Skin whitening should be done according to the advice of the dermatologist and can be done with the use of home remedies such as rosehip oil, for example, or cosmetic treatments such as peeling or pulsed light.
However, whichever method you choose to whiten your skin, it is important to take some precautions such as avoiding getting too much exposure to the sun and applying sunscreen every day.
Treatments to lighten the skin
There are several treatments to lighten the skin, and the dermatologist is the most suitable professional to recommend the best treatment. The main treatments to lighten the skin are:
1. Chemical peeling
Chemical peeling is a type of cosmetic treatment that involves the use of acids to burn the outermost part of the skin that is damaged, making the skin cleaner, regenerated, clear and without blemishes. It is usually necessary 10 sessions to have the expected result. Learn more about chemical peeling.
The most frequently used acid is glycolic acid, which is a type of acid derived from sugar cane that has exfoliating, moisturizing, whitening, anti acne and rejuvenating properties. The concentration of the glycolic acid in the peeling varies according to the need and type of skin of each person, being able to have a smoother or more intense effect. See what glycolic acid is and its effects on the skin.
2. Crystal Peeling
Crystal peeling is a dermatological procedure that involves the use of aluminum hydroxide to remove the outermost layer of skin, promoting rejuvenation and removing stains caused by sun, acnes or stretch marks. This procedure should be done in the dermatological office so that the doctor can check the intensity needed to properly treat the problem. Usually 3 crystal peeling sessions are recommended once a week. Learn more about crystal peeling.
3. Laser or pulsed light
Laser or pulsed light treatment is done by the emission of light jets that act on the dark pigments of the skin, destroying them and resulting in a clear, uniform skin and without stains caused by the sun or acne, for example. See what are the contraindications and risks of pulsed light.
4. Use of creams
The use of creams is important to keep the skin moisturized, but they can also lessen the spots or prevent them from appearing. The creams are indicated by the dermatologist and can be bought in pharmacies, and among the most indicated are Clariderm, Melani-D, Demelan, Retinoic Acid, Kojico Acid, Hydroquinone or Differin.
In addition, vitamin C creams, such as Vitaderm's Intensive Complex Vita C or Dermage's Improve C 20, work by promoting the uniformity of the skin and, consequently, brightening it.
Home options
To lighten the skin naturally, there are some home remedies like:
- Natural yogurt: Yogurt contains lactic acid which helps to lighten the skin, in addition to keeping it moisturized. Just apply a little yogurt in the darker region and leave it to act for 20 minutes, washing and moisturizing the following skin. This is an excellent home remedy for lightening brown or black skin, for example. Here are some homemade yogurt exfoliating recipes;
- Bepantol or Hipogloss : Contains vitamin A, which regenerates, clears and moisturizes the skin. To lighten the skin just apply a little bepantol or hypoglyphs before bed, every day, letting it act overnight. Although they can be used on any skin type, this homemade solution to lighten the skin with bepantol or hypoglyphs is great for lightening burned skin from the sun. Here's how to prepare homemade hypoglossal and rosehip cream to lighten the skin;
- Musk Rose Oil: Promotes skin regeneration, whitening and moisturizing the skin. Just apply the oil to the skin every day. Rosehip oil is great for whitening acne-stained skin, pimples or stretch marks. Find out what the properties of rosehip oil are.
It is not recommended to lighten the skin of the face with hydrogen peroxide or lemon as it may cause irritation or burns to the skin. However, hydrogen peroxide can be used to whiten hair.
Care during treatment
Some care that you must have during the treatment to clear the skin of the face or body are:
- Avoid prolonged sun exposure;
- Spend a sunscreen with SPF above 30, mostly on the face, every day;
- Do not use deodorant or alcohol creams;
- Prefer waxing or laser hair removal than with razor blade;
- Wear lighter, less glued clothing to the skin;
- Do not squeeze pimples or blackheads.
In addition, it is important to clean, tone and moisturize the skin daily, using products specific to the skin type, preferably indicated by the dermatologist. Also learn how to lighten the armpit and groin and a home remedy option to lighten your knees.