Dark spots also known as age spots, are a part of the natural aging process. They are usually harmless, they can be unsightly for those who have them. These dark spots are mainly caused by frequent exposure to sunlight. These dark spots can be lightened with home remedies. However, if these methods are ineffective, you should see a dermatologist for advice and more effective treatment.
1. Skin Hyperpigmentation Overview
1. Overview of Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation is a condition that causes your skin to darken. This can affect patches of skin or the entire body. Dark skin spots also known as liver spots, are a common type of hyperpigmentation.
Hyperpigmentation is usually harmless but can sometimes be caused by an underlying medical condition. Furthermore, certain medications used during treatment can also cause hyperpigmentation. This condition affects almost everyone's aesthetic problems.
2. Causes of melasma
The harmful effects of sunlight are the most common cause of hyperpigmentation. In particular, this affects parts that are often directly exposed to sunlight.
In addition, there are several other causes of melasma such as: using drugs including chemotherapy drugs, changes in endocrine hormones such as during pregnancy, endocrine diseases such as Addison's disease, melasma, insulin resistance, or skin irritants as well as skin trauma problems.
3. Treating melasma at home
Some ways to treat melasma at home include:
3.1. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid. Research has shown that it lightens skin pigmentation. How to use apple cider vinegar for melasma: mix apple cider vinegar and water in a 1:1 ratio. Next, apply the solution on the dark skin patches and keep it for about 2 to 3 minutes. Then, rinse your face with warm water. Repeat twice daily until you get the desired results.
3.2. Aloe Vera
According to a 2012 study, aloe vera contains aloin - a natural bleaching agent that has been shown to lighten skin and also works effectively as a non-toxic treatment for hyperpigmentation.
How to use aloe vera: Apply pure aloe vera gel to the pigmented areas before going to bed. Rinse your face with warm water the next morning. Repeat daily until your skin tone improves.
3.3. Red Onion
Red onion extract - Allium cepa - is an ingredient found in some light skin and scar treatment creams. Some studies have found that the dried skin of red onions can effectively lighten skin. Therefore, in the process of skincare, you should look for anti-melasma creams containing Allium cepa and use them according to the instructions of a specialist or dermatologist.
3.4. Green Tea Extract
Reliable research sources show that green tea extract can have a lightening 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 skin areas for a lightening effect. Although, there is no specific evidence for this hypothesis.
If you want to try it, you can follow these steps:
- Soak the tea bag in boiling water for about 3 to 5 minutes. Then, remove the tea bag and let it cool.
- Rub the tea bag on the dark skin patches
Repeat the test twice a day until you feel the results.
3.5. Black tea water
Animal research published in 2011 showed that black tea water has the effect of lightening dark spots on guinea pigs. To test the melasma treatment effect of black tea water can be done by: adding a spoonful of fresh black tea leaves to a cup of boiling water. Then leave 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 areas. Apply this method twice a day and repeat for about 4 weeks to see its effectiveness.
3.6. Licorice extract
Licorice extract contains active ingredients that have been shown to reduce skin pigmentation caused by melasma and sun exposure. Creams containing licorice extract are available on the market. When using, consult a dermatologist or skin care professional.
3.7. Milk
Milk, buttermilk, and yogurt have all been shown to be effective skin lighteners. This is because they contain lactic acid, which is one of the ingredients responsible for skin lightening.
To use one of these products in the treatment of skin pigmentation should: soak cotton pads in the milk solution, then place the soaked cotton pads on the dark skin patches. Do this twice a day. Repeat daily until you see improvement.
3.8. Tomato powder
Research published in the Journal of Dermatology in 2011 showed that tomato powder is rich in lycopene - a substance that can protect the skin against both short-term and long-term factors affecting the skin. Participants in this study were applied 55 grams of tomato powder along with olive oil for 12 weeks.
3.9. Orchid extract
According to reliable research sources, orchid extract is as effective as vitamin C in treating hyperpigmentation. Applying orchid extract to the skin for 8 weeks can improve the size and appearance of the dark skin patches.
Or you can buy skin care products containing this flower extract, including masks, creams, exfoliation. Use as directed by a skincare professional for best results.
3.10. Red Lentils
Red lentil masks are quite popular in the treatment of hyperpigmentation. Although there is no concrete evidence to support these claims, red lentils are rich in antioxidants that are known to be good for the skin.
How to use red lentil mask:
- Soak 50 grams of red lentils overnight in warm water
- Use a blender to create a puree.
- Apply this mixture evenly to your face and leave it on for 20 minutes.
- Rinse with cold water and pat dry with a towel.
4. Treating melasma
Depending on the cause of hyperpigmentation, melasma treatment may involve addressing an underlying medical condition or stopping the use of medications. There are several treatment options if home remedies for melasma do not provide the desired results, such as:
- Use chemical peels
- Cosmetic treatments that spray crystals onto the face to exfoliate and remove dead skin cells
- 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 several home remedies that can help reduce the hyperpigmentation that causes melasma and dark spots. 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 visit Vinmec Healthcare system nationwide for examination or contact the hotline here for support.
