Authored by Kate Beswick in Skin Care
Published on 09-17-2009
Many people suffer from unwanted dark spots on their face. These dark spots are caused by melanin in the skin. Melanin gives skin its natural color. However, when melanin is not distributed evenly throughout the skin cells, dark spots and an uneven skin tone are the result. Even though some may not be comforted knowing the reasons behind their dark spots, they might be comforted to know that there is something they can do about them! Of course there are many skin lighteners and bleaches on the market that can help with these spots. But dark spots can also be removed using all-natural homemade facial skin lighteners. And all-natural is always a much better solution!
Almonds are one of the best homemade facial skin lighteners that can be used to get rid of dark spots. One way to use almonds is to combine ½ teaspoon of almond powder, 1 teaspoon of honey, and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. While the almond powder and lemon work to lighten the dark spots, the honey will be hard at work to soften the skin. After mixing, apply to the face and leave on for 15 minutes. Then just wash off with cool water!
Another way to use almonds for skin lightening is to combine them with milk. Crushing a small amount of almonds and combining them with milk will make a great paste that can be used as a homemade facial skin lightener. Simply apply the mixture to the entire face and leave it on for 15 minutes. Rinse with cool water and repeat this process every day. In less than a week, this paste will provide a more even and lighter skin tone.
The combination of yogurt and fruit is also a great way to naturally lighten the skin at home. To make this home remedy, simply combine: 1 tablespoon of plain yogurt; a few strawberries, or a cup of papaya chunks; 1 teaspoon of honey; 1 teaspoon of olive oil; and 2 teaspoons of oatmeal. Apply this mask to the face and leave on for 20 minutes before rinsing off with cold water. While the oatmeal and fruit will exfoliate the skin, the honey and yogurt will help to keep it soft and supple.
Mixing lemon juice and rose water is an excellent way to get rid of dark spots but this remedy might require a little more effort. This is because the rose water first needs to be made. This can be done by placing a clean, large brick or rock into a large pot. On top of the pot place a large glass bowl. Add the rose petals into the pot, making sure there are enough to come to the top of the brick. Once this is done, water can be added to the pot but it’s important that there’s only enough water to cover the top of the brick. Once the water is in the pot, place the lid upside down on top of the pot and bring the water to a boil. Once it’s reached a rolling boil, place ice cubes on top of the lid and replace them as they melt.
This method of making rose water will cause the steam from the hot water to rise until it meets the coldness of the lid. As this happens the steam will condense on the other side of the lid. This results in the rose-infused steam to drip down into the center of the pot, which is where the bowl will be sitting to collect it all! Once you have made the rose water, combine it with lemon juice and leave on. Even though this method takes some doing at first, you don’t even need to wait for it work, or rinse it off!
