Dark spots are marks that life leaves on mature skin. They are mainly found in women. Although this phenomenon is completely benign, we all want to have an even complexion and learn how to remove these spots for aesthetic reasons.
Fortunately, there are various natural solutions that can help you reduce these age spots. However, before you can eliminate them, you must first understand their origin and distinguish them. There are also preventative measures to reduce the appearance of dark spots.
What is a brown spot?
Brown spots or age spots are small spots that appear in sun-exposed areas of the body such as the face, neck, décolleté, hands, etc. around the age of fifty. They are mainly due to excess melanin production.
These spots are benign and pose no risk, but their cosmetic appearance can be bothersome for some people. They can vary in size and appear after the age of 40, but are sometimes also seen in some younger adults.
There are various types of brown spots:
- Melasma or pregnancy mask due to hormonal imbalance
- Solar lentigo caused by exposure to UV rays
- Post-inflammatory spots such as acne or burn scars
- Senile lentigo
How to recognize a brown spot?
Dark spots are different from moles, seborrheic keratoses, or melanoma. There are various categories of spots, whether brown, red, or white, and it's important to know how to identify them before considering removing them. Melanomas, for example, can be malignant, so don't touch them before consulting a dermatologist.
Some spots, such as freckles, birthmarks, or moles, are not susceptible to cosmetic products. However, age spots, melasma, and acne scars can be targeted by suitable products. They are characterized by an oval or round shape and a brown color. They are commonly found on the backs of the hands, face, neck, shoulders, etc.
Are you protecting yourself properly from the sun?
What causes a brown spot on the face?
The deep layers of the epidermis contain melanocytes. These cells secrete melanin, which is responsible for the appearance of brown spots on the face. This is a natural process, but it can be promoted by various factors, causing the accentuation of brown spots.
Dark spots can be caused by:
- Excessive exposure to sunlight
- Hormonal imbalance
- Contraception pills
- Skin lesions that promote post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
- A process of aging of the skin
- Etc.
How to remove dark spots on the face naturally
Here are various techniques to remove dark spots on the face naturally :
- Skin exfoliation
- The application of natural oils
- Homemade masks
- Pravi Lightening Cream for even skin tone
- Skin hydration
Skin exfoliation
Exfoliation removes dead skin and promotes cell renewal, thus reducing the appearance of existing dark spots and preventing their appearance. Exfoliating twice a week helps achieve an even, brighter complexion. The natural metabolism of skin cells slows down with age, hence the importance of exfoliation.
If you'd like to make your own exfoliating mask, we suggest mixing brown sugar with honey, lemon juice, and a few drops of essential oils . You can apply this mixture twice a week, gently exfoliating your face for about five minutes. After rinsing, always make sure to moisturize your skin . Alternatively, you can use a facial scrub for effective results.
The application of natural oils
It's important to have a facial care routine and stick to it every day. After cleansing your face, you should apply essential oils that have lightening properties and an effective anti-blemish effect. You can use lotions or moisturizers made with natural oils such as:
- Italian helichrysum
- Sea buckthorn oil
- Celery oil
- Fine lavender oil
- Rosehip oil
- Carrot oil
Homemade Brightening Masks
There are several combinations you can make with natural foods you have at home. Lemon, for example, purifies the complexion and reduces dark spots thanks to its lightening properties. You can directly apply a cotton ball soaked in lemon juice with aloe vera gel, or mix lemon juice with flower water to create a lotion.
Lemon juice can also be mixed with a little turmeric to create an effective exfoliant. You can also add it to potato juice to create a nightly anti-blemish lotion. However, this mixture can be acidic, so don't apply it too regularly. This is an option, but it's always best to seek advice from a skincare professional.
Exfoliate with ingredients you have at home
Pravi Lightening Cream for even skin tone
Pravi Moisturizing Cream contains 16 active ingredients with brightening and smoothing effects. This blend contains two hyaluronic acids, red maple bark, rapeseed, and other natural active ingredients to give your skin a smooth and even appearance. Apply it daily to stimulate endogenous collagen production and reduce the appearance of dark spots.
Apply this cream once or twice a day to ensure your skin receives long-lasting hydration while reducing the appearance of signs of aging. It would be a good idea to incorporate it into your skincare routine by starting with cleansing oil and then spraying your face with a hydrating mist . You can then apply a vitalizing serum and a brightening cream for perfect skin.
Skin hydration
Hydration is an essential step in every skincare routine. It nourishes the skin and protects it from external aggressions. Some creams containing hemp or ceramides are very effective for dehydrated or dry skin that tends to lose its radiance.
How to prevent dark spots?
Prevention is better than cure. Here are some ways to prevent dark spots:
- Protect the skin against oxidative stress factors
- Avoid overexposure to the sun
- Quit smoking
- A balanced diet
To reduce the appearance of new dark spots, you should protect all areas of your skin exposed to the sun . Apply a sunscreen with a high SPF50+ factor to your face, hands, etc. During summer days, wearing a hat can also be helpful to protect your face.
Maintaining healthy skin always involves a healthy and varied diet containing natural sources of antioxidants that work to eliminate free radicals in our body. They are found in certain foods such as spinach, tomatoes, carrots, turmeric, olive oil, nuts, etc.
Foods rich in vitamin E are also recommended, such as sunflower seeds and dried apricots. On the other hand, always remember to check any medications you are taking or ask your doctor about possible skin reactions to the sun.