If dark spots or uneven skin tone has occurred, there are a few different types of natural treatments that may be used to help your skin tone to be more even. Also, keep in mind that these treatment options may be used in a preventative manner, to avoid the dark spots from appearing in the first place. A good skin care regimen should focus on prevention as well as treatment of problems that have already occurred.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Raw apple cider vinegar can be an effective way to balance skin tones and reduce the appearance of dark spots. It contains essential nutrients and can be applied directly to the affected area. The best way to apply apple cider vinegar is by wetting a cotton ball with the vinegar and dabbing the area several times per day. Many people have found that apple cider vinegar can help to reduce blemishes and balance skin tones.

When you purchase the apple cider vinegar, be sure you are buying it in the “raw” form. Standard grocery stores sell apple cider vinegar that has been highly processed, and that processing removes many of the natural benefits that can be gained from the vinegar. Raw apple cider vinegar can be purchased at the health food store, health food sections of some major grocery stores or online.

Essential Oils

A mask can be made with essential oils and oatmeal to help even out your skin tone. Cook and cool oatmeal, and combine 3 tablespoons of the oatmeal with 1/2 teaspoon lavender essential oil and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice (freshly squeezed is best). Stir well to combine all ingredients, and then apply to your skin and allow it to remain on your skin for 10 minutes. Gently rinse your skin with warm water and follow up with a natural skin cleanser.  Of course the Green Tea Cleanser is my favorite, don’t forget your toner and then moisturize.

Frankincense and sandalwood are both beneficial to promote good skin health, and can help to reduce the look of scars and uneven skin tone. Mix a few drops of essential oil with 1 tablespoon of carrier oil (such as coconut oil, jojoba oil or almond oil), and apply to the affected area. This essential oil mixture can be applied morning and night. Frankincense has been found to promote healthy cell growth and reduce inflammation.

If uneven skin tones are a result of acne breakouts, try using essential oils to heal and prevent the acne. Essential oils contain natural antibacterial properties which can be beneficial to get rid of acne-causing bacteria. Tea tree oil is an effective acne treatment, and can be applied with a carrier oil on the affected areas several times a day. If the acne outbreak is hormonal, try using clary sage essential oil which can help to balance hormones and prevent hormonal outbreaks.

Skin Lightening Products

Certain products can help to lighten or minimize dark spots, and there are several options to choose from. There are different medical skin creams that can be used, but natural dark spot removers  work just as well and they are safer to use. Natural lightening products include:

• Emblica fruit extract

• Pearl powder

• Niacinamide (a water soluble vitamin from the vitamin B group)

• Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (vitamin C in a stable form)

• Arbutin

Microdermabrasion

Why do I mention microdermabrasion? Because you’re curious and I’ve gotten thousands of calls and emails about microdermabrasion as a way to even out your skin. Tread waters carefully with microdermabrasion because the skin care “professional” treating your skin must know your skin.
I consider microdermabrasion to be an alternative treatment for removing dark spots and evening out your skin tone.  While it can work, I can’t say this enough, the skin therapist treating your skin must be very skilled in treating skin of color.

That being said, A microdermabrasion treatment may be beneficial to help your skin tone become more even. When microdermabrasion is used, a specific type of tool is used to gently remove the dead or damaged layers of skin. Removing these damaged layers allows new skin to develop more evenly. It is a natural way to “buff” the skin and encourage healthy skin growth.

As with most natural skin care remedies, you will see  improvement over time.  It will be suggested that you have multiple treatments but this will all depend on the condition of your skin and the therapist treating your skin.

Prevention is Key

It is good to use natural treatments to reduce the appearance of dark spots and uneven skin, but the most effective thing that can be done is to prevent the dark spots from appearing in the first place. With a little bit of preventative maintenance, it is possible to reduce the possibility of dark spots appearing.

Prevention includes standard skin care practices:

• Using a natural skin cleanser daily to avoid acne outbreaks

• Treating any pimples with a natural remedy to allow your skin to heal more quickly

• Apply sunscreen to avoid sun damage

• Use a quality skin moisturizer which will help to balance the natural oils in your skin

If your skin has recently been injured, helichrysum is a good essential oil to apply to the wound or pimple, diluted of course, because it promotes faster healing and helps to reduce inflammation. Reducing inflammation can be beneficial because of the fact that it can help to prevent increased melanin production in ethnic skin.

Note:  Essential oils should always be diluted.  You do this by adding a few drops into a carrier oil.  Unless you are skilled or become skilled in the use of essential oil, tread waters carefully or find an aromatherapist that understands essential oils and African American Skin.

As Always …

Dedicated To Your Beauty

Juliette Samuel
Esthetician/Author/Publisher
Nyraju Skin Care