Home Remedies For Skin Discolorations

Discolorations, whether caused by acne, hormones or sun exposure, can visibly age the skin. While over-the-counter and prescription lighteners may offer faster results, some of the ingredients used in them can be dangerous. In 2006, for instance, the FDA repealed its 1982 "generally recognized as safe and effective" recognition from hydroquinone, which for many years had been widely used as a skin bleaching agent. Still, despite the risks, trying a home remedy can be cheap, safe and effective.

Salicylic Acid

Aspirin's active ingredient is a close cousin of salicylic acid, the popular beta hydroxyl acid used in professional skin peels. Salicylic acid masks can clear splotchy skin, as well as diminish the redness that often accompanies acne. To make a salicylic acid mask at home, dissolve 4 uncoated aspirin tablets in 1 tbsp. warm water. If you use a coated acid, you will have to crush the tablets first. Add the mixture to 1 tbsp. honey and spread over discolored areas. Leave for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse well. An aspirin mask offers the additional benefits of exfoliating the skin. The honey offers antimicrobial properties. Note that those with aspirin sensitivities or allergies should not use a salicylic acid peel.

Strawberry Mask

According to Janice Cox, in her book "Natural Beauty at Home", strawberries are rich in salicylic acid. She recommends an alpine strawberry mask. To make it, mix 1/2 cup of mashed fresh strawberries with 1 tbsp. of plain yogurt or sour cream. Spread the mixture on the skin and leave it for 20 minutes. Repeat daily. Any leftover mask can be refrigerated for up to a week.

Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is a potent skin lightener. Because of its citric acid, it offers additional exfoliating benefits. Lemon juice can dry out and/or irritate skin, however, so using it as a spot treatment makes the most sense. To treat an area of discoloration, cut a lemon in half and rub the open face over the spot. Repeat nightly. As a precaution, apply a soothing moisturizer to the area.

Honey

Janice Cox recommends using a honey cleanser that offers a slight bleaching effect. To make the cleanser at home, combine 2 tbsp. liquid castile soap with 1/4 cup hone and 1/4 cup distilled water or rosewater. Massage the mixture gently into the skin. Rinse and pat dry. Store any remaining cleanser in a clean container and use daily.

Dandelion

To "naturally fade away stubborn freckles and brown age spots, Cox recommends a homemade dandelion age spot oil. To make this, you will need to gather 1/4 cup of fresh, chopped dandelion leaves. Combine these with 2 tbsp. castor oil and 2 tbsp. sunflower oil in a heat-resistant container. Heat slowly, but do not allow the mixture to boil. Remove the mixture from the heat and leave it for three hours. Strain out the leaves and pour the oil into a stoppable, clean container. To use: gently spread over the discolored area daily. Cox points out that, while it may take several weeks, freckles and age spots will soon begin to fade.