How to Get Pale Skin

Co-authored by Kimberly Tan

Last Updated: June 15, 2024 Approved

Dark skin is an evolutionary trait that developed as a defense mechanism against the harmful rays of the sun. However, for cultural and aesthetic reasons, many people would like to have whiter skin. You may be able to naturally and gradually lighten your skin by staying out of the sun and taking care of your body. Some people have found success with diets and whitening creams. Bear in mind, however, that you will be hard-pressed to lighten your skin beyond its natural range without expensive and potentially-irreversible procedures.

How to Make Skin Paler

Avoid sun exposure and use a daily sunscreen with SPF 30-50.
Wear protective clothing with an ultraviolet protection (UPF) rating.
Eat a well-balanced diet with vitamin-rich fruits and vegetables.
Drink water and exercise regularly.
Moisturize daily and give yourself a skin massage once a week.
Treat your skin with lactic acid, vitamin C treatments, and gentle exfoliants.
Wear darker clothes and makeup to make your skin appear more pale.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Protecting Skin from the Sun

Download Article

1
Avoid UV exposure. People who live closer to the equator are exposed to more ultra-violet (UV) radiation, so their cells produce more melanin. This excess melanin leads to a darker skin pigmentation that helps the skin protect itself from UV damage. Keeping out of the sun will keep skin from producing extra melanin, which may help the pigment return to a paler state.^{[1]
X
Expert Source

Kimberly Tan
Licensed Esthetician

Expert Interview. 28 August 2019.} If your skin is naturally dark, however, staying out of the sun won't do much.
- Keep out of the sun as much as possible, especially in the late morning and afternoon.^{[2]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  
  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services
  
  Go to source} If you must be outside while the sun is brightest, try to stick to the shade.
- Try carrying an umbrella to protect yourself from the sun. A regular black umbrella that’s designed to keep you dry in the rain will also block out at least 90 percent of UV rays.
- Remember that sunlight and UV rays bounce off concrete, water, sand, snow, and other surfaces. Be aware of your environment!
2
Wear sunscreen. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against UVA (rays that age your skin) and UVB (rays that burn your skin). Find a sunscreen with an SPF (sun-protection factor) between 30 and 50.^{[3]
X
Expert Source

Kimberly Tan
Licensed Esthetician

Expert Interview. 28 August 2019.} Any SPF above 50 is not significantly more effective, so don’t worry about finding the highest number.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- You are still exposed to UV rays in winter, even though it's cooler. Wear sunscreen every day of the year, especially if you enjoy winter sports at high elevations.
Advertisement
3
Wear protective clothing. Most summer-weight clothing (e.g. cotton garments) does not provide a measurable amount of sun protection. Look for clothes with a UPF (ultraviolet protection) rating. Choose clothes with long sleeves, long hems, and high collars. Consider wearing sunglasses, gloves, and wide-brimmed hats.
- The sun is necessary for vitamin D production, but most people don’t need more than 20 minutes of uncovered exposure.^{[5]
  X
  Research source}

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Caring for Your Skin and Body

Download Article

1
Eat a healthy diet. A well-balanced diet of whole foods, fresh fruits, and plentiful vegetables can do wonders for your skin. A healthy body means healthy skin! In turn, healthy skin is more likely to be free of blemishes, imperfections, uneven complexion issues, and red or dry patches.^{[6]
X
Expert Source

Kimberly Tan
Licensed Esthetician

Expert Interview. 28 August 2019.}
- Eat fruits and vegetables of all colors to ensure you get a rich variety of vitamins and minerals.
- Eat foods that are rich in vitamin C, which can help make your skin paler. Vitamin C also promotes skin elasticity because it helps the body with collagen production.^{[7]
  X
  Research source}
- Consume foods and drinks that are high in antioxidants. This can help fight the signs of aging, including dull, discolored, and wrinkled skin.^{[8]
  X
  Research source}
Drink water. There is such a thing as too much water, but your skin and body still need to be hydrated for proper health.^{[9]
X
Expert Source

Kimberly Tan
Licensed Esthetician

Expert Interview. 28 August 2019.} Drink when you are thirsty, especially if you are exercising. Hydrating your skin should help keep it from becoming dry and flaky, and it may even promote a "glowing" appearance.^{[10]
X
Trustworthy Source

University of Wisconsin Health
Integrated healthcare system of the University of Wisconsin focused on treating and providing support to patients and public health initiatives

Go to source}
3
Exercise regularly. Cardiovascular exercise is great for your heart and lungs, and it also promotes circulation. Strong circulation is essential for healthy skin. Exercise also reduces stress, which can help alleviate conditions that cause redness (e.g. acne and eczema.)
- People who suffer from skin conditions like rosacea, psoriasis, or eczema should exercise in cool environments to avoid flare-ups. Moisturize before and after a workout to keep the skin happy.^{[11]
  X
  Research source}
To take care of your skin: wash it daily with a gentle cleanser, exfoliate once or twice a week, and moisturize daily. Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells, which can leave your skin looking fresher and cleaner. Dirt can often contribute to darker-looking skin.
Like exercise, a skin massage can promote healthy circulation. Before bed, take a few moments to massage lotion or aloe vera thoroughly into your skin.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Using Home Treatments and Lightening Creams

Download Article

Skin that has been exposed to the sun is often darker due to the increased melanin production. A tan naturally fades as the sun-darkened skin layers dry out and fall away from your body. You cannot actually "un-tan" skin that’s been exposed to UV, but you can certainly help speed the process with gentle exfoliation. To protect your skin, avoid exfoliating more than twice a week.
This may help alleviate dry, scaly, or darkened skin. Use them as creams and exfoliants to remove layers of dead skin. Apply a thin layer of plain yogurt to your skin before bed, and rinse it off with warm water after 10 minutes. Or: make a mask by mixing one tablespoon each of oatmeal, tomato juice, and yogurt. Apply it to the skin, and rinse after 30 minutes.
Foods that are high in vitamin C, such as the juice from citrus fruits, can be applied directly to the skin to help exfoliate and lighten dark marks. Do not apply citric acid to your face, and don’t treat your skin with citric acid more than once a week.^{[12]
X
Research source} Apply the juice to your skin with a cotton ball, and rinse after 10 to 20 minutes.^{[13]
X
Research source}
Make a thick but spreadable paste by mixing chickpea flour with rosewater or turmeric with cucumber juice. When the paste is ready, spread it onto your skin. Rinse when it dries, or after 30 minutes.
Soak your skin in rice water. This is the water leftover after rinsing rice. You might also rub raw potato on your skin for a lightening effect. Rinse with warm water after 20 to 30 minutes.
6
Try a commercial whitening cream. These creams are sold in many beauty and cosmetics departments. They work by reducing the melanin in your skin, although there is no guarantee that they will make your skin as pale as you want.^{[14]
X
Research source} Be sure to talk to your doctor before using commercial creams. Follow all instructions for safe and proper use.
- Many skin lightening creams use hydroquinone as their active ingredient. Know that some countries have banned this ingredient due to safety concerns. Products containing more than two percent hydroquinone are available by prescription only in the United States.^{[15]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Kimberly Tan
  Licensed Esthetician
  
  Expert Interview. 28 August 2019.}^{[16]
  X
  Research source}
- Mercury has been banned from cosmetics in many countries. You can still find these products online, but you will do well to avoid them.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Using Makeup and Clothing

Download Article

1
Use foundation and concealer sparingly. These cosmetics items can be used to help create an appearance of paler skin. However, the effect may look artificial if you try to use a shade that's much lighter than your skin. Instead, choose the shade that best matches your skin tone – perhaps even one that is slightly lighter, since you're trying to get paler skin. Use foundation or concealer to cover minor blemishes. This will create a blank canvas on which to apply the rest of your makeup.
- Try a BB cream to help even out your complexion and cover blemishes or splotchy patches.
Dark colors on your nails, lips, and eyes will contrast against your skin and make your skin appear paler. Try black, maroon, deep purples, reds, blues, indigo, or cobalt.
Like dark makeup and other accents, having darker hair can create a contrast with the skin on your face and neck. This can bring out some natural paleness, but it is no permanent solution. There are many henna-based hair dyes available as well, in case you have sensitive skin or want to avoid some of the harsher chemicals present in other dyes.
Pale people who wear pastel or light clothing can look washed out. Darker clothes might create a slight contrast, making your skin look paler by comparison. Keep in mind that this effect will only be noticeable if your skin is already fairly pale.

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

It's cloudy and I want to go outside. Should I put sunscreen on?

Community Answer

Yes. Clouds do not stop the ultraviolet rays that cause sunburn. You can get every bit as burned on a cloudy day as you can on a sunny one.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 12 Helpful 165
Question

How do I get rid of a tan?

Community Answer

Use exfoliants often on your face and body. You have a lot of dead skin, so if you take that away daily, you should start to be paler.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 40 Helpful 173
Question

My complexion is usually pale but it has become red. What can I do?

Community Answer

Try brewing a toner of green tea and chamomile tea and storing it in fridge. Use at least once a day, it reduces red skin.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 48 Helpful 213

See more answers

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Video

Tips

A clean shave or wax might help skin look more pale. Dark hair and stubble can make skin look darker.

Thanks
Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0
You should take a vitamin D supplement if you regularly use sunscreen and/or avoid the sun, since you will likely become deficient in the vitamin.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

Check the ingredients in skin products. Avoid hydroquinone, which is banned in some countries. Products with mercury should always be avoided. Look for natural ingredients like vitamin C, turmeric, and chickpea flour instead.
Gradually lighten dark hair instead of dramatic color changes. See a stylist to have color removed slowly over several appointments. This creates a more natural contrast between your hair and skin tone.
Drink green tea, which contains antioxidants. One cup daily helps your skin stay healthy and may improve your complexion over time. Choose brewed tea rather than bottled teas with added sugar.
Consult with a skin specialist before using chemical skin treatments. Some products may irritate your skin or cause more damage. A doctor can evaluate your skin to recommend the best options.
Protect your hands and arms, not just your face. The skin on your hands and arms are exposed more often. Apply SPF 30 sunscreen or higher to them before going out.
Exfoliate your lips weekly. Use a soft toothbrush or lip scrub. This removes dead skin so your natural lip color shines through. Then, apply a moisturizing balm.

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!