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Freckles, age spots, pregnancy mask - these harmless
skin defects can be quite an annoying problem. We all want not only
silky smooth complexion, but an even and healthy skin tone as well.
Freckles. Considered cute by some, they are a real
problem for others. Freckles, a.k.a. ephelides, are small brown or tan
patches common in individuals with lighter skin, blond or red hair, and
blue, green or grey eyes. They appear early in life, increase in number
during summer months and fade in winter. After the age of 40-45 they
disappear, but who wants to wait?
Another type of skin discoloration is pregnancy mask,
otherwise known as chloasma or melasma. It appears during pregnancy due
to hormonal changes. Women with darker skin are more likely to develop
this condition. After delivery, chloasma will fade, however some traces
may still remain. It can also occur in women who are taking oral
contraceptives.
Age spots - lentigines - are similar to freckles. They
appear later in life and can occur in any skin type.
The good news is: if you know why the discoloration
occurs and take measures to prevent and treat it, you can have an even
skin tone at any age.
Freckles, age spots and pregnancy mask have several
things in common. They are formed in sun exposed areas: face, hands,
chest and back. These unwelcome brown patches are nothing more than
accumulation of skin pigment melanin which is always produced by the
skin. The amount of melanin present determines the skin tone of an
individual. Extra melanin is produced by the body in response to sun
exposure: it absorbs UV rays and does not allow them to penetrate deep
into the skin layers as it would be damaging.
If you want to avoid skin discoloration, the first and
the most important thing you need to do is to avoid sun exposure and
wear sunscreen. This way your body will not need to produce more
melanin.
Since melanin is accumulated in the upper layer of the
skin, you might want to consider skin lightening and peeling. There are
different products that can be used for this purpose:
- Hydroquinone has been a very popular treatment,
however it can irritate the skin.
- Kojic acid, discovered in Japan in 1989, is a natural
product derived from fungi (mushroom). It is gentle on the skin and
very effective in treating skin discoloration. Penetrating upper skin
layers, it inhibits the formation of the pigment.
- Alpha-hydroxy acids help to shed old cells faster,
therefore they will be helpful as well. By removing the outer skin
cells, which are usually darker, you will make your freckles or age
spots lighter and less visible.
If you decide to use any of the above products, extra
sun protection is imperative. If necessary, apply an SPF cream several
times a day. By using skin lighteners and peels, you affect the upper
darker layer. Lower layers are lighter, with less melanin present. If
you don't protect your skin, it will launch its own defense mechanism
producing more melanin. This will result in darker and more intensive
discoloration, which can be even harder to get rid of.
Please remember that skin discoloration (excluding
pregnancy mask, which should disappear after the delivery) require
consistent treatment. Once you stop using lighteners and protection,
the dark patches will be back. But keeping up with your skin regiment
is not difficult: all you need is a gentle yet effective lightener and
a moisturizer with complete UV protection - against both UVB and UVA
rays.
Natural remedies you can use:
- Wash your face with sour milk. Lactic acid will
provide gentle peeling effect without irritating or drying your skin.
- Lemon juice is a time proven freckle fighting remedy.
It is not necessary to rub your skin with a piece of lemon. Applying
the juice with your fingers will do the job.
- Fruit and vegetable masks (apricots, strawberries,
cucumbers, red currant).
- Sour cream mask. Do not rinse this mask completely,
just remove gently with a facial tissue, then apply a moisturizer. For
oily skin - use lemon juice before applying the mask.
- Natural parsley juice (or parsley infusion) mixed
with equal amounts of lemon juice, orange juice, and red currant juice
under your favorite cream will help you keep your freckles invisible.
Last but not least - increase your Vitamin C intake! It
makes your skin less sensitive to the sun. Foods rich in vitamin C
include citrus fruits, apples, green onions, black and red currant,
rosehip tea.
Please note that some types of skin discoloration are
due to internal disorders. Poor liver functioning, hormonal or
metabolism disorders, overactive thyroid can be the underlying reasons
for unsightly cosmetic problems. If this is the case, start your
treatment from the inside.
Note: Information in this article is not to be taken as
a medical advice. Always consult your doctor if you need professional
help.
(C) Natalie Katsman, 2004.
About The Author
Natalie Katsman is a co-founder of http://www.natural-aid.com,
where you can find fine quality aloe vera products for beauty and
well-being and subscribe to HealthySkin Newsletter filled with beauty
tips, recipes and information on herbal healing, skin care and cosmetic
chemistry.
info@natural-aid.com
Brought to you by Ample Advice
Natalie Katsman
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