Liver spots, also called age spots or solar lentigines, are spots that appear on your skin as you get older. Younger people may be affected by liver spots as well, though it is not as common in those under the age of 40. If you are troubled by the appearance of your liver spots, you may be wondering what you can do to reduce their appearance and prevent more spots from appearing. Bentonite clay has been used as a beauty enhancer for centuries and may be useful in treating your liver spots. Ask your doctor before using bentonite clay on your skin.
Liver Spots
Liver spots can appear on your skin as you age, and may appear as flat gray, brown or black areas. These spots are harmless, though they can mimic the appearance of a cancerous growth, MayoClinic.com reports. Liver spots are caused by excess exposure to the sun or to UV light, such as the lights used in tanning beds. When your skin is exposed to these types of light, your body increases melatonin production, which causes the darker spots on your skin. Age and genetics are additional contributors to the formation of liver spots. Liver spots are most common on areas that receive sun exposure, such as your hands, shoulders, face and upper back.
Bentonite Clay
Used for centuries as a beauty enhancer, bentonite clay is grayish-green in color and can be used topically or internally. Bentonite clay most often comes as a powder that you combine with water to create a paste. The paste is slathered on various areas of your body to help exfoliate and tone the appearance of your skin. Embree De Persiis Vona, author of "The Dictionary of Wholesome Foods," notes that bentonite clay also helps tighten large pores, reducing their appearance. Bentonite clay may also absorb oil on your skin and draw out toxins present in your pores.
Connections
Bentonite clay may be beneficial for your liver spots because it removes dead cells from your top layer of skin. As these dead skin cells are eliminated, your liver spots may become slightly lighter as your skin is tightened and toned. When you put bentonite clay on your skin, it also helps reduce toxins, which can also help reduce the appearance of your liver spots. Linda Page, author of "Healthy Healings Detoxification: Programs to Cleanse, Purify and Renew," notes that bentonite clay may also help rebuild tissue and reduce damage done by the environment.
How To Use Bentonite Clay
Always ask your doctor or dermatologist before using any product on your skin. Combine a small amount of bentonite clay powder with water. Stir the combination until it is smooth and has a paste-like consistency. Smooth the bentonite clay paste over the skin affected by liver spots and allow it to dry. You may feel your skin pulling, but this is normal and occurs as the clay dries. De Persiis Vona notes that you can also combine your bentonite clay powder with milk if you have normal skin or heavy cream if you have dry skin. These may improve the effectiveness of the clay mask. Use bentonite clay up to twice a week and you may see a slight lightening of your liver spots.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Age Spots (Liver Spots)
- The Dictionary of Wholesome Foods: Embree De Persiis Vona et al.
- Healthy Healings Detoxification: Programs to Cleanse, Purify and Renew: Linda Page
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