Spending time under the sun may seem enjoyable, but it can wreak havoc on your skin. Besides the obvious risk of skin cancer, prolonged sun exposure can lead to the development of dark spots or an overall darkening of your complexion. If you desire to lighten or brighten your skin tone, crafting a homemade whitening cream might just be the solution. And the best part? You can concoct one using ingredients readily available in your kitchen. Consider making a simple whitening cream using lemons for oily skin or almonds for dry skin to rejuvenate your complexion.
Required Components
Whitening Cream with Lemon
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) lemon juice
- 1 cup (250 g) unsweetened, organic yogurt
- 2 to 3 drops of rose water
Crafting Almond Whitening Cream
- 5 to 6 almonds
- 1 cup (250 g) unsweetened, organic yogurt
- 1 teaspoon (7 g) honey
- 2 teaspoons (10 ml) lemon juice
Procedure
Blending Almond Whitening Cream
Grind the almonds using a food processor. Place 5 to 6 whole, unsalted almonds in the bowl of a food processor. Process the nuts until they form a fine, powdery texture, typically taking 5 to 10 seconds.
- If you lack a food processor, a blender or coffee grinder can serve the same purpose in grinding the almonds.
- Almonds are abundant in Vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps prevent skin darkening caused by sun damage.
Combine the finely ground almonds with yogurt, honey, and lemon juice. Mix the ground almonds with 1 cup (250 g) of unsweetened, organic yogurt, 1 teaspoon (7 g) of honey, and 2 teaspoons (10 ml) of lemon juice in a small bowl until fully blended.
- Yogurt, rich in lactic acid, aids in skin exfoliation to reduce dark spots.
- Honey, with its antioxidants, helps prevent sun-induced skin damage.
- Lemon juice, abundant in vitamin C, assists in preventing skin darkening.
Transfer the cream to a jar and refrigerate. Once mixed, move the cream to a jar or an airtight container, storing it in the refrigerator to prolong its shelf life.
- The cream should remain fresh for 1 to 2 weeks, but discard if any mold forms.
- If the quantity exceeds your needs, halve the recipe to avoid waste within 1 to 2 weeks.
Apply the cream before bedtime. Due to the yogurt's lactic acid sensitivity to sunlight, it's advisable to use it at night. Apply before sleeping for optimal results.
- If your skin is sensitive, start by using the cream every other night or a few times weekly. The lactic acid and vitamin components may cause irritation, so proceed cautiously.
- Wash off the cream in the morning with warm water and a mild cleanser. Apply sunscreen before going outdoors.
Preparation of Lemon Whitening Cream
Blend lemon juice and yogurt. Mix 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of lemon juice and 1 cup (250 g) of unsweetened, organic yogurt in a small bowl until well combined.
- For optimal outcomes, utilize fresh lemon juice.
- Lemon juice, rich in vitamin C, slows down melanin production in the skin, aiding in skin lightening.
- Yogurt, containing lactic acid, facilitates skin exfoliation and lightening.
Incorporate a few drops of rose water. After mixing the yogurt and lemon juice, add 2 to 3 drops of rose water. Blend thoroughly until fully combined.
- Rose water aids in soothing skin inflammation, reducing redness.
Store the cream in a jar and refrigerate. Once the rose water is added, transfer the cream to an airtight jar or container. Due to the yogurt content, refrigeration is necessary. It should remain fresh for 1 to 2 weeks, but discard if mold appears.
- If the quantity exceeds your usage capacity, halve all ingredients to create a smaller batch.
Apply the cream at night. For optimal results, use the cream daily. However, due to the skin's increased sensitivity to the sun from lactic acid, nighttime application is recommended. Massage gently into the skin before bedtime, rinsing off in the morning with warm water and your regular cleanser.
- Some skin types may react to lactic acid and vitamin C. If you have sensitive skin, start with alternate-night application until your skin adjusts.
Recommendations
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Combine a whitening cream with a sunscreen of SPF30 or higher to prevent the formation of new dark patches on your skin.
Precautions
- Despite their natural ingredients, these creams may still trigger allergic reactions. Always perform a patch test before applying them to your entire face. Apply a small amount to your inner wrist or elbow, and wait for 24 hours. If no reaction occurs, it's safe to use.
Essentials
Recipe for Lemon Whitening Cream
- Small mixing bowl
- Spoon for stirring
- Airtight storage container
Recipe for Almond Whitening Cream
- Food processor for grinding almonds
- Small mixing bowl
- Spoon for mixing
- Airtight storage container