How to Lighten Brown Spots on Face Naturally
January 8, 2014
As we age, our skin is more prone to brown spots or other signs of uneven skin tone. Brown spots on the face are often called liver spots, but they have really nothing to do with the liver. It would be more fitting to call them sun spots because the main cause is the damaging rays of the sun. But no matter the name, these new spots can make us feel self conscious. Chemical peels and dermabrasion both remove the top layer of skin, creating more evenly pigmented skin, but they're also more expensive and invasive than more natural options. Whenever you go outside, skin cells create melanin and in order to solve skin pigmentation issues such as brown spots on the face you need to decrease the metabolism of melanin. As you age, the production of melanin becomes more erratic, that’s why by age 40 the skin begins to produce more and more age spots. Hormonal changes, acne, and inflammatory changes can also cause both brown spots and red spots on face. But you can take steps to turn back the clock.
How to Lighten Brown Spots on Face
1. It’s never too late to protect your skin from the damaging rays of the sun. No matter your age, choose a broad spectrum sunscreen with UVA/UVB protection.
2. Cover up. If you're out in the sun for long periods of time, it's always best to cover your face with a wide-brimmed hat.
3. Choose over-the-counter facial products made with licorice extract to absorb UVA and UVB rays. Licorice extract also has a de-pigmenting agent that inhibits the production of melanin.
4. Consider aloe, a natural skin lightening and moisturizing agent that's safe and subtle when applied topically.
Sara Novak is a Natural Health Care Expert for Zax Health. Follow her on Twitter at @sarafnovak.