Summer means lots of time spent enjoying the great outdoors. One drawback? This may mean sun spots. Learn how to lighten spots and brighten skin naturally.

Sunshine makes us feel good. Why does there have to be a downside? We know that overexposure means skin aging and can even lead to skin cancer. It also causes skin discoloration and those nasty dark spots we hate to see.

Obvi, the best way to deal with sun spots is to prevent them in the first place. Proper sun protection will help to ward off discoloration. Still, you may end up with a spot or two. Before you go running to the nearest laser spa or purchase a bullet proof concealer, read on.

It’s true. There are natural ingredients that do a great job of lightening spots and brightening skin. And most are gentle enough for sensitive skin. Regular use can help to lighten damage and get your glow back.

Natural Ingredients to Lighten Sun Spots (Plus Product Picks!)

Rosehip oil is nature’s Retin-A. It contains a healthy dose of retinol (Vitamin A)which is a great anti-ager and, you guessed it, skin lightener. Can be used on its own as a spot treatment or facial as part of a facial serum. One note of caution – when using a product that contains Vitamin A, avoid direct sunlight as it may form free radicals which accelerate skin aging and the spread of existing skin cancer. Dr. Alkaitis Organic Night Crème delivers this healing ingredient to skin while you sleep.

Vitamin C is another effective skin brightener. Try Dr. Alkaitis Organic Day Crème with Vitamin C complex to repair damage during the day. Aloe helps to soothe upset skin. This moisturizer is very light. For dry skin types, use in combination with a facial oil or serum.

Turmeric calms inflammation, slows skin aging, and promotes even skin tone. It also adds the lightest touch of natural glow. May Lindstrom Skin The Problem Solver is an antioxidant rich facial mask, which includes detoxifying charcoal, to bring skin back into balance.

Licorice Root extract lightens sun damage, hyperpigmentation, and lends overall brightness to skin. Also said to boost the mood, this ingredient is definitely worth a shot. Try Amala Rejuvenating Serum which also addresses anti-aging issues, decreasing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Can’t decide which of these fabulous ingredients to enlist first? No worries. The lovely RMS Beauty Oil contains Rosehip, Turmeric, Licorice, plus skin brightening Tamanu in a super light, divinely scented facial oil.

Seeing spots on backs of hands? Amala Hydrating Hand Cream contains Papaya Fruit extract. The fruit contains an enzyme called papain, said to boost cell turnover and brighten the skin.

Adequate SPF plus some of these natural power lighteners equal even, healthy skin. Now go enjoy your summer!

*Disclaimer: Help support EcoSalon! Our site is dedicated to helping people live a conscious lifestyle. We’ve provided some affiliate links above in case you wish to purchase any of these products.

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Handy Home Solutions to Treat Skin’s Dark Spots

Image of bright skin girl in sun via Shutterstock

The post How to Lighten Sun Spots and Brighten Skin Naturally appeared first on EcoSalon.

Recently, I took a gander at the world of teen tanning when a “Teens determined to tan, no matter what” headline screamed at me from Msnbc.com. I learned that one in nine teenagers uses sunless tanning products. Cause for “yay, they’re out of the sun,” right? Nope, said teenagers are also using these products alongside tanning beds and bad sun burns.

And dermatologists are noticing. Some report seeing patients in their early 20s with skin more akin to what you get in your mid-30s. This includes the beginning of wrinkles and age spot. Age spots, also known as sun or liver spots, are flat black-brown spots that occur on areas of the skin most exposed to sun. They may be more noticeable on lighter-skinned folk, though all races have them. They like to show up on faces and hands and can also be the result of hormones and acne scarring.

The good news? Age spots are not cancerous. The bad news? If you don’t like them, they can be difficult to rid yourself of them. Some dermatologists use cryotherapy (freezing,) laser therapy, and topical creams. Sun spots are relatively preventable if you start young and are meticulous about wearing sunscreen. But – who was really good about slathering on sunscreen when we were ten years old splashing away in an outdoor swimming pool? If you’re raising your hand alongside me right now, odds are you may be dealing with them.

And yes, sun spots are all part of the natural process of aging. So embrace your age spots – and then, if you choose, send them on their merry way to oblivion. You can consult a dermatologist who will provide you with all sorts of medical options to restore your face to a more even tone – many of which ask you to turn into a chemical receptacle and fork over wheelbarrows full of cash. And so, we’ve already looked at cheaper, homemade remedies to fight dark spots. But this got us thinking – is there a natural product out there that does that trick?

Happily, there seems to be one that helps in La Isha’s Natural Age Spot Eraser ($45.00). La Isha skin care is based on clinical essential oil therapy, inspired when owner Sharon Gnatt Epel’s young son suffered severe chemical burns after a white water river expedition in Panama. (The river was filled with illegal toxic chemicals used by a nearby plantation.) Epel’s son was entirely healed by using medical-grade essentials oil, and she has used the experience to develop a complete line of skin care based on natural essential oils.

But does her Natural Age Spot Eraser work? After using a tiny sample of it for two weeks straight on my most nefarious age spot, I can report that said age spot is, in fact, lighter. Is it gone completely? No, though, to be fair, this product does claim to only gradually fade spots and discolorations. Further, we are instructed to allow a full 90 days for extra stubborn spots.

Containing organic essential oils like “Frankincense, German chamomile, Roman chamomile,” the smell rocks. It feels a bit like aromatherapy when I leave it on my face. And it does not contain hydroquinone or any other harsh artificial chemical-based lighteners. It is pricey at $45, but a little does goes a long way.

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Image: Jason Anfinsen

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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! Obvs, due to the eco in EcoSalon, 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.

Image: C.K.H

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