Natural Skin Bleach

There is a wide range of commercial lotions, creams and other treatments that have been specially formulated for the purpose of lightening skin. Many of these treatments not only cost an arm and a leg, but may also cause harmful side effects. There are, however, a number of natural skin lighteners that can be used just as effectively--and often more safely--than the commercial alternatives.

Lemon juice has strong, natural skin-bleaching properties, thanks to its high content of alpha and beta hydroxy acids. These compounds have an exfoliating effect, sloughing off dead cells from the skin's surface, leaving behind lighter, fairer-toned skin. Lime juice may be substituted for lemon juice, but it is not as effective. To use lemon juice as skin bleach, rub it gently over the skin and rinse it off after about five minutes. Lemon is dehydrating, so apply a moisturizer after rinsing it off.

Potatoes contain a natural bleaching agent and are one of the simplest home remedies to bleach and lighten skin. Finely slice one or two potatoes and apply the slices to your skin. Alternatively, finely grate a potato and rub it onto the skin. Rinse this off with cold water, and repeat twice a week.

Kojic acid, which is derived from mushrooms, is a natural skin lightener that does not have any harmful side effects when used. Ever since it was discovered in 1989, it has increasingly been used as a natural, safer alternative to hydroquinone. Kojic acid works by inhibiting the production of melanin in the body.

Orange peel is another natural, homemade skin bleach. It contains a number of active compounds that have a natural, bleaching effect on the skin when applied topically. These compounds include L-ascorbic acid, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate and sodium ascorbyl phosphate. To use it as skin bleach, mix two parts dry, powdered orange peel and one part raw milk. Apply this to the skin and then rinse it off with lukewarm water after it has dried. Repeat daily.

Licorice contains glabridin, an active ingredient that has natural skin-bleaching properties. It can be combined with honey and lemon to formulate a strong, yet gentle skin-bleaching mask. The mask should be applied to the skin and then rinsed off with lukewarm water after 10 to 15 minutes. The use of this mask should be followed up with a good skin moisturizer, because the licorice and lemon have a dehydrating effect.