Dark spots and discolorations on the skin can be a difficult and embarrassing problem. Skin pigmentation, age spots and melasma are hard to treat. There is no shortage of fading creams on the market - many of which are unsafe and do more harm than good, such as those containing hydroquinone. Others are simply ineffective and a waste of time and money. However, there is the possibility that a simple, natural home remedy may be just the solution you're looking for.
When I first noticed the darkening area on my forehead, in my late twenties, I didn't know what it was. Was it dirt? It wouldn't wash off! I did some research and determined it was melasma - like an age spot it's a type of hyperpigmentation on the skin.
Age spots are generally like large, dark freckles. Melasma is an area of patchy darker skin that often affects the forehead, temples and cheeks. Both age spots and melasma can be treated by the same types of lightening solutions.
Since I am the type of girl who appreciates a good home remedy, I dove headfirst into research and came upon several simple natural treatments to try to lighten the dark spots on my face.
Vinegar: Dilute vinegar equally with water, and use to cleanse and rinse your face. Allow to air dry to seal in moisture. Or, use the vinegar/water mixture in place of an astringent or toner. Vinegar is chemically acetic acid, and is capable of whitening and brightening, as well as making skin smoother and more radiant. It has also long been used for a skin softener. Apple cider or other natural vinegars are recommended, though some people use distilled white vinegar.
Onion Juice: To get onion juice, you can finely chop up an onion, or blend it, and squeeze the juice through a cheesecloth. Mix with equal part apple cider vinegar, apply twice daily with a cotton ball and watch for results over the next several weeks. Alternatively, you can cut a slice of onion, dip it in vinegar, and apply it to the pigmentation.
Lemon Juice: Applying the juice of a fresh lemon to the pigmentation has a similar effect to the onion remedy - it is acidic and can safely peel off the top layer of skin, causing spots to fade.
Onion, vinegar and lemon juice are excellent home remedies to relieve you of age spots, melasma, pigmentation and discoloration. I found this treatment quite effective for lightening over several weeks - what I didn't like was the onion smell. Though it was great in a pinch, I didn't want to have stinky hands and face for life, so I learned of many more natural remedies to combat my melasma.
