
Table of Contents
- Understanding Dark Spots
- Benefits of Natural & Organic Skin Treatments
- Best Natural Ingredients for Fading Dark Spots
- Carrier Oils & Essential Oils That Help Brighten Skin
- DIY Natural Remedies for Dark Spots
- Organic Products That Improve Skin Tone
- Diet & Lifestyle Changes for Clearer Skin
- Preventing New Dark Spots Naturally
- When Natural Remedies Aren’t Enough
- Conclusion
Understanding Dark Spots
Dark spots which is also referred to as hyper pigmentation is a skin issue due to which skin becomes darker at a particular spot. The main cause of dark spots is excessive melanin production, which is responsible for skin colour. When produced in excess, it leads to uneven dark patches on your skin.
The below mentioned are the common causes of dark spots:
- Sun exposure for a prolonged time
- Changes in body hormones such as during pregnancy or with conditions like PCOS
- Post acne marks
- Body inflammation
- Ageing
- Injuries on skin
- Improper exfoliation
There are different types of dark spots or hyper pigmentation. Some of the most common includes melasma, sun-spot and pigmentation because of inflammation.
When treated right, dark spots usually subsides. However, if you are facing pigmentation on a regular basis or have hyper pigmentation over a prolonged time, then you should consider evaluating your case with a dermatologist.
Benefits of Natural & Organic Skin Treatments
Natural and organic skin treatments can help you fight dark spots and pigmentation. Many skincare regimes focus on healing the skin. These treatments help in the repair process of the skin, and therefore, by using the natural and organic skin treatments, you can reverse your dark spots and pigmentation.
Some of the key benefits of using natural and organic treatments are:
- Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and acne prone skin
- Because of its organic origin, it's lower in irritation and has less side-effects
- It also provides long-term skin benefits, making your skin healthy
- Natural treatments are often rich in antioxidants and nutrients
It is better to use natural and organic skin treatments if you're facing dark spots and pigmentation instead of going for chemical treatments that may damage your skin in the long run. Natural remedies don't break your skin barrier. Always try to treat your skin conditions with natural treatments first.
Best Natural Ingredients for Fading Dark Spots
So what are the best natural ingredients for dark sports? Here are the most effective ones that are easily available to be used:
- Aloe vera: It is a cooling agent and therefore it helps soothes skin. It also helps in inhibits melanin production
- Lemon and citrus extracts: Lemon citrus-based ingredients are rich in vitamin C (use cautiously and only at night)
- Turmeric: This golden spice is known for its anti-inflammatory and brightening properties and can be used with milk or water
- Apple cider vinegar: This is good for skin as an exfoliator due to presence of natural acids
- Green tea extract: Green tea is packed with antioxidants and works best on dark spots
- Licorice root: This helps in blocking excess formation of pigmentation on skin
- Raw honey: This is a natural humectant and healing agent for skin and body
- Papaya enzymes: Papaya has exfoliation properties and is gentle on skin
- Rosehip oil: This has vitamin A and essential fatty acids in abundance
Carrier Oils & Essential Oils That Help Brighten Skin
Essential oils are important when it comes to skin brightening. Oils nourish your skin and repair the skin barrier. However, it is important to note that not all oils are to be used on the face. The below mentioned are the oils that you can consider using:
- Jojoba oil: This helps balancing production of oil from the glands and improves skin texture
- Tea tree oil: This is useful for acne-related pigmentation/hyperpigmentation on skin
- Lavender oil: This supports skin regeneration when used consistently
- Frankincense oil: This oil has skin-repairing properties
It is very important to note here that essential oils should always be diluted before using. Otherwise, it may irritate the skin. Always use a dropper to take out the essential oil and do not forget to do patch tests before full application. Generally, 1-2 drops of essential oil is enough for single time application.
DIY Natural Remedies for Dark Spots
DIY Remedies work best to fight dark spots. This is because DIY can be customised according to your skin and issue. Also, a home-made skin mask or pack is without any harsh chemicals.
Here are the popular home remedies:
- Turmeric pack with honey and aloe vera. Apply evenly all over your face and remove gently using water after 20 minutes.
- Scrubs made from oatmeal or rice powder. Use it to exfoliate your skin gently with water.
- Rose water toner or green tea toner. Fill the solution in a spray bottle and spread all over your face after cleansing your face.
- Diluted essential oil mixed with overnight treatment creams
Note that do not over use these natural remedies. Know your skin and then opt for the solution. For many people with sensitive skin, excessive exfoliation can make pigmentation even worse.
Organic Products That Improve Skin Tone
There are also many organic products that are available in the market that offer ready-made solutions to improve your skin tone and clear your dark spots. While buying the products, make sure you look out for the following ingredients:
- Vitamin C (from natural sources)
- Licorice extract
- Niacinamide
- Plant-based oils
- Antioxidants
- Mineral sunscreens (with zinc oxide)
There are also certain ingredients that should not be present in your products that you apply on your skin. You can get to know about the ingredients by reading the labels of the product. In general, do not go for a product that has the following written on the labels:
- Artificial fragrances
- Includes alcohol
- Includes bleach
Do not go for hundreds of skincare products at once. Always start with a single product, but make sure that that one product is the right product.
Diet & Lifestyle Changes for Clearer Skin
Your skin health is the direct reflection of what you are consuming. Skincare is the secondary thing that you can do for your skin. Taking a healthy diet and maintaining a healthy lifestyle is the basis of a healthy skin.
So what are healthy dietary habits for achieving a glowing and clearer skin? Here are a few examples :
- Eat fruits and vegetables that are rich in antioxidants
- Consume vitamin A, C, E, and zinc that works best for your skin
- Reduce refined sugar
- Say no to processed food
- If your skin is acne-prone, avoid fried food
- Healthy fats are good for your skin so include avocado, nuts and eggs in your diet
There are also lifestyle factors that you must consider:
- Say no to stress. Having chronic stress increases pigmentation hormones in your body
- Take proper sleep for 6 to 7 hours as poor sleep slows your skin repair
- Exercise on a daily basis- Workout in the gym, or take a walk outdoors. It improves blood circulation making your skin glows
Preventing New Dark Spots Naturally
While treating your dark spots, it is also important to prevent the appearance of new dark spots. Here are the few steps through which you can naturally prevent new dark spots :
- Protect yourself from the sun as much as you can. If your work involves going outdoors, then do not step out without applying a mineral-based sunscreen.
- Do not use harsh exfoliation on your face or over exfoliate. Exfoliation can be done once in every 10 days and not every day. Also, go for mild exfoliators.
- Maintain a consistent skincare routine. Morning CTM and night CTTM- both are important
- Start following a healthy lifestyle and a healthy diet.
When Natural Remedies Aren’t Enough
If you have tried and tested the natural remedies and are not seeing any visible results, then you should consider seeking help from a dermatologist. Mostly, mild to medium pigmentation can be cured at home using the natural remedies but in case you have severe pigmentation, then you can take help of a professional to cure it.
Situations where professional help is needed:
- Deep melasma
- Hormonal pigmentation due to pregnancy
- Sun damage/ sun burns
There are also medical options you can go for:
- Chemical peels under expert supervision
- Laser treatments or light therapies
- Prescription creams/medication by a dermatologist
Conclusion: Embracing Natural, Long-Term Skin Health
Dark spots and pigmentation can be removed by using natural treatments and organic fixes at home. By focusing on gentle skin care, sun protection by using SPFs, and following a good diet and lifestyle helps you maintain an overall skin-health.
If your pigmentation is not getting better, even after continued use of natural treatments and maintaining a good diet and lifestyle, then consider seeing a dermatologist today.
FAQs
- What is the best natural remedy for dark spots?
Usingaloe vera, turmeric, and licorice root are the best natural remedies. - Can dark spots be removed naturally?
Yes, dark spots can fade by using natural products and DIY homemade masks and packs. - How long does it take for natural remedies to work?
Typically 4 to 12 weeks with consistent use. - Is lemon good for dark spots?
Lemon has Vitamin C which is good for dark spots but carefully use it only at night. - Does aloe vera help lighten dark spots?
Yes, aloe vera helps in reducing pigmentation and fighting dark spots.
