Aging can take away the natural glow from a ‘radiant’ face. Other factors, such as weather conditions, genetics, and health problems, can strip skin of its natural glow. It is imperative that you take appropriate steps to prevent skin conditions such as sun spots and melasma. Herbal skin lightening remedies are safer alternatives to chemical skin treatments.

Dark spots, melasma, and hyperpigmentation may appear on the hands, face, and shoulders. Hormonal fluctuations and sun exposure can cause uneven skin tone. No doubt, cosmetic treatments provide an easy solution to these conditions, but you can brighten their appearance using simple ingredients from your kitchen. Eating a healthy diet and following a healthy skin regimen can do wonders for your skin. Some of the herbal remedies for a healthier glow are as follows.

• Lemon juice is a rich source of natural vitamin C. Being strongly acidic, it is the perfect natural astringent. Its moisturizing action nourishes the skin from within. Lemon juice has long been used to treat dark spots and uneven skin tone. Add vinegar or honey to lemon juice to enhance the lightening effects of body color. Regular use for 6 months will definitely give positive results.

• Papaya is a tropical fruit that is edible and also offers benefits for the skin. Contains the enzyme ‘papain’ that helps exfoliate the face. In addition, it also helps the regeneration of skin cells. Papain also restricts the activity of the pigment-producing enzyme ‘Tyrosinase’. Just rub the raw papaya peel on your face and shoulders. Wash off after 15 minutes to reveal glowing skin underneath.

• Castor oil is extracted from the bean-like seeds of castor plants. The undecenoic acid found in these seeds helps to lighten skin blemishes and slow down aging. Apply castor oil daily for 10 minutes. The visible difference is noticeable within a month.

• The mixture of onion juice and vinegar offers wonderful benefits for the skin. Both ingredients are natural body scrubs. Prepare an onion puree and extract the juice. Mix the same amount of vinegar in this juice. Apply this solution directly on age spots or melasma. In six months, the spots will visibly reduce.

• Aloe vera promotes the natural regeneration of the skin. New, whiter skin cells emerge from within. It is used in various skin lightening creams as an active ingredient. Aloe vera is highly effective against minor scratches and burns.

Natural skin lightening remedies have many benefits over chemical cosmetic treatments. Most of these treatments use harsh chemicals, such as hydroquinone, to whiten the skin. Expensive treatments like microdermabrasion and chemical peels can have adverse side effects. Herbal creams that contain natural skin lightening ingredients offer a much safer alternative.