A bright and glowing facial complexion is what all of us want. our facial skin gets dry and dull as we age. There is no way to counter the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, but there is something we can do about those unsightly dark sports and patches.
The skin produces melanin as its means of protecting the skin from harmful UV rays. Unfortunately, the skin may produce too much melanin resulting in skin darkening- a condition that makes us look older than our actual age.
Apart from prolonged sun exposure some risk factors that contribute to skin darkening are hormonal imbalance, medications, vitamin deficiencies, pregnancy, lack of sleep, and stress.
Although dark spots and patches on the face are not serious or life threatening, it can cause women to feel less beautiful and less confident about themselves. Thankfully, there are a few treatments that can remedy the problem. Facial peels and laser surgeries are commonly recommended by dermatologists to bring back skin health. Unfortunately, these treatments are expensive and time consuming.
There are natural remedies known to be just as effective as traditional treatments. They are proven to reduce the appearance not only of dark spots, but of other blemishes that appear on the face.
- Lemon Juice
Lemon juice contains Vitamin C and other nutrients with high antioxidant concentrations. These components found in fresh lemon juice are guaranteed to lighten dark spots fast!
Using a cotton ball, apply freshly squeezed lemon juice directly on the affected region of the face. Let it dry for a few minutes before washing it off with warm water. For best results, make sure to dab lemon juice on dark sports for two weeks straight.
For those with sensitive skin, it is recommended to dilute fresh lemon juice in water, rose water, or honey. If lemon juice is unavailable, you may substitute it with honey instead.
- Potato
Potatoes are not just good when fried, mashed, or steamed. They are excellent in brightening the skin too. This starchy vegetable boasts bleaching powers like no other. It can effectively fade dark spots, scars, and other facial blemishes. The strat component of potatoes reduces skin pigmentation, while its natural enzymes help in improving overall skin appearance and texture.
Slice potato in thin portions and directly place them on dark spots. Leave them on the affected regions for a few minutes. Wash with lukewarm water. Pat dry.
You may also extract the juice from potatoes and mix this with fresh lemon juice and turmeric powder. The mixture should then be applied on dark spots and leave to dry for a few minutes.
- Buttermilk
The lactic acid found in buttermilk helps in reducing black spots and blemishes. It contains lactic acid that reduces skin pigmentation while improving the overall complexion of your skin.
Combine buttermilk with fresh tomato juice. Both of these ingredients are proven to have bleaching effects. Wash the mixture after 15 minutes.
If you don’t have buttermilk in your fridge, you may use ordinary milk too. Repeat the procedure for four to five weeks for best results.
- Aloe Vera
Undeniably, aloe vera is one of the most useful herbs there is. It boasts many therapeutic qualities including that of being a natural dark spot corrector. The gel portion contains polysaccharides that inspire growth of new skin cells thus preventing the appearance of dark patches on the skin. Its cooling effects not only soothe the skin, but heal scars too.
A 2010 study showcased the many skin benefits of aloe vera. Based on research, aloe vera gel can help in erasing dark spots and other skin blemishes, making skin clearer and brighter.
Use aloe vera gel on dark patches and leave it to dry for 20 minutes. This procedure should be done at least twice a day for two to three weeks to effectively fade out discolorations.
- Sandalwood
Sandalwood contains natural oils that even out skin while helping to clear black patches naturally.
Simply combine sandalwood powder, a tablespoon of glycerin, and three tablespoons rose water into a paste. Apply the mixture on dark patches and leave it to dry for a few minutes. Rinse well with lukewarm water. This natural beauty treatment should be done at least once daily.
- Turmeric
Turmeric is increasingly become extremely popular for its potent antioxidant qualities. It is used as a skin-lightening agent and gets rid of black sports on your face. Its antioxidant compounds reduce the damages caused by free radicals resulting in reduction of skin discolorations. Age spots and sun spots will be erased from your skin with regular application of turmeric.
Mix turmeric powder with milk and lemon juice. Directly apply the mixture where the black patches are. Leave this for a few minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water.