Lightskin ethnic who got tanned

[notalooksmaxxer]

Hi guys,

I'm Pakistani- Australian. Just discovered looksmaxxing recently.

So my mum is completely pale light skin and my dad is abit darker. I was light skin when i was a kid but i used to play sports all day out in the sun and never used sunscreen for years.

Now my skin is tanned especially my forearms and forehead and i was wondering how i can un-tan myself and lighten my skin tone to how it used to be naturally before i got tanned in the sun? My phenotype suits being light skin and the tan is looking horrible.

How can I get lighter to how I was naturally?

 

[Aeropid]

Tan will fade naturally over time with reduced UV exposure.

Everything else is worthless if you don’t wear sunscreen,
preferably high SPF, broad spectrum, and UV-A + UV-B.

but if you’re desperate you could try some of these aswell:

1. Exfoliation (increase cell turnover)

• Chemical exfoliants are most effective:
  • AHAs (like glycolic acid or lactic acid): great for surface-level exfoliation.
  • BHAs (like salicylic acid): useful if you're prone to breakouts or have oily skin.
  • Enzyme exfoliants (papain, bromelain): gentler option.
• Avoid over-exfoliating (2–3x/week max to avoid irritation).

2. Skin-lightening agents (reduce melanin production)

These won’t bleach your skin, but can help suppress melanin synthesis:

• Niacinamide (5%): evens skin tone, reduces hyperpigmentation.
• Azelaic Acid (10-20%): anti-inflammatory + pigment inhibitor.
• Alpha Arbutin (2%): gentler alternative to hydroquinone.
• Licorice extract or Kojic Acid: natural melanin suppressors.
• Hydroquinone is potent, but can be risky long-term (e.g. ochronosis). Be careful.

3. Retinoids (long-term)

• Retinol or tretinoin increase turnover and can gradually fade uneven tone.
• Results take 6–12 weeks minimum.
• Use at night only, and always wear SPF during the day.