Minzy dearie, I understand your desire to go back to your lighter skin tone. Somehow, we all want to go back to the past – when we were lighter, thinner, sexier, Botox-free, and so on. Lucky for you, getting your original skin tone is easier than say, losing 30 lbs.

The most important advice I always give next to loving the size you’re at is to use sunscreen I cannot emphasize it enough, what with global warming and increasingly hot summers. Putting on sunscreen is not just something you should do when you’re at the beach or for summer, but an honest-to-goodness practice that will actually provide much-needed protection for both your skin tone and health in the long run. It should become second nature to your everyday beauty and cleansing rituals.

Ray of Light

For a start, prevent your skin from getting darker by slathering on a minimum of SPF 15 sunscreen everyday. The sun’s UV rays exaggerates skin conditions like age spots and freckles and causes cells to release a chemical called melanin, which is what makes your skin dark under the sun. Anytime you’re out, even if you’re just outside for 5 minutes grabbing a quick coffee, you’re exposing yourself to UV rays.

If you don’t like the thick consistency of the usual sunscreens on a daily basis, use a water-based one. It’s lighter, more absorbent, and feels less sticky. Pack a pair of shades in your bag to protect the sensitive skin around the eyes.

“It’s All Over!”

A major factor that causes scarring and discoloration is dry skin; dry skin loses its elasticity and ability to heal properly which means its much more easily damaged under the sun’s harmful UV rays. After you’re done with your shower, make sure you slather on creams and lotions all over your body.

If there are certain problem areas such as the elbows and knees (where the skin is naturally wrinkled), then apply a little extra on those. Don’t forget your hands and even the back of your derriere.

Unmask and Say Eye-Do

From experience, I find that facial masks are also helpful. More and more brands are coming up with whitening facial mask lines since these are fairly easy and quick to use. Facial masks help to reach areas on your face that you may neglect, such as your hairline, near the ears and underneath the eyes where skin is more delicate, while whitening masks work to brighten, giving your skin an extra youthful glow.

Depending on your skin type, there are varieties for daytime and nighttime use. There are also different kinds of mask treatments for spots and blemishes.

Hit the Scrubs

Although exfoliation doesn’t work directly to whiten skin, it helps even out your skin tone by removing excess dead skin cells to clear pores and improve circulation. Clean pores allow skin to breathe, resulting in a much clearer complexion. Exfoliate your skin at least once a week or more depending on your skin type – don’t overdo it, as your skin might become more sensitive.

As always, give your skin time to adjust to this new regimen so don’t expect miracles overnight. The key to getting an even, lighter skin tone is consistency. Stick to your skin regimen faithfully and you’re sure to see results. Even the best of products and whitening treatments usually require a minimum of 8-12 weeks before you’ll first see effects. If your skin is problem-prone, make sure to do a skin patch test first and consult your dermatologist as an added precaution. The skin on your body is the only one you have so give it some love!

Nikki

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