Turmeric works amazingly well to treat dark spots and patches. Combined with other potent skin lightening ingredients, it can work really fast to fade acne scars and dark spots. Interestingly, an extract from turmeric, called tetrahydrocurcumin, is now a main ingredient in dark spot clearing creams.
Studies have shown turmeric to reduce dark spots on the skin—AKA hyperpigmentation. In fact, one study showed that a turmeric-extract cream reduced hyper-pigmentation up to 14 per cent after four weeks of use.
Turmeric powder for dark spots
Mix 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder with 1-2 teaspoons of milk and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. Mix these three ingredients until it forms a paste. Leave this on for 20 minutes and rinse with lukewarm water and don't forget to apply moisturizer.
A recent study found that turmeric essential oil in a lotion formulation can brighten skin within three weeks with results that last just as long. These glowing benefits are likely the result of powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds working together to heal and bring out the natural health of skin.
Avoid leaving on overnight, as turmeric has the propensity to stain (especially if you have lighter skin). You can try washing your face with milk, if there is some staining from this yellow spice. You can use the mask up to two to three times per week.
Turmeric doesn't darken the skin. In fact, turmeric has skin-lightening properties which help you get rid of dark spots effectively without causing any side-effects. Using turmeric along with other moisturizing ingredients such as milk or honey will help improve your skin complexion.
It may help with acne scarring
You may want to try a turmeric face mask to help reduce acne and any resulting scars. The anti-inflammatory qualities can target your pores and calm the skin. Turmeric is also known to reduce scarring. This combination of uses may help your face clear up from acne breakouts.
"Its anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties have been shown to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, as well as brighten the skin by lightening dark spots and improving overall skin tone." Even better, you can easily whip up a turmeric mask in your kitchen.
The condition is called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), and it's insanely common among all skin tones. The spots typically appear after your skin has experienced some type of inflammation (acne, mosquito bites, or other traumas).
While Green says that retin-a (tretinoin) or retinoids are best, retinol is the next best bet without a prescription. “Retinol is a weaker over-the-counter formula of retinoids and can provide similar benefits in reducing the appearance of dark spots, although it will typically take much longer,” Green explains.
Most dark spots will then fade on their own over time, but it may take a long time. Skin injury: As the wound heals, you may see a dark spot or patch. In time, the hyperpigmentation will fade if you don't re-injure your skin.
Use Aloe Vera Gel
As we all know aloe vera is the jack of all trades, you should use its goodness to remove dark spots from your face. To use this, mix 2 tsp of fresh aloe vera gel and 1 tsp honey in a bowl. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes.
Sea salt helps combat the overproduction of oil, leading to clogged pores. It also absorbs toxins, including acne-causing bacteria, and works to treat those pesky dark spots pimpled leave behind. For an easy blemish buster, mix 1 cup of warm water with 3 tablespoons of sea salt.
Might Lighten Dark Spots
Vitamin C-based skin care products may lighten patches that are darker than the rest of your skin, called hyperpigmentation. In one study, vitamin C applied to the skin for 16 weeks significantly cut down on these spots.
“Kitchen turmeric Powder can be applied on the face because it is convenient to use and easily available. … If you have dry skin, STAY AWAY because turmeric has the tendency of drying the skin a little bit. And turmeric will stain (not because of artificial colouring but it's a natural property).”
Age spots are caused by overactive pigment cells. Ultraviolet (UV) light speeds up the production of melanin, a natural pigment that gives skin its color. On skin that has had years of sun exposure, age spots appear when melanin becomes clumped or is produced in high concentrations.
Hyperpigmentation may seem like a summer thing and a nonissue during the fall and winter months, but this isn't the case. Dry weather, cold temperatures, and decreased humidity can cause dry patches on the skin and worsen skin conditions like acne, psoriasis, and eczema, leaving behind persistent dark spots.
Toothpaste contains bleaching agents that lighten dark spots like dark underarms. However, only use white toothpaste (preferably white Colgate toothpaste) because colored or gel toothpaste usually contains chemicals that might irritate sensitive underarm skin.