Melasma and brown spots are over-pigmented, over-sized freckles. Melasma is also known as the "mask of pregnancy," but according to Dr. Jean L. Bolognia, writing for the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) in 2010, pregnancy is not the only cause. It takes decades of sun exposure to bring out most brown spots--which explains another name, age spots. They're also called liver spots, but they are unrelated to your liver. They're all harmless, but many home remedies exist to relieve their unsightliness.
SPF Protection
The AAD advises that methods to prevent dark spots can also serve as home remedies to lighten the ones you already have.
Sun lotions with high sun protection factor (SPF) are recommended for all outdoor activities in summer and winter. But lotions may not be sufficient to protect your skin from developing overly pigmented spots. According to Dr. Tanzi, skin type, how you use sunscreen and activities such as swimming and sweating can effectively lessen your SPF potency. SPF 30 screens almost all damaging solar ultraviolet rays, but not using enough diminishes your protection. The AAD says most people apply less than half of the recommended 1-oz. portion they need.
Apply sunscreen 15-30 minutes before sun exposure, every two hours and right after swimming.
Grape Seed Extract
According to Dr. Ray Sahelian, author of "The Stevia Cookbook," "Mind Boosters" and other health care books, grape seed extract is a promising treatment for the type of excess pigmentation known as melasma. He reports on a 2004 research study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research, stating that oral administration of a proanthocyanidin-rich grape seed extract improves the appearance of melasma blemishes.
Dr Sahelian also recommends the use of ellagic acid. It's a component of many foods, specially raspberries. It's also found in pomegranates, strawberries, cranberries and blackberries. Walnuts and pecans also contain ellagic acid.
Gotu-Kola and Ginseng
Skin care experts at PUREfect Your Skin say one of the best home remedies for pigmented skin spots is a traditional Chinese herb called Gotu-Kola. Mix 1/8 tsp. Goku-Kola with 1/8 tsp. ginseng in enough ginseng herbal tea liquid to make a paste. Apply it to your dark skin spots. After 10 to 15 minutes, rinse it off. Repeat the applications one or two times a day until the desired lightening is achieved.
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