HOW TO REDUCE PIGMENTATION AND DARK SPOTS IN A NATURAL WAY

Effective natural ways of reducing pigmentation on skin - find simple and powerful natural ingredients with skin-lightening properties and reduce dark spots.

Hyperpigmentation is a skin disorder that can affect the entire body, or specific areas, and cause the skin to change its color and become darker. There are different types of skin pigmentation disorders, such as age spots, melasma, freckles, or sun spots, and they are all responsible for the development of the discolored patches that affect the overall appearance of the skin.   As a cosmetic issue that is usually harmless, skin pigmentation can often be treated at home, using readily available, purely natural ingredients that are known to be highly effective in addressing skin discoloration.

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

Due to its powerful ingredients which can help in reducing hyperpigmentation and lightening of the skin, apple cider vinegar has been widely used to help deal with various pigmentation issues. This vinegar contains both acetic acid, which has a similar effect as a mild chemical peel, and polyphenols, organic chemicals that act as antioxidants and, as such, protect your skin from free radicals. Make a mixture of equal amounts of apple cider vinegar and water and apply it to dark spots and patches. Wash with lukewarm water after a couple of minutes, and repeat the procedure twice a day for achieving the desired results.

RED ONION

Certain compounds that can be found in allium cepa, or red onion, can act as efficient skin whitening agents due to their unique property to inhibit the activity of cells that are responsible for producing excess pigmentation. Due to its impressive results, red onion extract is even used in various cosmetic products made for scar lightening and reducing skin pigmentation. The simplest way to use red onion at home is to grind it up and put it in an empty tea bag, that you will then apply to the pigmented area.

GREEN TEA EXTRACT

Green tea extract is used to reduce the appearance of dark spots due to its depigmenting effect. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a powerful antioxidant and one of the main ingredients of green tea, can block a certain cell activity that can lead to excess pigmentation. In addition, green tea leaves are rich in gallic and ellagic acid, which are known to improve the overall appearance of the skin. Put a green tea bag in hot water and leave it in up to five minutes. After it cools down, apply it to the pigmented area. Repeat two times a day until achieving visible results.

VITAMIN C

Vitamin C, especially when used in its either citric acid or ascorbic acid form, is known to significantly reduce pigmentation and dark spots, and improve skin complexion and appearance. As an antioxidant, vitamin C also protects the skin from the harmful effects of free radicals and helps lighten the top layer of the skin.  Applying fruits rich in vitamin C, such as papaya, grapefruit, orange, or lemon directly to the hyperpigmented area of the skin will result in lighter skin over time.

LICORICE EXTRACT

One of the most efficient brightening agents that can be found in nature is licorice. Due to its main active ingredients, glycyrrhizin, liquirtin, and glabridin, licorice acts as a powerful pigmentation remedy that can reduce dark patches and improve the skin tone. Moreover, licorice has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. It is fairly easy to make licorice extract at home. Add 100 grams of washed licorice root to 1 liter of water and leave it on low heat for around an hour. Once the liquid turns brown/yellow, strain the contents and pour the extract into a clean container. You can use the extract either as a tonic, or mix it with your skincare products.

MILK

Various types of milk, such as fresh milk, sour milk, buttermilk, and even yogurt, are considered to be effective in addressing skin pigmentation disorders. The reason for this is lactic acid, one of the common ingredients used in chemical peels to lighten dark spots and even skin complexion. Apply the milk directly to the area of the skin covered with dark spots, or use a cotton ball previously thoroughly soaked in milk. Leave it for a couple of minutes, rinse it off, and repeat the procedure two times a day for best results.

CONCLUSION

Due to their powerful skin lightening properties and no major side effects, the ingredients listed above have been commonly used as natural remedies that help treat various skin pigmentation issues.  However, for more severe skin discoloration conditions that do not respond well to these natural ingredients, it is best to visit a reputable aesthetic clinic where your condition will be properly diagnosed. After a thorough examination, your doctor can then help you decide on a cosmetic procedure that best suits your needs and appearance goals.