Sometimes called "liver spots" or "sun spots," hyperpigmentation is the result of the excessive production of melanin in certain areas of the skin, causing darkened patches. Brown or grayish in nature, these darkened spots can occur anywhere on the body but they are most common on the face and on other areas exposed to frequent sunshine, such as the shoulders and the arms. Consult a doctor or a dermatologist before using home remedies to fade hyperpigmentation, especially if you have darkened or irregularly colored moles or darkening over large areas of your body.
Prevention
Since direct sunshine increases hyperpigmentation, the first order of business is to prevent further discoloring, giving your skin a chance to heal while using home remedies. Use a sunblock when taking part in outdoor activities and reapply the sunblock after swimming or strenuous exercise that causes sweating. Wear a large-brim hat, a long-sleeved shirt and long pants to protect your skin from direct sun exposure.
Foods to the Rescue
A skin tonic, made from the juice of fresh lemons and whole milk, dabbed liberally on the face, neck and decolletage, may help fade discoloration when used daily and allowed to remain on the skin for 30 minutes before rinsing.
Fresh cucumbers, liquefied in the blender with just enough dry oatmeal to make a thick masque, offers a soothing skin treatment that may lighten hyperpigmentation when used once or twice a week. Apply the masque to the face and throat, keeping it away from the eyes, and leave it on for 30 minutes or longer before rinsing.
Make your own skin lightening potions by combining custom amounts of fresh onion juice, dry milk powder, apple cider vinegar, raw potato juice and orange peel. You can vary the amounts and the mixture to suit what you have on hand.
Household Ingredients
Hydrogen peroxide bleaches the skin but it can also cause irritation. Natural-HomeRemedies.org suggests using a mild, 20-volume peroxide solution and mixing it with dry milk powder and enough glycerin to form a smooth paste. Apply to the darkened patches for 20 minutes before rinsing and moisturizing.
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