When we spot certain changes on our skin, whether it is skin discoloration, moles, skin tags, or another irregularity, we should always seek doctor’s advice on how to treat them.
However, there are also natural remedies for treating certain skin conditions that are quite effective. Many of these remedies have been passed down from generation to generation, and as time passes, plenty of people turn to nature to seek cures in various plants, seeds, roots, and leaves.
Age spots & hyperpigmentation
As we age, our skin tends to change in many ways. Among the rest, most people over the age of 50, sometimes younger, experience age spots, which may be a result of an overproduction of melanin due to prolonged sun exposure over time, or a result of genetic makeup. Hyperpigmentation, or the darkening of the skin in certain areas, is another condition caused by sun exposure, as well as hormonal changes, or certain inflammation.
For both these conditions, it is essential to treat them as soon as we notice them. In fact, we can also act to prevent them from appearing in the first place by wearing sunscreen protection such as a minimum SPF (sun protection factor) of 30 every day no matter the weather conditions, sunglasses, hats, and sun protective clothing.
However, in case they appear, there are ways to prevent the spreading.
- Aloe Vera: According to a 2012 study on the effects of aloin in aloe vera, it has been determined that aloin acts as a natural depigmentation compound and as such it can be used to treat age spots and hyperpigmentation naturally. Apply on the affected areas before going to bed and rinse in the morning.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: contains acetic acid, which can help exfoliate the skin and lighten dark spots. It also has mild antiseptic properties that contribute to overall skin health.
- Orchid Extracts: help reduce dark spots significantly over the course of eight weeks usage. Apply it to the affected areas or use masks and face creams containing these extracts.
- Green Tea Extract: Apply a green tea extract serum or cream directly to the dark spots to reduce them. The green tea extract helps treating age spots and hyperpigmentation due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. At the same time, it may inhibit melanin production.
- Black Tea: According to a study on guinea pigs, black tea may help lighten dark spots, however, there are no available human studies. To use this remedy, steep black tea leaves in boiling distilled water for two hours, strain the liquid, and apply it to your face with a cotton ball once per day.
Although these remedies include natural ingredients, before applying any of it do a patch test to see how your skin would react.
Skin tags
Skin tags, as explained by Mayo Clinic, “are small noncancerous, or benign, skin growths. Usually, they are flesh-colored bumps of tissue connected to the skin’s surface by a narrow stalk. The color, texture, size and width of the base can vary.”
The removal of skin tags is rather simple and usually quite effective, but it is recommended to be performed under the guidance of a physician.
There are also some natural remedies you can try at home.
- Tea Tree Oil: Because of its natural antibacterial and antiviral properties, tea tree oil can be used to get rid of skin tags. Before application, the oil needs to be diluted by mixing a few drops of it with a carrier oil such as coconut oil, jojoba oil, or olive oil with the ratio of 1-2 drops of tea tree oil per teaspoon of carrier oil. Gently rub the mixture on the skin tag before bed and cover it with a bandaid overnight. Repeat until the skin tag is gone.
- At-home freezing kits: work to eliminate skin tags by using a cryogenic substance that freezes and destroys the tissue. Before applying it, make sure you read the instructions. Avoid applying it to the healthy skin around the affected area.
Warts
Warts are noncancerous growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which has over 100 strains. While generally harmless, warts can be irritating and occasionally painful.
Some home remedies that are efficient in the fight against warts are:
- Apple Cider Vinegar: may help in fighting warts because its acetic acid can eliminate some bacteria and viruses. The vinegar’s burning effect helps to erode the infected skin, leading to the wart falling off over time. Remember to dilute ACV with water before using it.
- Bee Propolis: Propolis, created by bees from pollen, beeswax, bee enzymes, and plant materials, has shown antiviral qualities and helps with skin cell production, making it a popular remedy for acne, wounds, and HPV-related warts. Apply it to the wart, bandage it overnight, repeat until the wart is fully treated.
- Duct Tape: To use duct tape in order to get rid of warts simply cut a small piece and cover the wart with it, leaving it for three to six days. Before repeating the process soak the wart in water and gently exfoliate it, then leave it uncovered to 10 to 12 hours.
Blackheads
Blackheads are caused by excess oil production of the skin, hormonal changes, dead skin cells, or from certain medications.
Some over the counter treatments include:
- Salicylic acid
- AHAs and BHAs
- Topical retinoids
- Clay Masks
- Charcoal Masks
- Baking soda and water
These help fight blackheads by exfoliating dead skin and reduce excess oil production.
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