See a Dermatologist or Plastic Surgeon

• You will get the best results from treatments performed by a doctor. Doctors can use chemical peels, dermabrasion or laser resurfacing to get an even skin tone. These methods are also the most expensive and are probably best for lightening large areas or stubborn dark spots that don't respond to other treatments. During a chemical peel acid is applied to the skin. The top layer is burned, and then the skin blisters and heals. The result is new skin that is smoother and clearer. Dermabrasion uses a wire brush. The rotating brush scrapes off the skin. A scab forms and then the skin heals. Laser resurfacing uses lasers, which are directed beams of light. Lasers enter the skin, but don't damage the surface. The heat accelerates the healing. With each of these methods, after the skin has healed from the procedure, the skin repairs itself to reveal new skin that is more even in tone. All of these medical procedures usually require several treatments. A doctor will decide which of these methods is best for your skin.
  
  

Use Bleaching Creams

• Drugstores sell many bleaching creams and skin whiteners. All of them contain a variety of bleaching agents. The Mayo Clinic suggests looking for creams and lotions with hydroquinone, glycolic acid, lactic acid, and kojic acid. Hydroquinone is a chemical approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in skin care products. Glycolic acids come from fruit acids. Lactic acid is found in dairy products like milk and cheese. Kojic acid is created from fungi. With the OTC drugs, follow the directions. Usually you apply the cream at least once a day for several weeks or a few months to get good results.
  
  

Use Home Remedies

• For slight discolorations, you can use lemon juice or hydrogen peroxide. Both are popular bleaching agents. Lemon juice has been a folk remedy for age spots and freckles for centuries. Hydrogen peroxide is a known bleaching agent used in teeth whitening products and hair dyes. (It also is used to bleach paper.) When using the lemon juice or hydrogen peroxide, use a cotton ball to apply the liquid to the discolored areas. Apply a few times a day for a few weeks.