An uneven skin tone can stem from a variety of factors, including sun damage, stress, pollution, acne scars, certain medical conditions and certain additives in cosmetics. It may also be genetic; if your close family members have unevenly pigmented skin, chances are, you do too.
Americans spend millions of dollars per year on products that claim to even out skin tone, correct dark spots and diminish the look of scars. However, some of these products do absolutely nothing, and some only appear to correct the problem while actually damaging your skin further.
The following are some easy, completely natural solutions that may work wonders for your complexion.
Aloe Vera
The aloe vera plant is truly nature’s gift to skin. Not only can it alleviate painful sunburn, it can also help moisturize your skin, stimulate new cell and tissue growth, and restore a radiant complexion while helping to even out skin pigment.
Instead of using aloe vera gels from the drugstore, which often contain unnecessary and potentially detrimental additives, why not get an aloe vera plant of your own to grow in your home?
Aloe vera plants are attractive, very easy to take care of, require only minimal water, and can also improve air quality. If you live in a warmer climate, you can also grow them in your yard or window box.
To use, simply cut a mature leaf, and squeeze out the jelly inside. Apply liberally to your skin, and rinse after about half an hour. Doing this daily can have a significant positive impact on your skin tone.
Aside from aloe, there are other natural remedies that, when applied to the skin, can do wonders for your complexion:
Raw Honey: Moisturizes, exfoliates dead skin cells, lightens skin, and may help fade acne scarring and dark spots.
Oatmeal: Exfoliates dead skins cells, leading to softer and more even skin.
Cucumber: Binds collagen and contributes to skin firmness.
Turmeric: Contains antioxidants that promote even skin tone and overall skin health.
Orange: High in vitamin C, which encourages the growth of new cells.
Lemon: Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, as well as acidity that can lighten complexion.
Yogurt: Filled with nutrients that nourish the skin, as well as lactic acid that can help to lighten dark areas.
You can experiment with combinations of the above-listed ingredients to make various exfoliating scrubs and masks for your skin. For example, you can mix yogurt with raw honey or grated cucumber and add a dash of turmeric. Apply to your face, and rinse after about 20 minutes for a nourishing mask.
Or, you can mix oatmeal with raw honey for a great scrub – just be sure to exfoliate gently and avoid scrubbing too hard. Freshly-squeezed orange and lemon juices can also be used as natural, skin-toning astringents.
With all of the nutrition and skin-restorative properties contained in these ingredients, you are sure to find the combination that works best for your skin.
-The Alternative Daily