BYE-BYE DARK SPOTS!
FOOL-PROOF RECIPES FOR REMOVING DARK AND AGE SPOTS

Dark spots are brown, gray, or black in color that appear on your skin due to overproduction of melanin, the skin pigment. The actual cause of the overproduction is unknown, but there is a good chance that they may occur as a result of aging, hormonal changes, acne/injury on the skin, sun or UV light exposure, and lack of proper nutrition.

Dark spots usually occur on the parts of your skin that are most exposed to the sun like the face, shoulders, back of your hands, and forearms. While they aren’t usually harmful, dark spots may look unappealing and make you feel self-conscious. Getting rid of these spots is simpler than you think. And as is often the case, all you need might already be in your pantry.

1. LEMON & SUGAR SCRUB

Lemon is rich in Vitamin C and has bleaching properties, which lighten the dark spots on your skin and give the skin a healthy glow; and crystals in sugar work as an exfoliator to clear pores.

Method

• Add 2 tbsp of sugar to 1 tbsp of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
• Mix thoroughly and massage gently on your dark spots in a circular motion.
• Leave it on for 20–30 minutes.
• Rinse with warm water and pat dry.
• Repeat this two to three times a week for a visible difference.

2. ALOE VERA GEL

Aloe vera has been used for centuries for skin and hair care. It is rich in antioxidants, which reduce the damage caused to skin cells and keep the skin hydrated.

Method

• Cut an aloe vera leaf and extract gel from it.
• Mash the gel with a fork or blend it with a blender to obtain paste like consistency.
• Apply this gel on your dark spots; leave it on for about 30 minutes.
• Rinse with warm water and pat dry.
• Repeat once or twice daily for about a month to see visible results.

3. TURMERIC PASTE

Turmeric has been traditionally used in the Middle East and South Asia for treating skin conditions and improving skin health. It also reduces dark spots due to its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiseptic properties.

Method

• Mix 2 tsp of turmeric powder with some milk and a few drops of lemon juice, just enough to make a thick paste.
• Apply this paste on the dark spots, rubbing in circular motion, and leave it on for a few minutes.
• Rinse well with lukewarm water.
• Repeat 2 to 3 times a week till you get desired results.

4. APPLE CIDER VINEGAR & HONEY

Apple cider vinegar is loaded with benefits, including skin health. It removes dead skin cells to make your skin look younger and fresher. It also balances skin pH levels, which helps remove acne and makes the skin hydrated and supple. Honey is rich in antioxidants and tones the skin. Combined together, the two can prevent damage to skin cells and reduce dark spots.

Method

• Mix 1/2 tsp of honey and 1 tsp each of apple cider vinegar and water.
• Stir thoroughly and apply this mixture on your dark spots.
• Leave it on till it dries completely.
• Then, rinse thoroughly with plain water.
• Repeat once a day till you get desirable results.

5. PAPAYA PULP

Papaya contains the enzyme papain which is extremely beneficial for overall health including skin conditions such as wrinkles, dull skin and dark spots.

Method

• Choose a fully ripe papaya; peel and deseed the fruit and grate the pulp to a thick paste like consistency.
• Massage the paste gently on your dark spots and leave it on for about 20–30 minutes.
• Wash well with lukewarm water.
• Repeat twice daily till the desired results are achieved.

6. YOGURT & ROSE WATER MASK

Yogurt contains lactic acid, an alpha hydoxy acid that dissolves dead skin cells. This gentle exfoliation helps to create a natural glow, prevents breakouts, and diminish the appearance of lines and wrinkles. It helps moisturize, fight acne, prevent premature aging, relieve sunburn, and reduce discoloration. Add some rose water to this beauty wonder and you have got yourself a hydrating, anti-aging, and toning wonder mask.

Method

• Mix 2 tbsp of yogurt with 1 tbsp of rose water to form a thin paste.
• Apply the paste all over your face and neck and leave it on for 40 minutes.
• Wash off with lukewarm water.
• Apply daily until desired results are achieved.

7. CLAY MASK

The use of medicinal clay dates back to Mesopotamian history. Clays are rich in minerals and are used for various medicinal purposes, primarily for external purposes. Among the clays most commonly used are kaolin and the smectite clays such as bentonite, montmorillonite, and Fueller’s earth. Each region of the world may have its own locally harvested clay; just make sure it is coming from a reputable source and is not contaminated.

Clay or mud baths are used in high scale spas due to their detoxifying and soothing effects. However, clay’s benefits don’t end there. It deep cleans pores, treats conditions like eczema and psoriasis, reduces blemishes, and nourishes skin among many other benefits. Clay is available in both dry and wet forms. Wet clay is ready to use as is, whereas dry clay needs to be mixed with water in order to be rehydrated and ready to use.

Method

• Combine 1 tbsp clay (wet), 1 tsp lemon juice and enough milk to form an easily spreadable paste.
• Apply this on your face and neck 10 minutes before a shower, avoiding the eye area.
• Rinse off in the shower with tepid water.
• Do this at least once a week until desirable results are achieved.

8. VITAMIN E OIL

Many dermatologists swear by the benefits of vitamin E oil for a variety of skin concerns, which is why it is one of the vital ingredients found in many skin care products. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that targets free radicals that are responsible for aging and discoloration and helps to repair damaged cells. It is also a very convenient method since it doesn’t need to be prepared or mixed with other ingredients.

You can use both vitamin E oil from a bottle, or if it is hard to find, you can use vitamin E capsules. Just poke a hole in the capsule, get the oil from it and use your fingers to apply it to the affected area.

Method

• Apply a few drops of vitamin E oil directly on the dark spots and rub it in till almost completely absorbed.
• Apply daily before sleep until desired results are achieved.

9. POTATO & LEMON JUICE

Potatoes are rich in numerous minerals that provide many skin care benefits. Starch and sugar – the key components of potato – work their combined exfoliating magic to remove dead skin cells and aid the growth of new ones. They are also rich in Vitamin B6, vitamin C, potassium, zinc, and phosphorus – minerals that rejuvenate the collagen production in your skin.

The bleaching properties of potatoes and lemon juice, make this a great home remedy for dark spot removal and skin brightening.

Method

• Slice up 1 medium sized potato into thin slices and soak them in 1 cup of boiling hot water.
• Leave the potato slices to soak for half an hour.
• Remove the potato slices and add a tablespoon of lemon juice to the water that is left behind.
• Refrigerate the potato water and lemon juice mixture for an hour.
• Apply the cold mixture directly to the dark spots using a cotton ball.
• Leave it on the skin for 20 minutes; wash off with warm water.

10. PARSLEY, LEMON JUICE & HONEY

Parsley and lemon juice are rich in Vitamin C, therefore bleaching and antioxidant agents. Combined with the toning and nourishing effects of honey, this becomes a powerful home remedy to fight any skin discoloration.

• Take 1 head of parsley; chop it up, add a little water to it, and blend it up to make a paste.
• Add 1 tsp of honey and 1 tsp of lemon juice to the parsley paste and mix thoroughly.
• Apply the mixture all over your face, giving special attention to your dark spots.
• Wash off with clean water after 20 minutes.
• Apply every alternative day until desired results are achieved.

11. CASTOR + COCONUT OIL

Castor oil is enriched with omega-3 fatty acids. It goes deeper than the epidermal layer of your skin and deep cleans all the dirt, oil, and dead skin cells accumulated there. Castor oil also increases blood circulation and boosts the growth of new skin cells, thus getting rid of dark spots and acne scars. Castor oil not only removes dark spots and other discoloration, it actually prevents them from coming back! Coconut oil is well-known for its benefits so combined together, this makes a powerful remedy for dark spots.

Method

• Take equal amount of coconut oil and castor oil (1/2 a cup each).
• In a clean bowl, combine the castor oil and coconut oil.
• Using a cotton ball, apply this oil mixture all over your face and leave it on for 15 minutes.
• Wash off with warm water.
• Keep the remaining oil in a clean container, preferably a glass bottle and apply once daily.

12. PINEAPPLE JUICE

Pineapple is not only delicious on your palate, it is a tonic for your skin!

Method

• Blend a quarter of a pineapple and strain out its juice.
• Using a cotton ball, apply the pineapple juice on your dark spot areas and leave it on until it dries.
• Wash off with lukewarm water.
• Apply daily.

13. TOMATO & LEMON JUICE

Have you heard of the saying, ‘a tomato a day, keeps wrinkles at bay’? It’s not a surprise you haven’t heard it, I coined the term. But it is true and should be well-known! Tomatoes contain vitamins A, B, and C that boost collagen production, reduce dark spots, fight free radicals, and maintain the elasticity of your skin. It also contains minerals like calcium, potassium, and magnesium that moisturize and promote the overall good health of your skin. Tomatoes also contain lycopene – a component that moisturizes your skin from within and keeps wrinkles at bay. Combine this with lemon juice and you have got yourself a perfect remedy for a healthy, glowing, blemish-free skin.

Method

1. Mix 2 tbsp of tomato juice and 1 tbsp of lemon juice in a clean bowl.
2. Using a cotton ball, apply the juice mixture all over your face, giving special attention to the dark spots.
3. Wait until it dries, then wash off with water.
4. Apply it once daily until desired results are achieved.

OTHER TIPS

• Remove any makeup you might be wearing before trying these remedies.
• Do a patch test before trying any of these remedies on large parts of your skin to rule out possible allergies.
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
• Wash your face every night with mild soap suitable for your skin type.