Skin Bleaching Methods

It is believed that when dark-skinned people migrated to colder climates of the world, they experienced a reduction in their melanin. This marked the origin of white skin. This occurred about 20,000 to 50,000 years ago.

Age spots, scars, and discoloration to name a few are some common skin problems that affect people worldwide. A popular cosmetic method used to manage such problems is skin bleaching, also known as skin whitening. The same is also widely used by people who wish to get a lighter skin tone.

Most topical creams formulated for lightening skin contains an agent known as hydroquinone. This agent interferes with the production of melanin and this helps make the skin lighter. Over the counter, topical creams having 2% hydroquinone are available. 4% of the same can also be obtained but only with a doctor's prescription.

☛ Hydroquinone may trigger allergic reactions. So discuss any medicines you may be allergic to with your doctor.
☛ Hydroquinone may not be suitable for skin that is broken, sunburned, chapped or irritated.
☛ Hydroquinone cream is meant to be applied only on the skin, and may be harmful if it goes in your eyes, nose or mouth. If it does, then rinse these parts thoroughly with water.
☛ Hydroquinone may risk sunburn. So, to protect the treated areas, use sunscreens or wear protective clothing.

» Redness in the treated area.
» Mild irritation.
» Burning or stinging sensation.
» Skin dryness.
» Allergic reaction which includes hives, breathing difficulty, swollen tongue, lips or throat.

Many home treatment measures are available which may help lighten the skin without causing any undesirable side effects. Here are some you may like to try:

☛ Bleach your skin with a mix of sandalwood powder, lemon juice, tomato juice, and cucumber juice (all in equal parts).

☛ Soak some almonds in water overnight. Peel them the next morning and make a paste. Mix this paste with honey and your skin bleach is ready.

☛ Make a mix of cucumber juice (2 tbsp.), glycerin (½ tsp.), rose water (½ tsp.), and lemon juice (1 tbsp.). Mix them and work the paste on the desired areas of the body.

☛ A mix of gram flour (2 tbsp.) and a small amount of turmeric, lemon juice and milk, works as a skin bleach and as a natural hair remover too.

☛ Another quick skin bleaching method is to blend equal parts of coconut oil and pineapple juice, and apply on the skin.

☛ Turmeric has been an effective skin bleaching recipe for Indian women since ages. Make a thick paste using turmeric powder (1 tsp.) and fresh lemon juice (3 tbsp.). Apply it on the desired areas of the body, and give it a wait for about 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water, and pat dry the skin. Apply a moisturizer on the treated area.

☛ Prepare a face mask using flour (4 tbsp.) and milk (2-3 tbsp.). Add more milk if the mix is too thick or chunky. Clean the area of the skin you intend to bleach. Apply the mixture on the skin, and leave it to dry. Thereafter, wash the area with lukewarm water. Don't forget to apply a moisturizing cream.

While hydroquinone topical creams and home remedies are mostly used by people when they wish to achieve a lighter skin tone, there are some who also opt for laser surgery or cryosurgery.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this story is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.