1. Squeeze on the lemon juice

Lemon juice is commonly used to lighten hair and can even be added to the white cycle of your laundry as a bleach alternative. You can spot apply lemon juice to dark spots as a lightening agent, but note that the citric acid is harsh and can irritate your skin. If you want to use lemon juice regularly or over large areas, consider diluting it or creating a gentler paste by mixing it with honey or yogurt.

2. Apply plain yogurt

In addition to the fact that yogurt is a very gentle bleaching agent, it contains lactic acid that moisturizes, zinc that combats sunburn, and active cultures that attack harmful bacteria and fungi.

3. Use baking soda

Baking soda is commonly used as a household cleaner and tooth whitener, but it can also lighten skin. Though it is relatively gentle, note that over applying can have a drying effect; to create a more skin friendly paste, mix baking soda with honey, apply it as a mask, and let it sit for at least ten minutes.

5. Wear a shimmering powder

By scattering light, the powder will not only make your skin appear brighter, but also even out blemishes.

6. Wash and exfoliate your skin

This helps remove the outermost layer of skin that is darkened and or damaged by contact with the sun. Avoid over exfoliating, however, as this can interfere with you skin’s natural oil production and cause greasiness.

7. Stay out of the sun

If you have to exercise, join a gym or hit the road before dawn or after dusk. Wear a brimmed hat when necessary and don’t forget to wear sunscreen daily even if it’s cloudy outside. Up to 80% of the sun's rays can pass through clouds.

8. Practice healthy skin habits

A healthy glow is important to any skin tone. While you're working on the getting your skin a bit fairer, keep to a routine that will let your skin radiate brilliance.