The pigment-producing cells of the skin are called melanocytes and their activity is the major determinant of the color of the hair and skin. Overproduction of melanin, caused by excessive sun exposure, scarring or hormones, can lead to hyperpigmentation and an uneven skin tone.
Exfoliation
Exfoliation is essential for the removal of dead skin cells that cause buildup and dull, uneven skin tone. A natural and inexpensive way to exfoliate the pores is a mixture of dried orange peels, powdered and mixed with yogurt and applied onto the skin along to help polish and refine the skin's texture. The citric acid in the orange peel has exfoliating properties, so this gentle scrub not only exfoliates the skin. Another traditional, at-home exfoliating remedy is sugar and honey mixed together. Simply dissolve 1 tsp. of sugar in water, add 3 tsp. of honey and gently scrub the face with the mixture. Exfoliate no more than twice a week to prevent skin irritation and potential, scarring which could make hyperpigmentation and an uneven skin worse. These simple, at-home exfoliating masks help remove dead, surface skin cells which causes blotchiness and an uneven skin tone.
Lemon juice
Lemon juice is an effective and gently method to treat uneven pigmentation. According to the "American Chronicle," lemon is a natural source of vitamin C, and has bleaching qualities. Oily and dry skin types can benefit from treatments containing lemon juice, lemon extracts or lemon peel. Lemons have a high concentration of vitamin C, an antioxidant which helps to protect the skin from damaging free radicals as well as a significant amount of citric acid, which effectively bleaches the skin and removes skin discoloration. Create a lemon juice face mask from 1 tsp. of milk power, 1/4 cup of lemon juice and 1 tsp. of vitamin E oil. By applying and leaving this mixture on the face daily for 15 to 20 minutes, you will notice a significant improvement in skin tone. Another at-home remedy for evening the skin tone involves a mixture of potatoes and lemon juice. Potato juice may help fade blemishes and uneven pigmentation, so creating a mixture of lemon and potato juice can help even out the skin tone. Grate a quarter of a potato, add 1 tbsp. of lemon juice and mix with 2 tbsp. oatmeal. Apply this paste on the face for 15 minutes twice weekly.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C has many favorable aspects for the skin, including scavenging of free radicals, suppressing pigmentation of the skin, decomposing melanin, triggering collagen production and enhancing sunscreen protection, according to a report by FutureDerm.com on an article in the "International Journal of Pharmaceutics." It also stimulates collagen and elastin buildup, both of which are responsible for helping to maintain the skin's firmness and its ability to shed dead cells. A DIY vitamin C peel incorporates vitamin C into your skin care regimen. Swab 1/8 tsp. of vitamin C powder, dissolved in water, on your face and leave on for 10 minutes. This vitamin C peel results in a brighter, clearer complexion as well as firmer, tighter skin from collagen synthesis.
Member Comments