Dark patches on the surface of the skin are fairly common among adults who have spent large amounts of time in the sun. Though dark skin patches should be checked by a doctor or dermatologist for potential medical problems, most are only cosmetic concerns, which according to Julia Lawless, author of "The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils: The Complete Guide to the Use of Aromatic Oils in Aromatherapy, Herbalism, Health and Well-Being," can be remedied naturally using essential oils.
Step 1
Combine ½ tsp. clove bud essential oil, ½ tsp. fennel essential oil, ½ tsp. lemon essential oil, ½ tsp. lime essential oil, ½ tsp. mandarin essential oil, ¼ tsp. arnica essential oil, ¼ tsp. sweet marjoram essential oil, ¼ tsp. roman chamomile essential oil and 1 cup olive oil in a container or bottle with a tight-fitting top.
Step 2
Cover the container and shake it for 10 to 15 seconds to combine the essential oils and olive oil.
Step 3
Pour a small amount of the mixture onto your clean fingertips. Gently massage the essential oil mixture onto the area of skin with dark patches. Leave the oil on your skin for 10 minutes after applying it.
Step 4
Rinse your skin with cool water. Wash with a gentle cleanser and pat your skin dry with a clean cotton towel. Apply your regular moisturizer if you use one.
Step 5
Use this treatment once per day in the evening only. Stop using the essential oil mixture if it causes any sort of redness, swelling or skin sensitivity.
Step 6
Store unused portions of the mixture in a cool, dark and dry place for 90 days or less. Throw the mixture away after 90 days if not used.
Tips and Warnings
- Test a small amount of the essential oil mixture in the crook of your elbow or on the back of your knee before applying it to a larger, more visible area. Allergic reactions are uncommon but they can happen.
- This treatment has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. If you are concerned about the safety or effectiveness of this treatment, consult your doctor or dermatologist before using it.
Things You'll Need
- ½ tsp. clove bud essential oil
- ½ tsp. fennel essential oil
- ½ tsp. lemon essential oil
- ½ tsp. lime essential oil
- ½ tsp. mandarin essential oil
- ¼ tsp. arnica essential oil
- ¼ tsp. sweet marjoram essential oil
- ¼ tsp. roman chamomile essential oil
- 1 cup olive oil
- Container or bottle with a tight-fitting lid
- Gentle cleanser
- Clean cotton towel
- Moisturizer
References
- "The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils: The Complete Guide to the Use of Aromatic Oils in Aromatherapy, Herbalism, Health and Well-Being"; Julia Lawless; 1992
- "Aromatherapy Workbook"; Marcel Lavabre; 1990
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