Any recommendations to reverse darkening skin?

Question

I moved to North America from S.Asia a few years ago, and for some reason my skin darkened considerably. I have also noticed a dark brown patch appear on the cheek. It is a little sensitive as well, and sometimes burns when exposed to sun and darkens more. It seem to fade away when I limit sun exposure.

Two questions for you:
1. Any recommendations for products or natural remedies to reverse the darkening of my skin. I'd like my original skin color back (I used to be complimented on my clear complexion earlier!)
2. What care should I take of my skin daily. I understand I should apply some kinda SPF lotion. Any recommendations about products/natural remedies what I can apply easily and often?

I am trying to drink more water, taking a vitaming and sleeping well to

I'd like to hear from people about how they take care of their skin easily. I cannot spend hours every day (10 min OK), an occasional hour on a weekend is fine, but need something easily-able on a daily basis.

Thanks!

Answer 1

melanin are cells that cause pigmentation in skin. Exposure to too much sunlight would cause in the overproduction of these cells and cause darkening. To avoid further darkening, use sunscreen and try avoiding the sun...to reduce the darkening naturally, you can apply mashed papaya on your skin for 30 minutes or moisten your skin with lemon juice...do not use the lemon juice if you have an open wound or a break in the skin...water does not really lighten your skin but it does help moisturize.

Answer 2

Yes, I agree that whilst there are many facial cream in the market which whitens or brightens your face but not much for the body. I suggest you have a look at St Ives and or Nivea, I vaguely recall that they have brightening/whitening body lotion, "it won't happen over night, but it will happen". I used to pour 1 cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide in my bath to remove dried-up unwanted tanning lotion/tan marks (yep stripy tan lines/streaks does not look good nor does that betacarotene look). I just soak for about 10 minutes, rinse in the shower and exfoliate, works like magic everytime! Then I just moisturise my whole body for baby smooth skin...hehehe...perhaps this will help you with exfoliating your tanned skin to reveal a lighter/more desirable shade? But becareful if you have hyper sensitive skin as the hydrogen peroxide might cause redness as with any cream that contains salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Also do as the other person has mentioned earlier, use spf30 or higher (certain parts of Europe sells spf60 lotions/creams) when you're in the Sun as well as minimise Sun exposure. Just about an hour or 2 a day with a hat on is sufficient. You need Sunlight to stay happy otherwise you will have to take vitamin D supplement should you avoid Sun exposure altogether. Good luck!

Answer 3

Lemon juice, get some skin brighting cream at walmart.

Answer 4

You might want to see a doc, at least for the patch - that doesn't sound normal...But darker skin is actually healthier skin, so you might want to keep it!!!

Answer 5

drink lot of water. never go out without sun screen. use glycolic skin tonner

Answer 6

Please see a dermatologist first, home remedies might only cover up some symptoms of something serious. Look at poor ol' Michael Jackson

Answer 7

use sunscreen. bathe everyday. exfoliate at least once a week.

Answer 8

stay inside

Answer 9

sorry i have never had that problem