Dark spots on the body can sometimes be socially embarrassing, and people with such spots are keen to know how to remove dark spots from the skin naturally. Also called hyperpigmentation, dark spots on the body, like the arms and neck and face region can be caused by several factors including skin infections, liver disease, and most commonly, exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays. Acne is a skin infection that can leave dark spots on the face even after it clears up. Such dark spots are often removed using mild chemical peels.
Hyperpigmentation also occurs when patches of skin become darker than the surrounding skin. The change in color or the darkening of skin is caused by an excess of melanin, the pigment that gives skin its natural color. Also called melasma, this condition is common among women, particular those who are pregnant, or those who are on contraceptive pills or hormonal medication. The female hormones seem to stimulate the production of additional melanin pigments, especially with the exposure of the skin to sunlight. Women with light brown skin tones, living in tropics where they are often exposed to the UV rays in the sunlight, are more susceptible to melasma. Even postmenopausal women who are under HRT can develop melasma. The skin returns to its normal color gradually once the woman delivers the child or discontinues oral contraceptive or hormone treatments, underscoring the role of hormones in the onset of hyperpigmentation.
People with thyroid disorders, both men and women, have also been reported to develop melasma or have black spots on body. Moles on the skin appear when melanin in the skin coagulates. Age spots or liver spots are small black spots on the body that are caused by damage to skin resulting from exposure to the sun's UV rays. These spots are usually found on the exposed parts of the body like the hands or face. Avoiding exposure to the sun, using sunscreen lotions, and eating balanced meals to maintain a healthy well nourished skin, are simple ways to avoid dark spots.
Although chemical and laser treatment of the skin to remove black spots from skin have become popular, they are often very expensive and could have several unwelcomed side-effects. In fact, if melasma exists at the dermal level instead of at the epidermal level, laser treatments can actually darken the spots and make the condition worse. So when it comes to hyperpigmentation, home remedies might just be the better alternative.
Home remedies for removing dark spots on the skin. For those who are keen on removing dark spots naturally, gels or lotions with aloe vera extracts are available. A solution of water and baking soda massaged on the dark spots is known to be effective in exfoliating the skin and in preventing further outbreaks of acne. A face mask of natural honey left on the face for half an hour aids in rejuvenating the skin and in healing inflammation of acne pores as well as in lightening dark spots. These are two natural and effective home remedies for hyperpigmentation.
The use of natural and effective home remedies for hyperpigmentation from acne on face and the body has been in use from ages. Home remedies for hyperpigmentation from acne and other causes include the use of natural bleaching agents like lemon juice and apple cider vinegar to lighten the dark spots. Aloe vera gel and vitamin E are effective in treating blemished skin and acne scars. Creams with vitamin E and vitamin K have been recommended for hyperpigmentation treatment. Instead of a bottled aloe vera gel, it would better to simply break off a fresh aloe vera leaf and squeeze the gel out and use it. Honey is very useful in hyperpigmentation natural treatment. Face packs made of honey and lemon can be applied on the skin over the dark spots and left to dry; this helps to lighten the spots, and it is a good natural treatment method for hyperpigmentation. Similarly, cinnamon powder blended in honey is known to be effective in treating dark spots.
Pregnant women, who undergo several hormonal changes in their body, leading to dark spots, often wonder how to remove dark spots on their faces and skin without resorting to chemical peels or lasers. If you are wondering how to remove black spots from your body, one safe remedy is a mixture of equal amounts of powdered margosa and holy basil leaves mixed with honey of the same quantity. This can be applied on the skin and left overnight; wash it off in the morning. Also, you can take some grated horseradish combined with apple cider vinegar and allow it to stand for two weeks; thereafter, strain this mixture and apply it on the black spots three times a day to achieve the desired results. The juice of the lowly onion added to apple cider vinegar also serves to lighten dark spots. Cucumber juice blended with papaya skin and olive oil is very soothing when applied on acne scars. Lastly, drinking plenty of fluids to rid the body of toxins and eating plenty of fruits and vegetables helps maintain a healthy skin and a healthy body. Trace elements like copper, zinc, iron, and calcium absorbed from fruits and vegetables help in cellular renewal and promote the synthesis of normal collagen for skin rejuvenation.
Dark spots on the skin are not a recent problem. Over the ages, women have tried all kinds of oils and herbs to remove dark spots on the skin. Traditionally, castor oil was found to be quite effective in rendering the skin supple and blemish-free. Milk and milk products like yoghurt and buttermilk have also been used in face masks over centuries to remove dark spots naturally. Also, mashed avocado applied on the affected part of the skin is said to heal damaged skin and get rid of dark spots. Apart from being an excellent moisturizer and an antioxidant, cocoa butter helps to improve blood circulation, especially when it is massaged onto the skin. The nourishing starch and the mild bleaching effects of the juice of raw potatoes make it a simple and effective home remedy for hyperpigmentation on the face. Additionally, almonds have always been used to treat skin problems. They can be soaked in water for a short time before they are peeled and ground to a fine paste. Applying the paste on dark patches helps lighten them. Almond oil is equally effective in treating dark spots. Tea tree oil's healing properties include treatment of acne scars and dark spots on the skin.
When treating dark spots on the skin, the most important step is to avoid exposure to the sun as even short periods of exposure to UV radiation can undo the effect of months of skin lightening treatment.
answered by M W