There are a lot of over-the-counter creams that are effective in whitening the skin but did you know that you can achieve the same results at home by eating the right foods? In this post, I will show you 25 foods that lighten the skin quickly so read on…

Foods that are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and beta carotene are highly effective in reducing dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and blemishes, plus help even out skin tone. By adding these types of foods to your diet, you also eliminate free radicals and harmful toxins from your body and skin.

Note: Consuming certain types of foods in large quantities can interact with certain medications. I recommend always checking with a healthcare professional before starting a new diet plan.

25 Foods That Lighten Skin Quickly

There are many foods that lighten up the skin but the following foods are high in essential nutrients and vitamins plus skin whitening agents that help lighten the skin naturally. You can also use the following food as home remedies for your skin. 

Berries are used all over the world today for skin health and it’s for a good reason too! Berries are filled with important antioxidants and vitamin C both of which can help purify the skin, remove toxins, lighten the skin and regenerate healthy and new skin cells.

Blueberries, mulberries, strawberries, raspberries, acai berries, goji berries, and mulberries are some of the best berries for optimal skin health. Start by adding the following mulberry juice recipes for amazing skin. Be careful though, mulberries do have side effects.

Ingredients:

• 100 grams of Mulberries (fresh or frozen)
• 1 teaspoon of honey
• A teaspoon of fresh lemon juice

Preparation;

Garnish your mulberries with lemon juice and honey and add them to your diet daily. You can also make a mulberry smoothie by blending the ingredients and adding a glass of water.

2. Potatoes

Potatoes contain an enzyme called Catecholase which is a natural skin-bleaching agent. When combined with lemons or yogurt, it becomes enriched with zinc, protein, acidic acids, vitamin C, and antioxidants that work miracles on the skin.

If you have sunspots, melasma, dark spots, blemishes, and suntan, using the following potato face mask will help you even out your skin tone and lighten your skin quickly.

Ingredients

• 1 Whole potato
• 1/2 a lemon juice (fresh)
• 3 tablespoons of plain yogurt

Preparation and application

Peel the potato, cut it into round slices, and blend it with the rest of your ingredients. Apply it as a face mask and leave it on for 20 minutes before washing it off with warm water. You can also use the potato to scrub your skin to remove dead skin cells. 

 

Yogurt is a powerful superfood used to promote a healthy gut but did you know that it is also a natural skin-whitening agent? Yogurt contains lactic acid which is an enzyme that inhibits the production of melanin. Melanin is what makes our skin darker and dull.

Applying yogurt to your skin regularly will also help to keep your skin moist and improve your skin tone as well.

Ingredients

• 3 Tablespoons of yogurt
• A teaspoon of organic turmeric powder

Preparation & application

Mix both of your ingredients in a clean bowl until you are left with an even mixture. Apply it to the affected areas of your skin and leave it on for up to 30 minutes. Wash it off with cold water and repeat the remedy 4 times per week for best results.

4. Lemon Juice

Lemons are Probably one of the most effective fruits to get rid of dark skin, blemishes, dark spots, acne, and eczema. By simply applying fresh lemon juice to the affected parts of your skin and leaving it on overnight, you will be able to get rid of dark skin. Here is one of my favorite lemon recipes for even skin tone.

Ingredients;

• A teaspoon of organic honey
• A teaspoon of lemon juice
• 1\2 teaspoon of almond oil

Preparation & Application

Mix all of the ingredients above thoroughly in a clean bowl and apply them to the affected parts of your skin. Leave it on for 45 minutes and wash it off with cold water. Repeat this remedy daily or at least 3 times per week for best results.

5. Tomatoes

Tomatoes have astringent properties that help reduce sebum production in the skin. Using a tomato face mask will help reduce acne, pimples, whiteheads, and blackheads. Tomatoes are also high in vitamin C and antioxidants which improve skin tone plus reduce dullness and dark spots. 

Drinking a cup of fresh tomato juice daily can also help improve your skin from the inside out and lighten your skin as well.

Ingredients:

• 1 Ripe tomato
• 1 teaspoon of sugar

Preparation & Application:

Mix both of the ingredients above into a paste and apply it evenly to your skin. Using clean fingertips, massage the mask into your skin using a circular motion for 2 minutes. Leave the mask on for an extra 10 minutes before washing it off with cold water. Repeat this remedy 3-4 times per week.

6. Green Tea

One of the best ways to effectively reduce skin cell damage is by consuming Green tea every day. Drinking at least 2 cups per day will help lighten your skin quickly due to its high flavonoids and antioxidants. Green tea also contains a plant compound known as polyphenols which helps reduce inflammation in the skin.

However, green tea does have some side effects and may interact with certain medications so do your due diligence by researching before adding it to your diet daily.

7. Turmeric Powder

Turmeric contains curcumin which is an active skin-lightening agent. When used on the skin, it helps remove blemishes, and dark spots and even out your skin tone. Turmeric also contains antioxidants that when consumed regularly, can make other antioxidants in your body do their work properly. 

Ingredients

• A teaspoon of organic turmeric powder
• 2 teaspoons of fresh lime juice

Preparation & Application

Mix both of your ingredients to form a paste, apply it evenly to your face and neck, massage it in for 5 minutes and leave it on for an extra 30 minutes before washing it off with warm water. Use this remedy at least 3 times per week for best results. You can also add turmeric to your foods, and drinks.

8. Almonds

Almonds are among the best foods for skin whitening because they are filled with vitamins A, E, and antioxidants. These vitamins help boost collagen production and increase your skin elasticity. The antioxidants found in almonds are great for ridding your body & skin of harmful toxins. 

Ingredients:

• 2 Tablespoons of milk
• 100 grams of almonds

Preparation & Application:

Soak the almonds overnight and in the morning, strain them from the water and blend it with the milk to form a thick paste. Apply this mask to your face and leave it on for 30 minutes before washing it off with cold water. Repeat this remedy regularly for best effects.

9. Papaya

Papaya contains a beauty enzyme called papain which is the main ingredient found in most high-quality beauty products. Using the following remedy 4-5 times weekly will not only whiten your skin but also help you get rid of skin conditions such as blemishes, dark spots, tan, and premature wrinkles.

Ingredients:

• 100 grams of fresh papaya
• 2 Teaspoons of curd
• A teaspoon of fresh lime juice

Preparation & Application

Blend all of the ingredients above into a smooth paste, apply the mixture to the affected areas of your skin and leave it on for up to 30 minutes before washing it off with warm water.

10. Chocolates

Chocolates (dark chocolate) are very rich in flavonoids, polyphenols, and antioxidants, all of which are effective in getting you lightened skin, smoothing out your skin texture, protecting your skin from UV rays, and making your skin look younger. Eating at least 100 grams of dark chocolate every night before bedtime will get you results quickly.

11. Oranges

Oranges are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, both of which are great for skin health. Vitamin C plays a crucial role when it comes to skin health and color. Oranges also contain vitamin A which helps promote blood flow to the skin. Antioxidants found in oranges help reduce inflammation and refresh the skin. 

Ingredients:

• 2 Tablespoons of dried orange peel powder
• 3 Tablespoons of curd

Preparation & Application:

Mix both of the ingredients above to form a smooth paste, apply it to your face and neck and leave it on for up to 45 minutes before washing it off with cold water. Using this remedy at least 3 times per week can help you achieve a radiant, smooth, and lightened skin tone in less time.

12. Gram Flour

Gram flour has been used for ages to get rid of skin as a natural exfoliator to make the skin look smooth and glowy. This is because gram flour helps exfoliate the skin and remove dead skin cells which improves blood flow and circulation in the skin. 

Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons of fresh lime juice
• A Teaspoon of gram flour
• 2 teaspoons of raw milk

Preparation & Application:

Mix all of the ingredients above to form a paste and apply it to your face and neck, leave it on for up to 15 minutes and wash it off with warm water. Use this remedy once per week to make your skin look radiant.

13. Red Fruits

Consuming red fruits 5-6 times per week will lighten up your skin quickly because red fruits are very rich in carotene and phytochemicals both of which are known to help protect your skin from toxins, and harmful UV rays and reset your skin tone.

Red fruits are also high in vitamins and minerals such as vitamins A, E, & C plus fiber, antioxidants, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and sodium. Start by adding some red fruit smoothies to your diet daily. Some of the best fruits are strawberries, pomegranates, watermelons, and red apples.

14. Soybeans

Soybeans may not taste so good but did you know that these little bad guys are filled with antioxidants, isoflavone, and amino acids that can improve your skin health? Yes, soybean hinders an enzyme called trypsin which is responsible for melanin synthesis, therefore, it lightens the skin.

Eating soybeans at least 3-4 times per week by adding them to your salads, dips, and sandwiches will improve your skin elasticity, stimulate collagen production and remove dark circles.

15. Oatmeal

Oatmeal has a lot of amazing benefits for health and skin, it is filled with amino acids, zinc, and vitamin B1. These amino acids help lighten the skin, reduce discoloration, and improve the appearance of dark spots. Zinc helps reduce the dullness of the skin and vitamin B1 enhances blood circulation in the skin.

Eating oatmeal regularly is a smart move if you want to obtain great skin but you can also try this oatmeal exfoliating recipe that helps lighten skin fast. 

Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons of fresh tomato juice
• A teaspoon of cooked oatmeal

Preparation & Application

Mix both of the ingredients above to form a paste, if the paste is too light, add an extra teaspoon of oatmeal and apply the mixture to the affected parts of your skin. Using your fingertips, scrub the mixture into your skin and leave it on for 20-30 minutes and wash it off with warm water.

16. Honey

Honey is a natural moisturizer and exfoliator that has been used for centuries in countless cultures to get rid of numerous skin conditions. Using honey on your skin regularly will help the appearance of dark spots, blemishes, acne, and suntan plus will help improve your skin color and make your skin glow.

Ingredients

• 1 Tablespoon of organic honey
• 1 Tablespoon of milk
• Half a teaspoon of fresh lime juice

Preparation & Application:

Mix all of the ingredients above and apply them all over your face and neck evenly. Leave it on for 30-45 minutes before washing it off with cold water. Repeat this remedy 4-5 times per week for the best results

17. Mint leaves

Mint leaves are very rich in important antioxidants and skin-nourishing vitamin E, which makes it the perfect home remedy to help increase collagen production in the skin. They also help tighten your pores, lock moisture into the skin, remove dead skin cells, and rejuvenate your skin.

Ingredients:

• 10 Fresh mint leaves
• A teaspoon of fresh lime juice

Preparation & Application:

Blend both ingredients into a smooth paste and apply it to your skin, leave it on for up to 30 minutes and wash it off with warm water. Use this remedy 4-5 times per week to help lighten your skin fast.

18. Milk

One of the best ways to whiten your skin naturally at home is by drinking 1 glass of milk every morning on an empty stomach. Milk is very rich in essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamins A, and D, Calcium, and fatty acids which are all effective in helping you obtain healthy skin.

Washing your face with milk or adding it to your face masks can help lighten the skin because it contains lactic acid which is a skin-whitening agent. 

19. Nuts

Eating a handful of nuts daily will help you whiten your skin naturally due to the amounts of essential oils, essential fats, and skin-whitening vitamins they contain. They also contain antioxidants that help reduce toxins and free radicals so go ahead and start adding them to your diet.

20. Fish

Fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, consuming fish at least 4 times per week will help you lighten your skin faster than over-the-counter skin-lightening creams. You can also successfully get rid of blemishes, signs of aging, and suntan just by eating fish in less than a month.

21. Carrot

One of the best foods on the planet for getting rid of blemishes, dark spots, dark circles, and dark patches is carrots. Eating carrots at least 3 times per week will help you start seeing results quickly. Below is a simple carrot face mask that you can start using at home to lighten your skin fast.

Ingredients:

• 1 Carrot

Preparation & Application:

Juice the carrot and apply it right away onto the affected parts of your skin and leave it on for up to 30 minutes before washing it off with cold water. Repeat the remedy 4-5 times per week for faster results.

22. Cucumber

Cucumbers are rich in vitamin C and skin-whitening antioxidants.  Vitamin C is very effective in reducing the appearance of dark spots, reducing pimples, and improving skin health. Here is an easy but effective cucumber face mask recipe that you can try.

Ingredients:

• 1 Cucumber
• A teaspoon of lime juice

Preparation & Application:

Grate the cucumber or blend both ingredients and apply it directly onto the affected areas of your skin, leave it on for 20 minutes, and wash it off with warm water. Applying this remedy 4-5 times per week to your skin will get you great results.

23. Buttermilk

Buttermilk contains enough lactic acid and proteins which are both skin-lightening agents. It also contains vitamins and minerals that can help you get rid of skin pigmentation naturally. Buttermilk also contains good bacteria that penetrate the skin and remove dead skin cells.

Ingredients;

• 1/2 Cup of buttermilk
• Cotton swab

Preparation & Application:

Soak the cotton swab with the buttermilk and apply it to the affected areas of your skin, leave it on for 10-15 minutes before washing it off with warm water. Use this remedy 4-5 times per week to see fast results.

24. Yellow Fruits

Eating fruits that are yellow in color such as pineapples, pumpkin, mangoes, oranges, etc. at least 4 times per week will help you lighten your skin naturally at home. Research shows that yellow fruits contain phytochemicals that increase the production of collagen and whiten the skin fast.

25. Kiwi Fruit

Kiwi will not only lighten your skin but will also help keep your skin hydrated and healthy due to its high amount of vitamin C which is great for skin health. Eat 1 kiwi every day to lighten your skin naturally at home. Kiwi also contains enough vitamin E which helps reduce dull skin and promote new cell generation.

26. Eggs

If you want to get rid of wrinkles, prevent premature aging, clear out skin irritations, lighten your skin, and make your skin look healthy, you will need to consume more egg yolks at least 4-5 times per week. You can also try the following egg-white face mask as well.

Ingredients:

• 1 egg white
• 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice (fresh)

Preparation & Application:

Mix the egg white with the lemon juice and apply it to your face, leave it on for 10-15 minutes before washing it off with cold water. Make sure to use a herbal soap to wash the remedy off your face afterward.

Best Tips To lighten Your Skin Quickly

• Eat foods rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and detoxifiers.
• Use natural moisturizers that contain milk and honey.
• Drink up to 8 glasses of water daily to keep your skin healthy & hydrated.
• Wear sunscreen when you leave your home daily.

Conclusion

There you go! You now know about 25 foods that lighten skin quickly and how to start using them at home. If you liked this post, please share it with your friends and also take a moment to follow me on Pinterest for more helpful Skin Care tips, detox tips, weight loss tips, nutrition, and beauty tips.