Having dark spots appear on your skin is a pretty common phenomenon, and they’re usually harmless. The spots, also referred to as hyperpigmentation, cause skin patches of different, darker shades compared to your natural skin tone. So, though dark spots aren’t the end of the world, they can be frustrating.
The great news is that you can use a variety of natural, everyday ingredients (that you probably already have in your kitchen!) to deal with hyperpigmentation – no need to try harsh, often toxic products with unpronounceable ingredients that might make your skin worse. Natural remedies are ideal because they’re readily available and have been tried and tested for many years.
Sound good? Let’s dig in.
For this treatment, you can either use a commercially prepared tomato paste or follow a homemade recipe, whichever works for you. Once ready, all you need to do is apply the paste to the affected area for up to six days a week until you’re happy with the results.
Tomato paste is great at getting rid of hyperpigmentation because it’s full of lycopene. This naturally occurring chemical is great at reducing current dark spots caused by sun damage and protecting your skin from harmful UV rays. It’s a win-win!
This simple remedy for various ailments and skin conditions also helps with hyperpigmentation. The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar has been shown to have a great effect on dark spots and other skin conditions.
To use, prepare a mixture of equal parts apple cider vinegar and water, then apply on the affected skin. Allow it to sit for three minutes, then rinse with water. Do this twice a day until you see positive results.
Milk – and other dairy products, such as buttermilk – contains lactic acid. This acid is used in commercial skincare products because it helps lighten dark spots. The application is simple: Dip a cotton ball into the milk and apply it to the affected area twice a day until you see results.
Coconut is an amazing skin doctor because it can treat and stabilize numerous skin conditions. It provides a natural sunscreen and is ideal for removing dead skin. For hyperpigmentation, you simply need to massage a dab of coconut oil into your skin for 20 to 25 minutes, then wipe with lukewarm water. Do this three times a week until you see a change.
Dark spots can be a bummer. Luckily, nature has provided innumerable ingredients to help you get rid of hyperpigmentation. Even though natural products are generally much less harsh than most products on the market, it’s always a good idea to test new treatments on a small part of your body first to make sure you don’t have skin sensitivity to a particular ingredient. For best results, stick to a routine and apply your treatment of choice on a regular basis – your skin will thank you!
For more helpful tips on how to take care of your skin with clean ingredients, we have tons more valuable articles you can bite into.