Fade My Freckles!
Freckles, age spots, pregnancy mask - these harmless skin defects can be quite an annoying problem. We all want not only silky smooth complexion, but an even and healthy skin tone as well.
Freckles. Considered cute by some, they are a real problem for others. Freckles, a.k.a. ephelides, are small brown or tan patches common in individuals with lighter skin, blond or red hair, and blue, green or grey eyes. They appear early in life, increase in number during summer months and fade in winter. After the age of 40-45 they disappear, but who wants to wait?
Another type of skin discoloration is pregnancy mask, otherwise known as chloasma or melasma. It appears during pregnancy due to hormonal changes. Women with darker skin are more likely to develop this condition. After delivery, chloasma will fade, however some traces may still remain. It can also occur in women who are taking oral contraceptives.
Age spots - lentigines - are similar to freckles. They appear later in life and can occur in any skin type.
The good news is: if you know why the discoloration occurs and take measures to prevent and treat it, you can have an even skin tone at any age.
Freckles, age spots and pregnancy mask have several things in common. They are formed in sun exposed areas: face, hands, chest and back. These unwelcome brown patches are nothing more than accumulation of skin pigment melanin which is always produced by the skin. The amount of melanin present determines the skin tone of an individual. Extra melanin is produced by the body in response to sun exposure: it absorbs UV rays and does not allow them to penetrate deep into the skin layers as it would be damaging.
If you want to avoid skin discoloration, the first and the most important thing you need to do is to avoid sun exposure and wear sunscreen. This way your body will not need to produce more melanin.
Since melanin is accumulated in the upper layer of the skin, you might want to consider skin lightening and peeling. There are different products that can be used for this purpose:
- Hydroquinone has been a very popular treatment, however it can irritate the skin.
- Kojic acid, discovered in Japan in 1989, is a natural product derived from fungi (mushroom). It is gentle on the skin and very effective in treating skin discoloration. Penetrating upper skin layers, it inhibits the formation of the pigment.
- Alpha-hydroxy acids help to shed old cells faster, therefore they will be helpful as well. By removing the outer skin cells, which are usually darker, you will make your freckles or age spots lighter and less visible.
If you decide to use any of the above products, extra sun protection is imperative. If necessary, apply an SPF cream several times a day. By using skin lighteners and peels, you affect the upper darker layer. Lower layers are lighter, with less melanin present. If you don't protect your skin, it will launch its own defense mechanism producing more melanin. This will result in darker and more intensive discoloration, which can be even harder to get rid of.
Please remember that skin discoloration (excluding pregnancy mask, which should disappear after the delivery) require consistent treatment. Once you stop using lighteners and protection, the dark patches will be back. But keeping up with your skin regiment is not difficult: all you need is a gentle yet effective lightener and a moisturizer with complete UV protection - against both UVB and UVA rays.
Natural remedies you can use:
- Wash your face with sour milk. Lactic acid will provide gentle peeling effect without irritating or drying your skin.
- Lemon juice is a time proven freckle fighting remedy. It is not necessary to rub your skin with a piece of lemon. Applying the juice with your fingers will do the job.
- Fruit and vegetable masks (apricots, strawberries, cucumbers, red currant).
- Sour cream mask. Do not rinse this mask completely, just remove gently with a facial tissue, then apply a moisturizer. For oily skin - use lemon juice before applying the mask.
- Natural parsley juice (or parsley infusion) mixed with equal amounts of lemon juice, orange juice, and red currant juice under your favorite cream will help you keep your freckles invisible.
Last but not least - increase your Vitamin C intake! It makes your skin less sensitive to the sun. Foods rich in vitamin C include citrus fruits, apples, green onions, black and red currant, rosehip tea.
Please note that some types of skin discoloration are due to internal disorders. Poor liver functioning, hormonal or metabolism disorders, overactive thyroid can be the underlying reasons for unsightly cosmetic problems. If this is the case, start your treatment from the inside.
Note: Information in this article is not to be taken as a medical advice. Always consult your doctor if you need professional help.
(C) Natalie Katsman, 2004.
About The Author
Natalie Katsman is a co-founder of http://www.natural-aid.com, where you can find fine quality aloe vera products for beauty and well-being and subscribe to HealthySkin Newsletter filled with beauty tips, recipes and information on herbal healing, skin care and cosmetic chemistry.
 Google News Updated : Wed, 15 Oct 2008 17:58:10 GMT Polls: McCain forced to play defense in some red states - CNN
CNN - HEMPSTEAD, New York -- New polls out Wednesday in some crucial states that could decide the race for the White House suggest Sen. John McCain is having to defend himself in areas that once were reliably Republican. Union sues over policy banning political material at polling places Pollsters say odds of McCain winning election 'incredibly remote' Publ.Date : Wed, 15 Oct 2008 16:34:00 GMT Hurricane Omar gains strength and nears Puerto Rico - Reuters
Reuters - By John Marino SAN JUAN (Reuters) - Hurricane Omar strengthened on Wednesday as it bore down on Puerto Rico and the small islands of the northeastern Caribbean, and could be a "major" storm by the time it reaches them, US forecasters said. Omar on the Move. Paloma Next? Hurricane Omar heads for US Caribbean islands Publ.Date : Wed, 15 Oct 2008 16:12:36 GMT Obama’s spending how much on ads? - Christian Science Monitor
Christian Science Monitor - By Jimmy Orr | 10.15.08 It’s been a week of non-surprises thus far. Dallas Cowboys cornerback Adam “Pacman” Jones has been suspended - again. McCain calls for 'voter fraud' inquiry A stolen election? Publ.Date : Wed, 15 Oct 2008 16:03:33 GMT It's officially over: Madonna and Guy Ritchie are divorcing - New York Daily News
New York Daily News - BY LEO STANDORA Madonna's marriage to Guy Ritchie really is kaput , her rep told the Daily News on Wednesday. "Madonna and Guy Ritchie have agreed to divorce after 7 l/2 years of marrige," Liz Rosenberg said in a statement. Video: AP Exclusive: Madonna, Guy Ritchie to Divorce It's Official: Madonna And Guy Ritchie To Divorce Publ.Date : Wed, 15 Oct 2008 14:56:56 GMT AMR Plan to Buy 787s Will Update Fleet, Bolster Boeing Program - Bloomberg
Bloomberg - By Susanna Ray and Mary Schlangenstein Oct. 15 (Bloomberg) -- AMR Corp.'s American Airlines said it may buy as many as 100 Boeing Co. AMR overcomes fuel costs to squeeze out small profit AMR 3Q Net Down 74%, To Buy Up To 100 Dreamliners Publ.Date : Wed, 15 Oct 2008 17:24:10 GMT Migraine-hit Janet Jackson to resume US tour - Reuters
Reuters - By Alex Dobuzinskis LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - A rare form of migraine forced Janet Jackson to cancel several dates on her Rock Witchu concert tour but she planned to return to the stage on Wednesday in Washington, DC, her manager said. Jackson was laid low by migraines Janet Jackson: She's Baaaaack* Publ.Date : Wed, 15 Oct 2008 17:02:47 GMT Jerry Jones exposed as gutless by Goodell's ruling - FOXSports.com
FOXSports.com - by Ian O'Connor Ian O'Connor is the author of the New York Times bestseller "Arnie & Jack: Palmer, Nicklaus, and Golf's Greatest Rivalry," which Kirkus Reviews calls an "exemplary sports history. Video: Dallas' Adam Jones Suspended Again Give Cowboys credit for not counting on Adam 'Pacman' Jones too much Publ.Date : Wed, 15 Oct 2008 16:52:30 GMT Earn Money With Surveys |
PARLOT::Ebooks, Scripts,
Websites, and more... The facts about tanning bed safety are some what convoluted.... Read More I imagine you can tell me at length about how... Read More The factors contributing to acne breakouts are many. Hormonal influences,... Read More Cost of non prescription color contacts can vary quite a... Read More This guide will give you the basic directions for nail... Read More Tanning products, both sunless and sun, work on the epidermis,... Read More Teeth whitening is a process of lightening the color of... Read More The fountain of youth has always been the most sought-after... Read More While we have made significant progress in our understanding of... Read More Dental implants offer many advantages over traditional tooth replacement procedures.... Read More Medical Tourism is a new and developing concept worldwide and... Read More The plastic surgery has become a multi-million dollar one, as... Read More Visiting a tanning booth to tan may be safer than... Read More How To Apply Your MakeupSTEP 1: FOUNDATION: After Cleansing, Toning... Read More Collagen is one of the main constituents of our skin.... Read More Tanning salons continue to be extremely popular in all areas... Read More If you suffer from dry skin your probably always looking... Read More Healthy skin happens when we eats good foods, have enough... Read More The history of the Celtic peoples goes back thousands of... Read More Most of us are all too familiar with that "dreaded"... Read More Jeremy was the kind of guy who always wanted the... Read More Breast Augmentation ? Cosmetic SurgeryHow it's performed: Breast surgery depends... Read More Pregnancy is a wonderful time in a woman's life. One... Read More Skin Care Products Wont Work! No skin care or cosmetic... Read More Beauty salon equipment is a broad term that applies to... Read More
Adsense
websites
Tanning Bed Safety
Wonderful Foaming Honey Foot Bath at Home
A Crazy Life and Pimples
Cost of Non Prescription Color Contacts
How To Give A Manicure
Sunless Tanning: Tips For A Safe, Gorgeous Tan
Teeth Whitening
The Fountain of Youth
Look Younger Now!:
What are Dental Implants?
Options Available for Cosmetic Surgery in India
All About Plastic Surgery
Tanning Booths - Safer Than You Think!
How To Apply Your Makeup
Collagen in Skincare
Tanning Salon Equipment
Dry Skin Prevention Tips
A Cheap and Natural Way to Healthy Skin
Celtic Tattoos and Their Popularity
Skin Care, Body Rhythms, and Sleep
The Best Self Tanning Lotion
Breast Augmentation ? Cosmetic Surgery
Natural Ways to Treat Stretch Marks
Why Skin Care Products Wont Work!
A Guide to Beauty Salon Equipment
Affordable and Reliable Web Hosting Starting at $4.49/Month
Plastic Surgery - A Risky Business
When most of us think of plastic surgery, we contemplate... Read More
Sunless Sun Tanning
With more and more of us understanding the serious consequences... Read More
Want Healthy Glowing Skin?
Are you struggling with skin problems like acne, eczema, psoriasis... Read More
Wonderful Foaming Honey Foot Bath at Home
I imagine you can tell me at length about how... Read More
5 Hot Hair Style Trends For 2005
Folks are so diverse in 2005, which means that there's... Read More
Silicone Breast Implants Revived by FDA
On July 28 2005, the FDA issued a letter of... Read More
Benefits of Soy in Facial Creams
Creams with soy are recommended around 40yrs and up or... Read More
Natural Skin Care Products - Why Natural Ingredients Work Best on Skin
Natural skin care products seem to be on the rise... Read More
Drop The High Street Drag - Shop For Style Online!
Surely it's considered a major fashion faux pas ? turning... Read More
What Do Plastic Surgery Pictures Look Like?
The plastic surgery pictures usually come in pairs. One shot... Read More
Rhinoplasty Facility Costs
No matter where the doctor and the anesthesiologist are going... Read More
Great Looking Skin
Maintaining great skin can be a challenge if you don't... Read More
What are Fusion Hair Extensions?
Hair extensions can be attached to your head in many... Read More
What the Peat Bog People Can Tell Us About Beauty
Over the past centuries, remains of many hundreds of people--... Read More
For All Those Beginners: How Do I Put On Make-Up?
It is very important to start with a clean slate.... Read More
Get Rid Of All Those Expensive Skin Creams - They Could Be Causing You To Look Older Than You Are!
To drastically improve your skin tone simply add two to... Read More
The Benefits of Shea Healing Butter
Shea HEALING butter is a high performance lotion, and cream... Read More
7 Steps to Great Makeup
1. Avoid wearing too muchMakeup is meant to enhance features... Read More
Colored Contact Lenses - How to Choose the Color That is Best for You
You want colored contact lenses but you aren't sure which... Read More
Straight Hairstyles Are Easy
The patented ultra smooth ceramic plates on flat iron hair... Read More
Crazy Contact Lenses ? Freak Out Your Friends!
You've seen them before either in music videos, in theatre,... Read More
Color Contact Lenses - Do They Work on Dark Eyes?
Do you want to change dark eye color to something... Read More
Make-up for Color Contact Lenses - Expert Secrets
Color contacts are great, whether you wear enhancement color lenses... Read More
Tips on Using a Hair Iron
The hair iron is coming more and more popular. It... Read More
How to Choose the Right Sunless Tanning Product
Sunless tanning products come in several forms. The efficacy and... Read More
Beauty |