Do you have dark spots or pigmentation marks on your face that don t seem to fade away? Are you bothered by these dark spots trying to cover them up with make up? If this is the case, it’s time to know more and identify some long lasting natural solutions.
In our skin we all have a pigment called melanin which is responsible for the color in our skin, eyes and even our hair. We all have a number of skin cells that produce melanin, the difference in different colored skins depends on how these cells behave.
Melanin is not only responsible for the color, but also has the important function to protect our skin from the harmful effects of the sun. Whenever our skin is exposed to the sun, we increase our production of melanin, and sometimes we produce too much resulting in dark spots.
Some of the most common causes for dark spots are:
- Hormonal changes, especially for women, can lead to skin pigmentation, particularly during pregnancy,
- Sun exposure, as described above, can cause dark spots as freckles, sunspots or solar lentigines,
- Inflammation of the skin such as eczema or acne can also lead to the creation of dark spots in our skin,
- Irritation due to the use of certain perfumes, and
- Diabetes which can cause certain areas of the skin to produce more melanin.
Now that we know the main cause for dark spots, here below you will find four natural remedies that can help:
- Tumeric has been used in skincare in every India household: make a thick paste with two teaspoons of turmeric and some curd and besan and apply on face as a face mask, let it dry and remove with lukewarm water.
- Saffron is an excellent Ayurvedic natural ingredient for reducing dark spots. Mix two strands of saffron with two teaspoons of turmeric and a bit of water to make a paste. Apply this paste, particularly on affected areas to reduce the dark spots.
- Aloe vera gel is a miracle ingredient for so many skin problems. To lighten your undesired dark spots, all you have to do is apply aloe vera juice or gel directly on the spots and leave at least for 30 min and even better leave overnight. Clean with lukewarm water.
- Tomato paste is rich in Lycopene that protects the skin form sun damage. Apply tomato juice on skin for at least 30 min and rinse off with lukewarm water to lighten dark spots.
Its of course easier to get rid of those dark spots that are originated from external reasons like sun exposure or irritation to products just by applying the different remedies topically.
The dark spots that occur due to internal reasons (such as hormonal imbalance) are harder to treat and generally need more attention in the form of a proper diet. Drinking lots of water, eating fruits, legumes, eggs, garlic and onion can help in preventing dark spots.
And most importantly stay away from the sun!
There are also some traditional Ayurvedic treatments you can use regularly as a part of your skincare routine which can help with dark spots:
- KUMKUMADI THAILAM. The legendary Kumkumadi oil is prescribed in Ayurveda for dull, pigmented, damaged, aging skin, The key ingredient is saffron which helps illuminate the skin complexion and repairs pigmentation. Apply a few drops of this oils on your clean face every night and allow it to work overnight for best results.
- NALPAMARADI THAILAM. A powerful skin brightening ayurvedic treatment. Made with sesame oil, vetiver, turmeric, gooseberry and Indian madder. Apply a few drops on face and gently massage. Leave on for at least 30 min or even better leave overnight.
- JWALINI OIL. Described in the ancient Ayurvedic texts as the ideal remedy for clear skin thanks to the herbs such as cardamon and costus that are processed in sesame oil and coconut milk. It is an excellent after sun remedy that treats sunburns and hyperpigmentation. You can apply it all over the body and face and leave overnight, no need to rinse off. Its suitable for all skin types but not recommended for acne prone skin.
