you don't use them properly, or if you bleach too much.
There is a way to get around the skin damage concern, and that is to use natural bleaching remedies. That said, you can opt for natural ingredients instead of chemical bleaches since they're safer and won't irritate your skin in any way.
Is Skin Bleaching Safe?
Bleaching is not considered safe since the chemicals can cause unwanted skin reactions, side effects and whatnot. Bleaching agents and products might work to lighten skin tone, but they're not sustainable nor are they safe to use long-term.
What are the Side Effects of Chemical Skin Bleaching?
Most chemical bleaches hide their ingredients and instead present the benefits in order to attract consumers. Thebrighten your skin clause can be found in whitening lotions, creams and soaps, and they usually contain steroids, mercury and hydroquinone.
As a whole, these bleaching agents can cause side effects such as:
- Nephrotic syndrome, which is a serious kidney condition
- Steroid acne, in the form of blackheads, whiteheads and painful bumps
- Exogenous ochronosis, or having a blue-black skin
- Dermatitis, aka skin inflammation and blisters, itching and rashes
- Mercury poisoning
Researchers have found out that hydroquinone can trigger immunosuppressive responses and cause DNA damage, as well as an increased risk of acquiring skin cancer due to the change in melanin production. The risk gets higher for people who live in regions that get strong UV radiation, such as tropical climates. In some instances, hydroquinone may be used as treatment but only under strict doctor supervision.
Many people seek brighter skin in order to feel more beautiful, but the truth is that you don't really need to. If you have healthy skin that doesn't have spots or blemishes, then you can probably forego bleaching and keep it that way.
However, if you want to get rid of blemishes, skin spots and pigmentation, then bleaching is a possible solution. It's recommended that you go the natural route in order to prevent side effects associated with chemical bleaching.
Natural home bleaching ingredients are just as effective as their commercial counterparts. The best part is that they won't harm your skin and keep it bright and healthy-looking.
15 Home Ingredients You Can Use to Brighten Skin Naturally
As a word of advice, it's best to determine if you're not allergic to any of the DIY items in our list. Also, you shouldn't expect the results to be the same as chemical bleaching agents- they're more gentle and produce a lighter effect.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a commonly-used ingredient in various skin care products, including creams, lotions and washes. Its texture is perfect as an exfoliant, removing dead cells and allowing new ones to grow. Studies suggest that oatmeal can protect you from the sun's harsh UV rays and possibly prevent the appearance of age spots, dark spots and tanning.
To bleach using oatmeal, ground it and add to milk, then use the solution on your face. Massage gently for a few minutes, leave it on to dry and wash thoroughly.
Carrot
Carrots are good for your body, but did you know that they're good for your skin as well? The carotenoids and lycopene found in the vegetable can reduce sunburn and redness caused by excessive UV exposure.
It's believed that carrots can act as a mild bleaching agent by reducing blemishes and making your skin tone even. Make your own DIY skin bleaching paste with carrot, lemon juice and yogurt. Apply daily until you get the results you want.
Licorice
Licorice is excellent against excessive melanin production and can help distribute the compound to reduce hyperpigmentation. The tasty treat can also be used to ward off UVB pigmentation, although more data is needed to see if the claim is accurate.
Make a solution that's composed of rose water, sandalwood powder and licorice powder. Then, apply on your skin two to three times weekly until your skin brightens up considerably.
Strawberry
Strawberries make for a truly sweet dessert, but as it turns out, they can help lighten your skin tone as well. The fruit is abundant with vitamin C, a compound that has excellent benefits when it comes to the skin.
The next time you make a fruit-based face pack, don't forget to add a few strawberries into the mix. Mix with milk and apply on your face, then wash off thoroughly after it dries. It's gentle enough to be used daily.
Papaya
Papaya is abundant with carotenoids as well as vitamin C, both of which can prevent redness and pigmentation when you regularly eat the fruit. In some cases, people use papaya to get their blemishes and unwanted skin spots and marks to fade sooner.
To make a papaya skin bleach, you can mash a ripe papaya along with a mixture of lemon juice and water. It's recommended that you apply the remedy every other day.
Egg Whites
Some people swear by egg whites as a whitening skin remedy, but there's no solid evidence to point to this fact. Raw egg whites should not be applied topically on the skin as it could have salmonella and make you sick.
If you want to go ahead and use egg whites, then it's recommended that you mix with lemon juice and a spoonful of olive oil. Use the mixture as a face pack and wash it off thoroughly after it has dried.
Potato
Potatoes are a popular ingredient in dealing with skin concerns. But like egg whites, there's no anecdotal evidence to prove this is the case. You can turn potatoes into juice and remove skin blemishes and dark circles, as well as get a lighter skin tone after several applications.
To make a potato bleach solution, mix potato juice with honey and lemon juice. Apply and wash off after 20 minutes or so. Do this twice or thrice weekly.
Saffron
An excellent DIY ingredient to bring about a youthful glow and bright skin, saffron has beneficial terpenoids and carotenoid components that make it so. Put some strands in milk, let it sit for some time and use a cotton ball to get the solution to your skin. Wash after half an hour and follow this routine every day.
White Sandalwood
White sandalwood offers a soothing effect and is often used for skin allergies. Add a teaspoon of the powder with honey and put it on your skin or face, then wash after 20 minutes.
Turmeric
A known spice that has superb antiseptic properties, turmeric can certainly give you a brighter skin and help reduce dark spots, blemishes and pigmentation. Add half a teaspoon to milk cream to make a solution, then gently massage it to the area. Allow the mixture to dry before washing off with lukewarm water.
Gram Flour
Gram flour is another popular exfoliating ingredient that also reduces oil and tan. A tablespoon added to rose water and applied thrice weekly should be enough to give you a noticeably lighter skin tone.
Tomato
Eating tomatoes on a regular basis can help keep off harmful UV rays at bay. You can supplement this diet with a paste made of tomatoes, milk and turmeric that you can apply as a face mask. Wash off after half an hour and do the routine twice or thrice weekly.
Milk
Milk is often used as a substitute for water for making skin brightening paste. You can add it to the DIY ingredients listed here, or mix with honey and as a topical solution.
Lemon
Another common bleaching ingredient for the face and skin, lemon contains beneficial vitamin C. Substitute with filtered water or milk if you experience skin irritation.
Yogurt
Yogurt is similar to milk, except that it offers an extra calming effect. You can add a bit of turmeric to a tablespoon of yogurt and use it as a paste. Leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes before washing thoroughly with lukewarm water.
Natural Skin Bleaching FAQs
What is the Best Product to Bleach Skin?
Although there are commercial bleaching products available in the market, you shouldn't use them on a regular basis. Strong chemicals can damage your skin and lead to adverse side effects.
How Can I Bleach Naturally?
You should try out our top natural bleaching ingredients in the list above. However, you should note that the effect won't be as strong as chemical-based bleaching products.
