How to Remove Hyperpigmentation Caused by Acne
Hyperpigmentation occurs when the body produces excessive amounts of melanin, the pigment that gives your skin its natural tone. When excessive amounts of melanin are produced, small deposit-like structures build beneath the skin surface that resemble darkened age spots. You can treat focal hyperpigmentation, an excess of pigmentation caused by acne scars that store additional melanin, using natural skin-bleaching agents that do not contain harsh chemicals.
Things You'll Need
- 4 tbsp. lemon juice
- 4 tbsp. honey
- Spoon
- Bowl
- Towel
- 3 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
- 3 tbsp. water
- Cotton balls
Instructions
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Lemon-Honey Mask
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1
Pour 4 tbsp. lemon juice and 4 tbsp. honey into a bowl. Stir until a paste-like mixture forms.
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2
Apply the mask to the affected area using your fingertips, coating the skin with a thick layer of the mixture.
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3
Leave the mask on for 10 minutes, then rinse with cool water and pat the skin dry with a towel.
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4
Repeat this treatment once daily for three weeks for best results.
Apple-Cider Skin Lightening
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5
Pour 3 tbsp. apple cider vinegar and 3 tbsp. water into a bowl, and stir with a spoon to blend.
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6
Dip two to four cotton balls into the liquid and apply to the affected area, coating the skin.
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7
Allow the apple cider to soak on your skin for 20 minutes, then rinse with cool water and pat the skin dry with a towel.
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8
Repeat this treatment twice daily for three weeks for best results.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Don't be discouraged if you don't see immediate results; lightening the affected area may take some time.
Only a dermatologist can advise which treatments are proper and effective for your specific skin and type of acne.
Don't exceed the once-a-day recommendation for the lemon-honey mask, as lemons contain high acidity levels that can dry and irritate the skin. Avoid sun exposure for one hour after using the lemon-honey mask.
Don't use the vinegar treatment for longer than three weeks at a time. Apple cider vinegar can be harmful if you have low potassium levels, and can cause a loss of bone mass if used for extended periods.
