According to MedLinePlus, patches of skin that are either lighter or darker than surrounding skin is usually not a sign of a serious condition. However, it can be embarrassing or cause concern, so finding a way to reduce the discoloration using herbs could be helpful. If you have discoloration of the skin that changes size, shape or color significantly, you should have it evaluated by a medical professional to be sure it's not skin cancer. Talk to your health care provider before using herbs to treat your discolored skin.
Licorice
When skin becomes discolored after a period inflammation, it's called postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. Skin discoloration in this case is more common in ethnic groups with darker skin and is one of the most common reasons people with darker skin see a dermatologist. A research study was conducted by E.C. Davis and V.D. Callender to find substances that can be applied to the discoloration to reduce it. The results, published in the July 2010 issue of "Journal of Clinical & Aesthetic Dermatology," found licorice extract to be more effective than most other tested substances.
Turmeric
Turmeric has also been found to reduce photoaging and help fade skin discolorations. Turmeric was found to help fade discoloration in the University of Louisville study mentioned above and was the subject of another study held at Panjab University in Chandigarh, India. Researchers in this study examined turmeric for its ability to help prevent aging caused by the sun and concluded that it is effective. The results of this study appeared in the August 2010 issue of "Rejuvenation Research."
Green Tea
Applying green tea to skin discoloration may help it fade, as the University of Louisville study confirms. But it may also help reduce the severity of rosacea, a chronic condition where the skin of the face is abnormally red and patchy. A study performed at University of Freiburg in Germany showed that green tea is also effective in helping the skin resist sunburn and premature aging caused by the sun called photoaging. The study's results appeared in the August edition of "Journal of the German Society of Dermatology."
References
- MedLinePlus: Skin - abnormally dark or light
- "Journal of Aesthetic Dermatology"; Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation...; EC Davis et al.; July 2010
- "Journal of German Society of Dermatology"; Plant for skin disease...; J Reuter et al.; August 2010
- "Journal of Drugs in Dermatology"; Natural ingredients in skin care; JF Fowler et al.: June 2010
- "Rejuvenation Research"; Inhibitory effect of curcumin...; R Agrawal et al.; Aug 2010
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