This story is from our partner EcoSalon and was originally published 6/21/2010.
It happens to all of us. You spend your teens and 20s running around without a skin care in the world. Rosy cheeks are the norm and crow’s feet are more Snow White than Betty White. Then it happens. After actually living a full life of sun and, well, living, you start to notice. As Dolly Parton says in Steel Magnolias, “Time marches on and it’s marching across your face.” Yep. It is.
And we love that! You’re not going to find tips for Botox or fillers here. I live in a town (cough cough Hollywood) where meeting an old friend for dinner can mean you’re suddenly staring down at their high school face. But this is one greenie who will never put a toxic chemical or needle near her face. So what I will do? Attempt to naturally address the dark spots – okay, age spots – that have been making themselves known on my face in recent years.
First, the facts. Dark spots are sometimes the result of too much sun and sometimes the result of hormonal changes. They can be caused by pregnancy, birth control pills, acne scarring, some antibiotics, certain diseases and more. Melanin is a key component in our skin’s defense from the sun. And dark spots are simply an excess of melanin in the skin.
Now, the tips. First, prevention. I will say it thrice for emphasis. Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen, and sunscreen. Okay, four times. In case you’re wondering, here are some great recommendations for natural and/or organic sunscreen, for face and body.
Exfoliate at least twice a week. This will encourage new skin cells to the surface of the skin and help maintain a more radiant glow. Want great natural products? Yep, we have you covered there as well.
Next, start lightening. Juice an organic grapefruit two times a day. Using a clean cotton swap, smooth the juice all over your face. Grapefruit contains natural lightening properties.
Potatoes also have lightening agents in their juice. Cut a thin slice of organic potato every evening and rub it into your skin.
Dried oranges also make a great mask. One beauty expert suggests the following: “Dry orange peels in sun. When they are fully dried, grind them in a mixture and make powder. Add raw milk to it, make a paste and apply it on your skin every day. Rinse it off with lukewarm water when dries.”
Narine Nikogosian of “Return to Beauty” suggests a pigmentation mask best for oily skin: Mix one tablespoon of chopped parsley with one tablespoon of honey. Mix ingredients together. Apply to the affected area and leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse with cold water. If you have dry skin, substitute the honey with one tablespoon of sour cream.
