The Complete Guide to Dark Spots and How to Get Rid of Them Naturally

What is a Hyperpigmentation or a Dark Spot?

Hyperpigmentation or dark spots are patches of skin that are darker than the surrounding skin. Some people are born with dark spots on their skin, while others develop them in late adolescence or early adulthood. Although these dark spots seem harmless at first, you can't always hide them under makeup. It is not a practical solution in the long run.

What Causes Dark Spots?

Dark spots are actually the result of melanin accumulation, where melanin builds up underneath the skin and leads to dark, hyperpigmented patches on the skin. However, melanin accumulation can happen at any age and there are a number of factors that can lead to this situation. Those factors are as follows:

• Exposure to Sunlight

  The most common cause is the sun. If you do not protect your skin from the sun's harmful effects, then your skin will be more susceptible to dark spots and other skin problems. Preventing dark spots from forming is as easy as wearing sunscreen that protects your skin from the sun's UV rays.

• Melasma And Hormonal Changes

  Melasma is a common skin condition that causes brown or grey discoloration on the skin. It usually occurs as a result of pregnancy, sun exposure, and other hormonal changes such as puberty and the frequent use of birth control pills. While the cause of melasma is not entirely understood, it has been associated with hormonal changes and pigmentation in the skin cells. This condition may last for a year or more and will gradually fade out as puberty comes to an end and the hormones return to normal.

• Facial Hair Removal

  When the facial hair is removed by waxing, tweezing, or certain removal creams, this creates an inflammatory reaction on the skin. Frequent use of these methods can lead to dark spots and cause dark patches on the skin over time.

• Pollution

  The pollutants in the air can lead to dark spots. It is important to protect your skin from damage by restoring its natural balance of antioxidants and melanin. This will also help prevent new dark spots from forming in the future.

• Perfume

  Many of us are unaware that perfumes can be culprits as well. Perfumes that we use every day often contain photo-sensitizers that make skin sensitive to the sun’s rays. Perfumes and cosmetics containing Bergamot oil are the main cause of this condition. This is known as Bergamot Dermatitis among medical circles.

• Acne

  Severe acne breakouts can lead to ugly spots and marks. This kind of dark spot is known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. This process is triggered by a chemical reaction to inflammation and redness, which leads to the production of melanin. It will stay in your skin for an unknown time period, making it impossible for you to remove it with regular skincare routines. And the worse thing is that this dark spot can be more visible when you are under full sunlight.

How to Get Rid of Dark Sports Naturally?

1. The Tomato and Papaya Face Mask

• 1/2 papaya
• 1 Tomato

Wash the tomato and papaya. Cut them into chunks and blend them until everything is mixed together. Apply to the face and let it sit for 10 minutes or until it dries. Rinse off with cool water. Repeat this process twice a week for a month to see clear visible results.

Tomatoes are healthy for your skin in more ways than one. When combined with a papaya face mask, tomato provides great results in getting rid of dark spots and other skin imperfections. Tomatoes contain vitamins A, B, and C.

All these vitamins are known for their skin-lightening benefits: Vitamin A helps to boost natural skin cell regeneration and reduce the discoloration of acne and blemishes. Vitamin C helps with the production of collagen in the skin. Both combined give some amazing results.

On the other hand, the main active ingredient in papaya is Papain, an enzyme that helps with skin cell regeneration. It is good for the skin because of its natural exfoliation. This property helps to smooth, soften and brighten the skin.

Similarly, like Tomatoes, Papayas are also full of Vitamin A and C. Combined together, this contributes to an increase in sebum production in the skin. A dry and flaky skin condition can benefit the most from this mixture.

Related: Which fruit has more vitamin c than an orange

2. The Yogurt and Honey Face Mask

• 1 tablespoon of Fresh Yogurt
• ½ tablespoon of Raw Honey

Add only a tablespoon of plain fresh yogurt in a recipient and mixed it with half a tablespoon of raw honey. Gently massage the mixture into your face and neck for around five minutes. Let it sit for another 15-20 minutes before washing it off using plain water. Do this twice a week for a month to see maximum results.

Yogurt has natural bleaching properties and using it regularly will help you get rid of dark spots and restore beautiful skin. Yogurt is full of B vitamins. It consists of vitamins B2, B5, and B12.

These particular vitamins have the ability to improve your skin texture and promote a healthier complexion. Yogurt inhibits Tyrosinase production, which controls pigment production in the skin.

On the other hand, Raw Honey offers natural bleaching benefits for your skin. Its ability to release Hydrogen Peroxide acts as a natural bleach that can boost your complexion. The bleaching properties of raw honey will lighten skin pigmentation, acne scars, and dark spots.

3. Turmeric and Lemon Juice Face Mask

• 1½ tablespoons of Turmeric Powder
• Fresh lemon juice

In a recipient, pour 1½ tablespoons of Turmeric Powder and mix it together with some fresh lemon juice until you obtain a smooth paste. Apply this mixture to your face and neck and let it sit on the skin until it dries off. After that wash your face with plain water only. Repeat this process once a week for a month to see maximum results.

It has been scientifically proven that turmeric can be used for ages to get rid of dark spots and whiten and brighten the skin complexion. Melanin is the thing that determines our skin color. Too much melanin makes our skin darker.

Turmeric is a good anti-oxidant and in the fiercest way possible. Turmeric contains a proteolytic enzyme known as Curcumin, which is one of the most powerful and useable substances for skin care. Curcumin helps to control melanin production in the skin.

Similarly, lemon juice is a great ingredient for lightening your skin. It's rich in Vitamin C which removes toxins from the skin, preventing dark spots caused by these too Full of citric acid, Lemon juice cleanses the skin and removes impurities to reveal a clearer and brighter complexion.

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