Freckles, age spots, underarm darkening, and other skin discolorations can make a person self-conscious. The amount of melanin produced in the skin determines the skin tone of a person. However, a person with naturally fair skin may still experience skin darkening due to various reasons ranging from genes, hormones, or skin damage from sun exposure. Fortunately, the women of today also have a variety of skin lightening options to address these dark flaws.

First on the list are over the counter products that address skin problems on their target areas. Bleaching creams, serums, lotion, and bath products can be applied directly on the dark areas as part of daily routine to help bring out new and lighter skin cells. Specially formulated skin lightening options are also available to address specific concerns like eye serums for dark circles around the eyes. However, one must keep in mind that skin lightening doesn’t happen overnight. But there are still dark spots solutions that give temporary but immediate results while the serums work on the epidermis.

Cosmetic products like face powder and concealer can help hide skin discolorations and other blemishes until the bleaching agents are able to finish the job. The common ingredients found in skin lightening products are AHA, BHA, retinol, isotretinoin, Kojic acid, azelaic acid, and ascorbic acid. Hydroquinone is an effective skin lightening ingredient at 2% concentration. Higher concentration levels poses health risks for the users.

Naturally dark skinned individuals who would like to have fair complexion can choose from whitening soaps, bath salts, lotion and whitening capsules to get their desired skin tone. Gluthatione capsules are popular for their antioxidant and whitening properties. Dermatological treatments like dermabrasion, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, mesotherapy, and IPL skin resurfacing are also viable options for those who would like faster results. These procedures would have to be done by licensed practitioners and skin experts to be safe and effective.

There is no need to worry about hyperpigmentation, dark elbows and knees, or freckles when there are skin lightening options that deliver results without hurting your wallet. You can even make your own whitening solutions using plant enzymes. Lemon, cucumber, honey, and milk are some of the most popular bleaching ingredients that you can get from the pantry. Rub a slice of lemon on dark spots and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing. Eventually you will notice lighter skin replacing dark ones.