Getting rid of stubborn acne is a big enough concern to not want to have to deal with the spots they leave behind.
Even when you don’t pick at them, pimples tend to leave dark marks because of the way our bodies naturally respond to damages. As a pimple heals, your body produces cells to replace the damaged skin, this new skin sometimes comes out with too much melanin as extra protection. This results in post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which we sometimes call a ‘dark spot.’
It’s important that we know the difference between a scar and a dark spot. Scars usually indicate that tissue is damaged or overgrown and generally takes much much longer to clear even after it heals. Dark spots on the other hand, are flat against the skin with no considerable long-term damage to tissues and skin cells.
Fading might take a while, but dark spots tend to become lighter with time, and eventually go away completely. This can be anywhere from 2 months to 2 years.
I am a firm believer in home remedies and their effectiveness. I believe that skin-care starts with self-awareness and listening to your skin. Home remedies call for a lot of personal research and allows you to mix and match your ingredients to specification. With home remedies, your knowledge of what your skins’ needs and in what proportions keeps getting better so that even when you shop with known brands, you pick just what you need, with limited stress.
Below is a list of home remedies for dark spots and their various applications.
1)Apple Cider Vinegar(ACV) – Apple cider is simply fermented apple juice and is a common household product that is available for purchase in almost every retail store.
Because of its acidity, apple cider vinegar helps to kill pathogens and bacteria, remove excess oil, treat acne, and fade dark marks.
Apple cider is rich in beta carotene and contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
APPLICATION: In applying ACV, never apply directly to your skin as this can cause burns. Soak a cotton pad in equal parts ACV and water or more water than ACV depending on the sensitivity of your skin, and gently rub it around on your face. Ensure to moisturize afterward, as ACV can be very stripping.
2)Tomato Juice: The juicy tomato is not only great tasting but great at shrinking open pores caused by acne. The natural astringent properties of tomatoes, also make it ideal for clearing blemishes. As for the dark spots, the high lycopene content present in tomatoes helps in lightening these stubborn spots and contributes to helping you achieve that smooth, polished look.
Application: When it comes to tomatoes, I love using them frozen, as this helps to tighten my pores. The cold sensation is also very relaxing after a long day. Generally, what you need from the tomato is its juice, so you cut the tomato into halves or quarters and rub liberally over the skin, back and forth, or in circular motions.
3)Tumeric: Tumeric is an orange-colored spice of the flowering plant Curcuma longa of the ginger family. The part we use is gotten from the root of the turmeric plant. It helps even out skin tone, and its extract also helps reduce the appearance of acne scars and hyperpigmentation.
Application: Tumeric in powder form, can be mixed with other natural ingredients such as honey, lemon, water, apple cider, sugar, essential oils, etc to form a paste depending on what benefits you want to get. Apply the paste as a face mask, leave it on for a couple of minutes, rinse off and moisturize!
4) Aloe Vera: Aloe vera is a succulent plant species of the genus Aloe. It is cultivated for agricultural and medicinal uses. aloe, contains aloin, a natural depigmenting compound that has been known to lighten skin and contains aloin, a natural depigmenting compound that has been shown to lighten skin and work effectively on hyperpigmentation.
Application: To apply aloe, cut open the plant, and extract the gel-like substance. Apply as a mask covering all necessary bases. leave for as long as possible or over-night and rinse with warm water.
5)Lemon juice: lemon is a fruit in the citrus family. Its juice is one of the more popular scar fading ingredients packed with vitamin c and antioxidants that also support collagen production which is important for skin elasticity and skin health. it is very effective in lightening dark spots and patches.
Application: lemon juice can be made into a mask or diluted for those with sensitive skin. Some people prefer to apply directly to the skin using the carpels and juice sacs as roughages for exfoliation.
however, because vitamin c is acidic and can cause photosensitivity, it can cause sunburns if the skin is exposed to sunlight.
In this regard and in regards to all substances with high vitamin c content, organic or otherwise, the importance of sun protection cannot be overemphasized. The effects of UV rays directly on the skin can cause severe damage to the skin and negate the effects of the ingredients in your skincare routine. Have your SPF 30 (& upwards) in hand at all times and apply it liberally to protect you.
Over The Counter (OTC)and Branded Acne Treatment Medication
When you’ve mastered your skin and what it requires, knowing the ingredients to look out for and the brands that meet your needs would become so much easier. For fading away dark spots, here is a list of ingredients mix and combinations that you should look out for.
- Retinoids (vitamin A)
- Vitamin E (tocopherol)
- Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA), such as mandelic acid
- Azelaic acid
Ladies and gentlemen, the most important thing is to use products and ingredients that maintain your original complexion. Constant sunburns can have you looking darker than you originally are over time.
Some of the above products all through natural, have lightening properties so make sure to mix and match your ingredients appropriately and in moderation.
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