Left: Sheetal Rawal, scientist (human genetics) & founder of Apsara Skin Care
By: Marty S.
Home remedies by Sheetal Rawal
Hyperpigmentation is a skin condition that is known by many other names, for example, melasma, freckles, and age spots. Some people develop hyperpigmentation due to genetics. For others, it is because of hormones. Whatever the case, sun exposure can both cause and augment the effects of hyperpigmentation. As a result, it can often be daunting to go outside in the sun; if your skin has a tendency to develop hyperpigmentation, you never really know when it may occur. I guess that’s why sun hats are so popular.
If you want to avoid laser treatments or synthetic prescription creams, natural ingredients like oranges and castor oil can help reduce the effects of hyperpigmentation, improve the look of your skin, and brighten your complexion.
1. Oranges to Improve the Look of Your Skin with Vitamin C
Antioxidants are one of the best compounds you can give to your body if you want to diminish areas affected by hyperpigmentation. They come in all different shapes and
Ingredients
1 tbsp. of orange peel powder
5 drops of orange juice
Jojoba oil, as needed
Instructions
Mix orange peel powder and orange juice together. Add enough jojoba oil until you get a scrub.
Use the scrub on your face.
Wash off with warm water. Follow with serum and lotion.
Use 1 to 2 times a week.
Information
In lieu of orange peel powder, you can dry oranges in the sun until they are crisp and blend them.
2. Almonds to Fade Discoloration with Vitamin E
Speaking of antioxidants, Vitamin E is another great nutrient you can use to address hyperpigmentation. Vitamin E helps lighten the skin by maintaining the health of the skin and repairing damaged skin. Almonds are a great source of Vitamin E. Plus, almonds can provide a mild exfoliating effect when they are ground up into a coarse paste; this helps your newer skin cells come to surface more quickly.
Ingredients
1 tbsp. of smooth almond butter
Almond milk, as needed
Instructions
Put almond butter in a bowl. Add enough almond milk until you get the consistency of ketchup.
Apply the mixture onto your face. Massage with upward strokes for 3 minutes.
Leave on for 12 minutes. Wash off with warm water.
Follow with your serum and lotion. Use 1 to 2 times a week.
Information
Just like almonds, walnuts can exfoliate and provide glowing skin when used in a scrub.
“I’m really satisfied with the Acne Care Routine I’m using daily, and [my acne] has disappeared... I’ve got a lovely glow on my skin.”
3. Oatmeal to Exfoliate Dull Skin Cells & Fade Dark Spots
Often, hyperpigmented skin appears in the form of discolored dead skin cells that have hardened on your face. One way to alleviate hyperpigmentation in the form is by using an exfoliator. When you exfoliate your face, you are softening the skin, loosening up the dead skin cells on the surface, and spurring the growth of new skin cells. Oatmeal is a good exfoliator to use because of its texture. Oatmeal can also moisturize the skin and ensure it is hydrated and healthy.
Instructions
1 tbsp. of oat flour
1 tsp. of orange peel powder
1 tsp. of powdered brown sugar
Extra virgin olive oil, as needed
Instructions
Mix oat flour, orange peel powder, and powdered brown sugar together. Add enough extra virgin olive oil until you get a scrub.
Use the scrub on your face.
Wash off with warm water. Follow with your serum and lotion.
Use 1 to 2 times a week.
4. Potatoes for an Even Skin Tone
In addition to antioxidants, potatoes contain a special enzyme called catecholase. This enzyme helps lighten the skin tone when potatoes are in contact with the skin. Although
Instructions
1 tbsp. of fresh potato juice
6 drops of fresh lemon juice
1 tsp. of fresh aloe gel
Instructions
Mix ingredients together.
Apply the mixture onto your face. Massage with upward strokes for 3 minutes.
Leave on for 12 minutes. Wash off with warm water.
Follow with your serum and lotion. Use 1 to 2 times a week.
