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Dark spots aka age spots - are part of the natural aging process. It is usually harmless but affects the aesthetics of people with the condition. The cause of these dark spots is mainly regular exposure to the sun. These dark spots can be lightened with home remedies. However, after applying these methods without success, you should see a dermatologist for advice and more effective treatment.
1. Skin Hyperpigmentation Overview
Hyperpigmentation is a condition that causes your skin to darken. This can affect patches of skin or the entire body. Dark spots on the skin, also known as liver spots, are a common type of hyperpigmentation.
Hyperpigmentation is usually harmless but sometimes it can be caused by an underlying medical condition. Moreover, some drugs during use can also cause skin to darken. This condition affects almost everyone cosmetically.
2. What causes melasma?
Sun damage is the most common cause of hyperpigmentation. In particular, this effect often affects the parts that are regularly exposed to direct sunlight.
In addition, there are a number of other causes of melasma, such as: use of drugs including chemotherapy drugs, hormonal changes such as during pregnancy, endocrine diseases such as Addison's disease, melasma, insulin resistance, or skin irritants as well as trauma problems of the skin.
3. Treatment of melasma at home
Several home remedies for melasma can be used including:
3.1. Apple Cider Vinegar Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid. According to research results, it has a lightening effect on skin pigmentation. How to use apple cider vinegar for melasma: mix apple cider vinegar and water with a ratio of 1:1. Next, apply the solution to the dark patches of skin and hold it for 2 to 3 minutes. Then, wash your face with warm water. Repeat twice daily until desired results are achieved.
3.2. Aloe Vera According to a 2012 study, aloe vera, also known as aloe vera, contains aloin, which is a natural discolorant that has been shown to lighten skin while also working effectively as a hyperpigmentation treatment. non-toxic element.
How to use aloe vera: apply pure aloe vera gel to the pigmented areas before going to bed. Wash your face with warm water the next morning. Repeat daily until skin tone improves.
3.3. Red onion Extract from red onion - Allium cepa - is an ingredient contained in some skin lightening and scar treatment creams. Some studies have found that the dry peel of red onions can effectively lighten the skin. Therefore, in the process of skin care should look for melasma creams containing Allium cepa and use under the guidance of a specialist or a dermatologist.
3.4. Green Tea Extract Trusted sources of research show that green tea extract can have a matting effect when applied to the skin. Therefore, you can use green tea extract to overcome skin darkening.
Some websites suggest applying green tea bags to dark patches for a lightening effect. Although, there is still no concrete evidence for this hypothesis.
If you want to give it a try you can follow the steps:
Soak the tea bags in boiled water for about 3 to 5 minutes. Then, take out the tea bag and let it cool. Rub the tea bag on the dark patches of skin. Repeat the test twice a day until the results are felt.
3.5. Black tea water Animal studies published in 2011 show that black tea water has the effect of lightening dark spots in guinea pigs. To test the melasma effect of black tea water can be done by: adding: a tablespoon of fresh black tea leaves and a cup of boiled water. Then, keep it for two hours and remove all the tea leaves. Soak cotton pads in the black tea solution. Then, place the soaked cotton pads on the dark skin. Apply this method twice a day and repeat for about 4 weeks to see its effect.
3.6. Licorice Extract Licorice extract contains active ingredients that have been shown to reduce skin pigmentation caused by melasma and sun exposure. Topical creams containing licorice extract are commercially available. When using, consult a dermatologist or skin care professional.
3.7. Milk Milk, buttermilk, and even yogurt have all been shown to be very effective at lightening the skin. Due to its composition it contains lactic acid - which is one of the ingredients responsible for the skin lightening effect.
To use one of these products during pigmentation treatment should: soak cotton pads in milk solution, then place cotton pads soaked in milk on dark patches of skin. Do it twice a day. Repeat daily until you see an improvement.
3.8. Tomato powder Research published in the Journal of Dermatology in 2011 indicates that tomato powder is rich in lycopene, which is a substance that has the ability to protect the skin against factors that affect both short and long term to the skin. Participants in this study were given 55 grams of tomato paste along with olive oil for 12 weeks.
3.9. Orchid extract According to reliable research sources, orchid extract is as effective as anti-pigmentation remedies of vitamin C. Applying orchid extract to the skin for 8 weeks can improve the size and appearance of dark patches on the skin.
Or you can buy skin care products containing extracts of this flower, including masks, creams, scrubs. Recommended to use as directed by a skin care professional for best results
3.10. Red lentils Red lentil masks are quite popular in the treatment of hyperpigmentation. Although, there is still no concrete evidence to support these claims, but red lentils are rich in antioxidants that are known to be very good for the skin.
How to use the red lentils mask:
Soak 50 grams of red lentils overnight in warm water Use a blender or food processor to create a puree. Apply this mixture evenly on your face and keep it for 20 minutes. Rinse with cold water and blot with a dry cotton towel.
4. Treatment of melasma
Depending on the cause of the hyperpigmentation, treatment for melasma may involve resolving some underlying medical condition or discontinuing the medication. There are several options for treatment if home remedies for melasma do not give the desired effect such as:
Using a chemical mask Aesthetic treatment with the process of spraying crystals onto the face to Exfoliation and removal of dead epidermal cells Use of intense pulsed light (IPL) Laser resurfacing Hyperpigmentation is often a concern because it is more of a cosmetic concern than a medical condition . There are a number of home remedies that can reduce the hyperpigmentation that causes melasma. However, if you are concerned about skin pigmentation and skin effects, you should talk to a dermatologist for advice and effective treatment.
Customers can directly go to Vinmec Health system nationwide to visit or contact the hotline here for support.
Articles refer to the source: healthline.com