Here are some easy and natural methods available to get rid of dark and dry skin from parts of your body so that they match your actual skin colour.
1. Lemon Juice
Benefits: Lemon juice is rich in vitamin C and citric acid, which have natural bleaching properties. It can help exfoliate dead skin cells and lighten dark areas.
How to Use:
- Cut a lemon in half and rub it directly on the dark areas for a few minutes.
- Leave the juice on for 10-15 minutes before rinsing off with lukewarm water.
- Repeat daily for best results.
2. Aloe Vera
Benefits: Aloe vera contains aloin, a natural depigmenting compound that lightens skin and promotes healthy skin regeneration.
How to Use:
- Extract fresh aloe vera gel from an aloe leaf.
- Apply the gel to the dark areas and leave it on for 20-30 minutes.
- Rinse off with warm water.
- Use daily for effective results.
3. Coconut Oil and Baking Soda
Benefits: Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer with skin-lightening properties, while baking soda acts as an exfoliant to remove dead skin cells.
How to Use:
- Mix 1 tablespoon of coconut oil with 1 tablespoon of baking soda to form a paste.
- Gently scrub the paste onto the dark areas for a few minutes.
- Rinse off with lukewarm water.
- Repeat 2-3 times a week.
4. Potato
Benefits: Potatoes contain catecholase, an enzyme that naturally lightens skin.
How to Use:
- Grate a potato and squeeze out the juice.
- Apply the juice to the dark areas and leave it on for 15-20 minutes.
- Rinse off with cool water.
- Use daily for noticeable results.
5. Turmeric and Yogurt
Benefits: Turmeric has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that lighten skin, while yogurt contains lactic acid, which gently exfoliates and brightens skin.
How to Use:
- Mix 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder with 2 tablespoons of plain yogurt to form a paste.
- Apply the paste to the dark areas and leave it on for 20-30 minutes.
- Rinse off with warm water.
- Use 2-3 times a week.
6. Cucumber
Benefits: Cucumber has cooling and skin-lightening properties, making it effective for treating dark spots.
How to Use:
- Slice a cucumber and rub the slices on the dark areas for a few minutes.
- Leave the juice on for 10-15 minutes before rinsing off with water.
- Repeat daily.
7. Honey and Sugar Scrub
Benefits: Honey is a natural humectant and skin lightener, while sugar acts as an exfoliant to remove dead skin cells.
How to Use:
- Mix 1 tablespoon of honey with 1 tablespoon of brown sugar.
- Gently scrub the mixture onto the dark areas in circular motions for a few minutes.
- Rinse off with warm water.
- Use 2-3 times a week.
8. Orange Peel Powder
Benefits: Orange peel contains citric acid and vitamin C, which help lighten and brighten skin.
How to Use:
- Dry orange peels in the sun and grind them into a fine powder.
- Mix 2 tablespoons of orange peel powder with enough milk to form a paste.
- Apply the paste to the dark areas and leave it on for 20-30 minutes.
- Rinse off with lukewarm water.
- Use 2-3 times a week.
9. Baking Soda and Water
Benefits: Baking soda acts as a mild exfoliant that helps remove dead skin cells and lighten dark areas.
How to Use:
- Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with enough water to form a thick paste.
- Gently scrub the paste onto the dark areas for a few minutes.
- Rinse off with lukewarm water.
- Repeat 2-3 times a week.
Additional Tips:
- Moisturize Regularly: Keep the affected areas moisturized to prevent dryness and further darkening.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated and healthy.
- Avoid Friction: Wear loose clothing to avoid friction, which can darken the skin.
- Sun Protection: Apply sunscreen to exposed areas to prevent further darkening from UV rays.
By incorporating these natural remedies into your skincare routine, you can effectively lighten dark underarms, knees, and elbows, achieving smoother and more even-toned skin.