New Health Guide
Dark spots on skin are an unwelcome intruder, as most women will attest. These brown appearing spots show up typically around the cheeks, arms and hands. Many refer to them as “age spots” but that is not the entire truth. Fortunately, there are many home remedies that you can apply to fade these spots.
Sun exposure is the responsible culprit for most dark spots on the skin. With sun exposure, the skin releases melanin in an effort to protect us from sun damage. Melanin is what gives us that dark or tanned look. Unfortunately the melanin is not always uniform and dark spots result.
Dark spots can also occur due to fluctuations of hormones and is quite common during pregnancy or menopause. Hormone use, acne, aging, liver disease, stress and genetics also play a role in the appearance of dark skin spots.
Remedies for Dark Spots on SkinThere are many remedies for dark spots on the skin. You may try a variety of these to find the one that works best for your particular skin type.
Prevention is the best way to avoid dark spots. Use a quality sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 for optimal facial protection. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide provide a barrier and offer maximal protection from the sun. Make sure to apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going outside and reapply every hour, more often if sweating or swimming.
1. Lemon Juice. The vitamin C content in lemon helps to lighten the dark spots. Apply at least twice a day by dabbing on with a cotton ball. Other options include horseradish, apple cider vinegar or honey on top of the lemon to enhance its effects. Use for at least two weeks for best results.
2. Green Tea Extracts. This treatment provides natural antioxidants and helps battle free radical damage to the skin. It also supports healthy collagen and improves a youthful appearance.
3. Sandalwood Powder. Simply mix sandalwood powder, glycerin and rose water together into a paste. Apply to dark spots for a few minutes. Try adding milk or honey for an additional soothing effect.
4. Castor Oil. This natural remedy works best by rubbing into the dark spots using a circular motion. Applying castor oil twice a day is an effective way to bleach these unsightly dark spots.
5. Milk. The lactic acid in milk can work to lighten dark spots. Apply milk twice a day for at least 6 weeks for the best results. Leave it on for 8-10 minutes and then gently wash off.
6. Red Onion Juice. Dab a cotton ball into red onion juice and apply to all the dark spots you want to get rid of. Allow the juice to dry and it will also help remove other facial blemishes.
7. Potato Slices. Grate a potato and mix with honey to form a spot-reducing mask. You can also slice potatoes and place directly on dark areas in need of lightening treatment.
8. Vitamin E. This potent antioxidant works wonders on improving the appearance of dark facial spots. Just break open a capsule of vitamin E and gently massage the oil into black or dark spots before bed. Use this every evening for a few weeks and you will be impressed with the results.
9. Aloe Vera. Applied twice daily, this natural plant can lighten dark spots and improve your overall skin complexion. Use this remedy for two weeks and try both the gel and juice forms for best results.
10. Papaya. The pulp from this tasty plant makes an excellent spot-reducing mask. Leave it on for at least 15-20 minutes before washing it off. The papaya has several enzymes that will reduce dark spots and blemishes. Be sure to cover areas on the hands and arms that need treatment as well.
11. Yogurt. Yogurt contains several enzymes that can effectively treat dark spots. Apply plain unflavored yogurt to any dark spot you wish to treat and leave it on for a minimum of one hour. A better option is to apply before bed and leave on overnight. Wash the yogurt off with cold water. Try adding two tablespoons of oatmeal and one teaspoon of fresh lemon juice to one tablespoon of plain yogurt.
Be sure to apply a moisturizer after treatment. Do this treatment for one to two months and see the positive changes in your skins appearance as the dark spots fade away.
1. Intense Pulsed Light Therapy (IPL). This laser treatment is highly effective at getting rid of dark spots on the skin. The laser breaks up the melanin pigment and results in a notable lightening effect on the skin. Initially after treatment the skin will appear red, but this heals quickly. Several treatments are required to get rid of darker or larger spots. Make sure to seek treatment from a certified and trained laser or aesthetic specialist.
2. Microdermabrasion. This non-surgical technique is effective at removing dark spots and fine lines or blemishes. Microscopic particles are directed at the skin and gently remove the outer surface. The dark spots fade away after several treatments and the procedure is painless.
