Fisrst and foremost you need to make sure that you are using good sun protection. I am realising now that products that contain a physical block, like zinc & titanium offer the best protection and are crucial to anyone wanting to embark on a lightening regime. Downside is that often they leave a tint, which can be quite visible on darker tones. You also need to be sensible in the sun, so if you are looking to lighten you cannot expect to be able to spend hours on the beach and not undo any lightening you may have achieved. You have to avoid being out in the sun for prolonged periods. The sand and water can be great reflectors of UV rays.