It’s always summer somewhere, which means it’s always time to take care of your skin. One of the most important ways to do this is by brightening your skin tone and minimizing any dark spots or discoloration that may be making you look older than you are. No matter how good your skincare routine may be, sometimes, it just isn’t enough. Luckily, you can use some natural ingredients from the kitchen to whiten your skin at home quickly and easily.


1) Lemon Juice

One way to whiten your skin naturally is by applying lemon juice to your face for about 20 minutes. The citric acid in the lemon will break down the melanin, which causes the pigmentation that makes our skin darker. And if that wasn't enough, lemon also has vitamin C which promotes collagen production and will make your skin tighter and firmer.


Start by squeezing out some fresh lemon juice onto a clean cloth and spread it all over your face while avoiding contact with the eyes or mouth. You'll want to leave it on for about 20 minutes before rinsing off with cool water followed by a moisturizer like honey, Shea butter, or coconut oil.


2) Turmeric

Mix two tablespoons of finely ground turmeric with two tablespoons of milk or yogurt in a bowl. This will help give your skin a radiant glow and also even out any skin tones. Simply rub the mixture over your face, neck, and décolletage until you have an even coverage. Then simply wait 15 minutes before washing off the mask and then rinse your face with cold water so that it is well hydrated. You can also leave it on for up to 30 minutes if you have time but know that doing this is more time-consuming and requires some effort in the initial steps if you do not want it to smudge when rinsing it off.


3) Cucumber

Cucumber, like other vegetables in the cucurbit family, such as zucchini and melon, contain high amounts of water. By using a small amount of this veggie to get rid of discoloration and give you back your natural skin tone, you can reap a number of benefits without having to spend too much time in the kitchen. To produce a peel that is useful for whitening purposes, slice up your cucumber into half-inch pieces, soak them overnight in lemon juice (1/2 cup), and then dry them out on paper towels for about an hour before rinsing with cold water. This recipe makes two or three treatments from one cucumber.


 

4) Aloe Vera

One of the quickest and easiest ways to whiten your skin is using aloe vera. A homemade aloe vera skin whitening mask can be made by mixing 1⁄4 cup of aloe vera gel with 2 teaspoons of honey, and an egg white (whipped). Mix all ingredients together, apply a thin layer on the face, neck, and other affected areas; wait 20 minutes or until dry, and rinse off with warm water. -Lemon: Another way to naturally lighten your skin tone is by rubbing lemon juice on your face before bed. Lemon has natural bleaching properties that work well for evening out any blotchy spots.


Tomato: The acid in tomatoes helps break down oils and dirt that might be causing the acne or hyperpigmentation you are experiencing. Make a tomato paste for use as a scrub: mix one part tomato sauce with two parts sugar, leave it in the fridge overnight to harden up, then use as you would any scrub - rub it over the problem area gently and leave it there for 5-10 minutes before rinsing off with cold water.


5) Honey

Honey has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties that make it a great skincare ingredient for preventing acne and healing existing acne. However, honey isn't just good for the skin: consuming 2 tablespoons of honey a day can help with weight loss by speeding up metabolism, increasing insulin sensitivity, and reducing appetite. There are many different ways you can use honey on your skin, so we've created a list of 10 different ways for you to try. 1) Apply raw honey on your face as a mask. Raw honey is gentle enough to be used as an exfoliant. Combine 1 tablespoon of raw honey with 1 tablespoon of ground oatmeal or finely ground almonds for an added scrubbing effect. Allow the mixture to dry and then rinse off with warm water. Make sure not to get this mixture in your eyes! Repeat once every week or two weeks depending on how often you typically exfoliate your skin.


6) Cinnamon powder

Mix together a teaspoon of ground cinnamon and one-quarter teaspoon of honey, then apply the mixture to your face with a cotton ball. The honey works as an astringent, removing excess oil and leaving skin feeling soft. Leave the mixture on for 20 minutes before rinsing it off with warm water. For best results, do this every day for a month or two. If you have dry skin, add some olive oil to the mix. Baking soda: Add a tablespoon of baking soda to some water in a bowl, stir until dissolved, and use it as an exfoliator by applying in circular motions all over your face using your fingertips. Rinse with cool water and pat dry. Papaya: Cut up half a papaya into chunks and mash them up so that they’re like pulp(add some coconut milk if you want). Apply this mixture directly onto your skin for about 10 minutes before washing off with cold water.

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7) Milk and Yogurt

Milk is one of the most potent natural skin whiteners. You can apply milk to your face, hands, or legs and leave it for 5-20 minutes. You can also mix a teaspoon of milk with a teaspoon of lemon juice and honey to make an effective paste. Yogurt is another great option if you want something quick, but you will have to wash your skin again afterward since yogurt stays on the skin longer than milk does. Mix two tablespoons of plain yogurt with a little water to create a paste and apply generously to the area you are trying to lighten. Leave this mixture on for 20 minutes before washing off in the shower.


8) Oatmeal and Banana with Honey

Oatmeal and Banana with Honey: Mix 1⁄2 cup of quick oats, 1 mashed banana, and a teaspoon of honey. Place the mixture in the fridge for an hour or so until it becomes solid. Rub this concoction on your face for 10 minutes then rinse off with warm water. This solution will help lighten dark circles and reduce acne scars as well.


#2 Green Tea Mask: Blend one tablespoon of green tea leaves with 2 tablespoons of fresh apple juice and apply this mixture to your face (leave it on for 15-20 minutes). This pack can help eliminate blackheads, tighten pores, get rid of wrinkles, soften skin texture and reduce discoloration on the face.


9) Papaya Leaf Paste

Papaya leaf paste helps lighten the skin's pigmentation. To make this paste, grate papaya and mix it with water in a container, about a 1:3 ratio of grated papaya to water. Let it sit for about three hours. Mix it until you have a consistent batter and apply it to your face. Let it dry completely and then rinse off with lukewarm water, pat dry, and moisturize your skin. Do this twice a day or as often as needed. Honey:


It is not uncommon for people to say that honey can be used as an effective skin whitening agent. To use honey as a whitening agent, prepare a solution by mixing one tablespoon of honey into two cups of water and soak cotton balls in the solution before applying them to your face. Leave them on for 10-15 minutes before removing them and washing them off with warm water.


10) Indian Gooseberry (amla)/Gooseberry/Amalaki.

Indian gooseberry has a high concentration of ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) which is known for its skin-whitening properties. It is also rich in minerals such as iron, potassium, and calcium, which contribute to the making of healthy and soft skin. The beauty of this fruit is that it can be found in most local grocery stores. Add a tablespoonful of amla powder to warm milk and consume this twice a day, in the morning and evening. Apart from being an excellent food item, Indian gooseberries are said to be tonic for hair, eyesight, and blood circulation. This wonder fruit should not be missed out on as part of one's daily diet.

10 Ways to Whiten Your Skin Naturally at Home, Quora Nutrition