What are dark spots?
Dark sports are pigmentation issues on the skin where melanin is excessively produced. These are hyperpigmentations on the skin that commonly manifest on the face, chest, arms, hands and back but may also occur in other body parts.
Are dark spots harmful?
Dark spots are mostly considered cosmetic issues rather than medical concerns. They are not life-and-death kind of conditions unless evaluated as malignant or cancerous.
But what causes dark spots?
There are various reasons why dark spots occur which include the following:
- Sun Damage: There are skin types that are prone to sunspots, solar lentigines, or liver spots, after being exposed to the sun or tanning salons, hence, resulting in dark sports.
- Hormonal Fluctuations: Melasma is a skin condition that is more common in women, especially during pregnancy or menopause when hormonal imbalances are happening. This leads to unwarranted dark spots or brown patches on the skin.
- Sife Effects of Medication: Certain medications increase the risks of hyperpigmentation leading to dark spots. Some of these most common medicines include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs, tetracyclines, and psychotropic drugs.
- Skin Inflammation: Dark spots are a common result of skin inflammations such as acne outbursts, eczema, psoriasis or any damage made to the skin that caused it to swell. When these inflammations subside, they either turn into depressions, bumps or dark spots.
- Certain Health Conditions: Diabetes is a complex medical condition that is associated with other issues including shin spots, acanthosis nigricans, diabetic dermopathy, and velvety skin. Thus, if you are diagnosed with diabetes, it may be best to have your dark spots checked as they may be confused with age spots.
So, how can these dark spots fade?
Dark spots can be treated clinically by professional cosmetic doctors. However, the type of treatment may depend on the cause of your dark spots. Let’s say your dark spots are caused by a bout of acne outburst. In which case, your doctor may recommend the most ideal acne scarring treatment in melbourne.
If your dark spots are caused by medical conditions or certain medicines, he or she may refer you to a specialist who can provide the appropriate treatment for your medical condition or offer an alternative prescription for your medicine. In this light, the source or root cause of dark spots should be taken into account first.
When the reason for your dark spots is pigmentation issues like sun damage or melasma, your doctor may recommend pigmentation treatments. These can help lighten the hyperpigmentation while aiming to prevent them from reoccurring.
But are there ways to make these dark spots fade with what I have in my kitchen?
As stubborn as dark sports may be, there are ways on how to lighten them using some ingredients or products that you can find in the four corners of your home. However, remember that home remedies take some time to effectuate. Thus, you may find it frustrating at first but you just have to be patient and diligent in applying natural remedies.
Here are some kitchen hacks for lightening those pesky dark spots:
Papaya
This fruit is known for its papain and alpha hydroxy acid contents that can help lighten dark spots on the skin. Papaya is also packed with vitamins A, C and E which are antioxidant agents that can increase skin hydration and reverse signs of ageing.
Simply mash a bowl of papaya and use it as a face mask. It can also be used in other parts of the body. Leave the mask for about twenty minutes. Then massage the papaya mask in a circular motion to the treated body part before rinsing off with tap water.
Potatoes
You may be surprised but yes, potatoes can help reduce dark spots. Unknown to many, this tuber is rich in vitamin C and other bleaching agents that can help reduce dark spots on the skin.
This can be used as a skin patch. Slice the potatoes thinly and place them on the dark spots on your body. Leave on for about fifteen minutes and rinse off with warm water.
Aloe Vera
Growing this succulent can bring many advantages for you. The gel-like substance in each stalk of aloe vera is rich in enzymes, vitamins, minerals, amino acids and salicylic acids which are known to help alleviate many skin conditions. Recent studies also show that aloe vera contains aloesin that effectively treats acne-related skin pigmentation disorders.
To use, simply extract the gel-like substance from the aloe vera stalks and apply it as a facial or skin mask. Leave on for ten to fifteen minutes and rinse with warm water.
Apple Cider Vinegar
This kitchen aide is known for its many health benefits. Apple cider vinegar can help in losing weight, combating cough and colds, decreasing blood sugar levels, decreasing renin, improving the immune system, and lightening skin hyperpigmentation. Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid and antioxidants that can help these bodily ailments.
To reduce hyperpigmentation, just mix equal parts of water and apple cider then add a few drops of freshly squeezed lemon juice or 3 spoons of orange juice. Mix well and apply the solution to the skin area affected by dark spots. Let it sit for five to ten minutes then rinse with lukewarm water and finish it off with moisturizer packed with SFP 50+.
Tomatoes
Whether you consider tomato as a fruit or vegetable, one thing is for sure, it contains lycopene, vitamins and minerals that are best for treating skin issues. Tomatoes are also a good source of natural sunscreen, hence, not only do they lighten dark spots but also prevent them from developing.
Before heading out, mash a good amount of tomato pulp and add some lemon juice. Apply and massage it to your skin for about minutes and rinse with warm water. And you are all set for the day.
Onions
These bulbs are packed with vitamin C and antioxidants that can help brighten dark spots and other pigmentation issues on the skin. Simply slice the onions thinly and rub them to the hyperpigmented or darkened skin for about 5 minutes. Then wash with mild soap and lukewarm water.
Buttermilk
One of the oldest kitchen hack in brightening darkened skin and exfoliating dead skin cells is buttermilk. This dairy product is rich in lactic acid that can help combat dark spots and pimple marks.
Simply exfoliate your skin with buttermilk, leave for about 10 minutes, rinse with warm water, and finish off with a moisturizer. For oily or acne-prone skin, make a buttermilk paste using 2 tablespoons of buttermilk and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Apply the mixture as a mask, let it sit for 15 minutes and wash as usual.
Turmeric
This herbal root is native to Southeast Asian countries. Turmeric contains curcumin which is an anti-inflammatory ingredient that helps prevent acne outbursts, hence, preventing unwarranted dark spots or pimple marks on the skin. Studies also show that turmeric inhibits the overproduction of melanin in the skin leading to a clearer, smoother and natural-looking complexion.
To use, extract the juice from the root crop or simply take a couple of teaspoons of turmeric powder and mix with lemon juice. Apply the solution or mixture as a face or skin mask and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Then rinse it off with lukewarm water.
These are just 8 of the most popular kitchen hacks in lightening those stubborn dark spots. Again, remember that it may take a long time before the results of these dark spot remedies manifest. Thus, pack up your patience for a long journey of skin clearing.
It is also essential that you consult with a physician to ensure that these kitchen aides do not contain allergens that may compromise the condition of your skin even more.
While going natural can be regarded as a healthier option, some dark spots, acne scarring or pimple marks may be more severe than you think. Thus, it may be necessary to consult with your trusted cosmetic doctors in Melbourne for more effective and reliable cosmetic treatments.
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