Women around the world are increasingly turning to natural cosmetics and preparations made on a herbal base. Most commercial products contain toxic ingredients. These can make more harm than good, especially when we talk about the line of products intended for skin lightening. Abrasive chemicals and strong acids decay the surface skin layer. And there are more aggressive agents that damage our skin and make it vulnerable.
Not all cosmetic products are harmful, but we can find everything that your skin needs in nature. But many of us don’t have the time and will to make home-made mixtures. For those who want to devote themselves to mixing herbs and spices, a kitchen is an excellent start point. Below they can find a few easy recipes for making natural products for lightening the skin and balancing the complexion.
Lightening or Whitening?
Skin whitening and skin lightening are not synonymous, and women are usually confused by these terms. This first one implies a whole range of cosmetic treatments that are very aggressive to your skin. Dermatologists don’t recommend it because of chemical compounds that affect the protective layer of the skin.
On the other hand, skin lightening is a delicate self-treatment using products that alleviate the effects of melanin production disorder. These products do not change the amount of melanin in your skin and don’t bleach your complexion. They act on freckles, reds and dark spots as results of hyperpigmentation. Not just exposure to the sun is the cause. Often, these disorders occur due to a hormonal imbalance, for example, during pregnancy or as a consequence of using birth control pills. You can read more about this skin condition here.
If you are into DIY cosmetics, there are a whole range of ingredients that you can use as skin lighteners. You probably have most of them in your kitchen. In addition to being sure of the ‘product’ you have made yourself, another advantage is that you can use most of them whenever you want, without fear of any side effects.
Almighty Lemon Juice
You probably convinced into the miraculous properties of lemon many times until now. Many cosmetic brands use it as one of the main ingredients for skin lightening products. Vitamin C and other antioxidants found in citruses reduce the formation of melanin as a reaction to radiation.
Lemon can be used in various ways, and the simplest one is to apply its juice directly on face. But if you combine it with other miraculous ingredients such as honey or milk, you’ll provide your skin with a full nourishing treatment.
Lemon & Honey Mask
Lemon and honey are a winning combination, both as a cure and cosmetic product. A mask made of these ingredients can be applied to fade dark spots and pigment stains. Mix two teaspoons of heated honey with a juice of one lemon. Dip the piece of gauze in a mixture and put it on the face for 15-20 minutes. For this time, soak the gauze two or three times in a row.
Wash out the mask with warm water, gently massaging the face to improve circulation. Apply the mask every third day and you’ll notice the first results in the next two weeks.
Lemon & Milk Treatment
Milk and lemon combo, besides lightning, will make your skin soft, shine, and youthful. Amino acids from milk help the skin to maintain moisture. Lactic acid regenerates the surface layer and fades the excessive pigmentation.
Mix the equal parts of lemon juice and warmish milk. Apply it immediately to the face, mildly rubbing the mixture. Even if it begins to clot, this is not a problem. You’ll ‘break’ the blobs with your fingers. If you think that the lemon is too aggressive for your skin, add more milk. You can use the mixture in any part of the body; you even don’t have to rinse it (except the face).
Potato as a Natural Lightener
For minor irregularities caused by hyperpigmentation, a potato is of great help. Vitamin B, or one of its forms known as nicotinamide, is known for bleaching properties. And you are aware of that if you sometimes use potato as the first aid with dark eye-bags.
Potatoes can be used singly or with the addition of other bleaching agents, such as lemon. In the first case, grate potatoes or cut them into inch-sized pieces. Drain the juice from the mash and apply it on the dark spots with cotton swabs. Rub it directly into the problematic areas for 15 to 20 minutes every day. Potato won’t damage your skin in any way.
Potato and Lemon Mask
Combined with lemon, your home-made potato lightening product will be even more effective as the dose of vitamin C increases considerably. Every alternate day, mix two tablespoons of lemon and potato juice. You can further dilute the lemon with water if it irritates you. Add half a teaspoon of honey, which is excellent for reducing irritation. Soak the cotton swab and rub the dark spots, and rinse after 15 minutes.
Apple Cider Tonic
On skinlighteningbeautyguide.com you can read about not so beneficial acids used in cosmetic products. But acid from apple cider is not among them. Even after prolonged use, it won’t dry or damage your skin. This ingredient is one of the most effective in lightening scars and dark spots.
Use diluted apple cider vinegar as a cleansing tonic. It can help you to equalize complexion and return the shine to your skin. Treating the surface layer with this natural tonic several times a week will help to maintain its pH balance. The vinegar should be diluted, so as not to affect the alkalinity of the skin.
In a bunch of products offered on the market, sometimes it’s hard to find the right one, without spending a little fortune. Home-made products are a much better, healthier and cheaper option. Using natural ingredients, with minimal processing, you will extract the maximum and give your skin the best care.