How to Get Rid of Dark Spots on the Skin
Dark spots on the skin can be embarrassing. This condition, medically known as hyperpigmentation, can occur at any age and affect any gender and race. Hyperpigmentation is a result of surplus melanin, the skin's natural brown pigment, growing in clusters on one specific area of the skin. Causes of hyperpigmentation include heredity, excessive exposure to sunlight and changes in hormones. Cosmetic surgeries and creams are available for reducing the appearance of dark spots on the skin, however, they may require several expensive applications. Fortunately, there are natural and more affordable ways to lighten skin discolorations with the use of fruits, vegetables and spices.
Things You'll Need
- Lime
- 1 tsp. turmeric powder
- Bowl
- Cotton balls
- Knife
- Potato
- Plastic baggies
Instructions
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Lime Juice and Turmeric Powder Bleaching
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1
Squeeze the juice from half a lime into a bowl and mix in 1 tsp. turmeric powder. Stir for three minutes to blend well. If the mixture needs to be thinner for easy spreading on your skin, simply add more lime juice as needed. Lime juice contains natural bleaching properties that can lighten, exfoliate and tone skin to reduce the overall appearance of dark spots.
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2
Apply the mixture to the dark skin spots with a cotton ball. Dab the areas lightly to avoid irritating the skin.
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3
Let the mixture soak on the spots for approximately 20 minutes, then rinse with cool water.
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4
Repeat this treatment once daily for three to four weeks for best results.
Potato Bleaching
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5
Cut one whole potato into nine to 11 slivers. Place all but two slivers of potato into a plastic baggie and store them in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. Potatoes contain phosphorus, potassium, sulphur and chlorine properties that enhance the skin's appearance by exfoliating dead skin cells, thus lightening the skin's overall pigment.
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6
Rub one sliver of potato in a circular motion on the dark skin spots for two minutes.
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7
Place the second potato sliver directly on top of the spots and leave it there for 20 minutes, then rinse with cool water.
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8
Use this treatment twice daily for three weeks for best results.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Do not be discouraged if immediate results do not occur. Bleaching the skin can take time and requires persistence.
Always consult your doctor before using natural treatments on the skin to better understand the risks involved.
Do not use the lime and turmeric powder treatment more than once daily. Limes contain high acidity levels that may cause irritation and dryness in the skin if used excessively.
Do not use a treatment if you are allergic to any of the listed ingredients. If allergic reaction occurs, seek medical attention immediately.
