It all depends on what area you’re trying to lighten. I’ve never “bleached” before but I have lightened discoloured areas back to my real skin tone. I was fairly light as a baby but throughout the years my skin became perma-tanned from prolonged sun exposure (without spf). I was a very active child and played a lot of sports so my legs were covered in dark scars and bruises that never fully went away.

I began showering with kojic acid soap two years ago to even out my skin tone and exfoliate off all the tanned skin to reveal a brighter complexion. It has worked for me although I’m still working on evening out the skin tone on my legs. I highly suggest you stay away from actual bleach such as hydroquinone as it WILL mess up your skin in the long term and you will have to use it for life.

Invest in a good exfoliating soap (I suggest Kojie San) and a good exfoliating body lotion (Amlactin or Glytone). Glytone is stronger and I only use that on my elbows and knees as it peels off the dead, darkened skin caused from friction.

I have always avoided “bleach” and stuck to natural lighteners such as kojic acid, vitamin C, vitamin B, Alpha Arbutin etc.

Try and focus on getting a clear, even skin tone rather than a lighter skin tone. Well-exfoliated skin is always going to make you look brighter and a natural skin lightener will give longer lasting results in the long term.

Be patient with your skin as it will take time