Age spots. Liver spots. Acne scars.
These are all forms of hyperpigmentation, which leave so many of us
feeling a bit insecure about the overall appearance of our complexions.
While the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology calls
hyperpigmentation “a common, usually harmless condition in which patches
of skin become darker in color than the normal surrounding skin,”
anyone who’s suffered from dark spots knows how distressing this common
discoloration can be.
The AOCD explains that hyperpigmentation
occurs when “an excess of melanin, the brown pigment that produces
normal skin color, forms deposits in the skin.” This can be caused by
factors such as sun damage and inflammation from skin-picking and acne
scarring.
While there are many expensive
dermatological formulas on the market to help reduce the appearance of
hyperpigmentation, there are also a lot of nifty natural remedies to try
at home. Let’s take a look.
1. Raw potato slices
According to Rapid Home Remedies, potatoes are chock-full of nutrients, including B vitamins, which facilitate skin cell renewal, as well as niacinamide, known for its skin-lightening properties. (Who would’ve thought something as ordinary as a potato could be so dynamic?)
According to Rapid Home Remedies, potatoes are chock-full of nutrients, including B vitamins, which facilitate skin cell renewal, as well as niacinamide, known for its skin-lightening properties. (Who would’ve thought something as ordinary as a potato could be so dynamic?)
To combat the effects of
hyperpigmentation, Rapid Home Remedies recommends rubbing a slice of raw
potato over your face three to four times a day for up to 10 minutes at
a time. If the potato feels too dry or abrasive, the site also suggest
moistening the slice with water. Over time, you just may notice a
reduction in your dark spots.
2. Plain yogurt
Is there anything better than treating problem skin with items already sitting in your fridge? This may sound a little funny, but Holistic Health Herbalist explains that “yogurt contains lactic acid, a gentle but effective natural form of hydroxyl acid that exfoliates, softens skin, and lightens dark spots.” To give this natural remedy a shot, apply full-fat plain yogurt directly on your skin’s dark spots for 20 minutes at a time.
Is there anything better than treating problem skin with items already sitting in your fridge? This may sound a little funny, but Holistic Health Herbalist explains that “yogurt contains lactic acid, a gentle but effective natural form of hydroxyl acid that exfoliates, softens skin, and lightens dark spots.” To give this natural remedy a shot, apply full-fat plain yogurt directly on your skin’s dark spots for 20 minutes at a time.
3. Aloe vera
Aloe vera is better for more than just soothing sunburns: It also contains an enzyme that helps treat dark spots. The folks at Skin Disease Remedies report that, “Mucilaginous polysaccharides in the pure sticky aloe gel removes dead skin cells and enhances regeneration of new cells.”
Aloe vera is better for more than just soothing sunburns: It also contains an enzyme that helps treat dark spots. The folks at Skin Disease Remedies report that, “Mucilaginous polysaccharides in the pure sticky aloe gel removes dead skin cells and enhances regeneration of new cells.”
To treat hyperpigmentation with aloe
vera, the site recommends peeling the skin off aloe vera leaves and
using the gel-like substance underneath as a nightly mask. Skin Disease
Remedies adds that you can also combine manuka honey with this aloe vera
gel to effectively treat dark spots.
4. Apple cider vinegar.
The folks at Health Ambitions report that apple cider vinegar is a multifaceted natural formula for clear, glowing skin (they note that even Scarlett Johansson swears by it). It’s particularly useful for treating dark spots, too. Just apply directly to any affected areas on the skin using a cotton ball. Health Ambitions recommends doing this regularly for at least a month. And if your skin is sensitive and direct application stings, try diluting the apple cider vinegar with water.
The folks at Health Ambitions report that apple cider vinegar is a multifaceted natural formula for clear, glowing skin (they note that even Scarlett Johansson swears by it). It’s particularly useful for treating dark spots, too. Just apply directly to any affected areas on the skin using a cotton ball. Health Ambitions recommends doing this regularly for at least a month. And if your skin is sensitive and direct application stings, try diluting the apple cider vinegar with water.
5. Turmeric
Turmeric isn’t just great for cooking; it may also completely revitalize your skin routine. Holistic Health Herbalist reports that “turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory” and that by wearing a face mask with just a couple dashes of the substance each week, you “will literally lift hyperpigmentation ‘stains’ right off.”
Turmeric isn’t just great for cooking; it may also completely revitalize your skin routine. Holistic Health Herbalist reports that “turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory” and that by wearing a face mask with just a couple dashes of the substance each week, you “will literally lift hyperpigmentation ‘stains’ right off.”
Holistic Health Herbalist provides a
great natural mask recipe that involves raw honey, full-fat yogurt, aloe
vera and lemon juice.
What do you think?
Would you use any of these DIY beauty tips to combat your own dark
spots? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below and make sure to SHARE if you found these natural remedies useful!
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