Dark Spots Begone! Flawless Skin Is Achievable!

*UPDATE 2/26/2016 Please read my most recent post on the Jan Marini Skin Mangament System, I’ve had such dramatic results in the short amount of time that I have been using it, it makes me regret spending money on all the other skin care products.

Clear blemish free skin is my idea of a beautiful face. We can’t control our features, but we do have some control over the health and condition of our dermis (skin). Healthy skin begins with a balanced diet, plenty of water, and an effective skin care regime. But what happens when mother nature throws a couple of genetic wrenches at you? You know like hyperpigmentation due to a darker complexion, common with African Americans such as myself. And what about ingrown hairs? I mean women aren’t supposed to have hairs on their faces besides maybe their side burns and eyebrows! WRONG! I’m going to fess up to a few stray strands in less than appealing places, but I won’t let them detract from my beauty! No way! There are ways for us (and it’s more women than you think) women and men with skin challenges to deal and OVERCOME!  So if you suffer from dark marks associated with acne, ingrown hairs (folliculitis), freckles, etc, read on for ways to cope.

DARK SPOTS BEGONE!

I’d first like to preface this with a statement that I am not a doctor, esthetician, or a dermatologist. Just a simple Texas girl who likes to do tons of research on how to cure simple ailments through natural and safe topical methods. Of course I’d recommend speaking with a dermatologist for serious skin issues.

Okay, confessions time! I suffer from a often overlooked condition called Folliculitis. This is when hair follicles get infected and cause small inflamed pustules that look like pimples. I’ve gotten a few on my face before, as I have a few stray hairs and my sideburns can sometimes cause these little pimples to form. It’s embarrassing! But with a vigilant skincare regimen which includes washing my face before bed always, occasional face peels, and healing clay masks, I have been able to turn my once acne prone skin, into a beautiful and clear canvas. It’s taken years of learning what works for my skin, but I am here! Now I’m left with the aftermath that is small craters from cystic acne and dark spots from plucking hairs & popping the pimples. 😞

First of, if you suffer from stray hairs in the form of a mustache, thick side burns or anywhere else on your face that you’d rather not have hair, my #1 suggestion would be to DO NOT PLUCK THEM! That is unless you do not have issues with Hyperpigmentation , dark spots caused by the over production of melanin from damage to skin in the form of pimples, bumps, or scratches. This condition is most common in individuals with a darker complexion, but can result in pink scarring in fair skin individuals as well. When you pluck your hairs, it can cause damage at the root of the follicle, which then can lead to hyperpigmentation. Trust me, that’s how I got a few of my own scars.

If you must remove the hair yourself, I’d suggest using a depilatory cream such as Nair, or investing in $10 in a facial hair trimmer. It’s small like a laser pointer and trims eyebrows, sideburns, or whatever facial hair needs trimming, and most important of all, it doesn’t cause hyperpigmentation.

And don’t be embarrassed by your less than ladylike problem. God makes no mistakes and even celebrities suffer from these issues…

Not to put anyone on Blast or anything, but it’s a little nice to know that even the most beautiful women in Hollywood suffer from un-Hollywood like problems.

So how can you get rid of the dark spots once your acne or folliculitis is under control?

There are several products that I’ve used and have seen actual results from. Unfortunately for me, I was not yet committed to the no plucking, no popping rules when it comes to skin problems. And guess what? Yep! Those scars that we’re beginning to fade, came right back! But this time, they are going to be gone for good.

The three products above once helped me fade my scars. The Power Peel by Ole Henrickson and the Alpha Beta Peel by Dr. Dennis Gross are microdermabrasion imitators. They use acids to remove the top layers of skin which over time, can brighten skin tone, and little by little those dark marks are lifted away! This could take some time and $$$!! Cha-Ching! I prefer the Alpha BetA pads by Dr.Dennis gross. That product will most likely be a staple in my skincare arsenal for a while. The Clinique Even Better Dark Spot Corrector is one of the most popular dark spot fading creams. It doesn’t contain the harmful hydroquinone that most fade creams do. It works, BUT IT’S IMPERATIVE to use SPF to prevent the dark marks from reappearing. And it’s also $$$$$ pricey!

And then there are the All-Natural alternatives…

Through a little natural remedy research, I found that by rubbing lemon or lime juice on the dark marks, letting them sit for about 20 minutes and then washing it off, you can get the same effects as an expensive facial
Peel system! Go figure, seems mother nature always has a simpler answer.

. 😉

*UPDATE 12/26/12

I’ve been using lime juice on my face for about a week now and I have to say, my dark spots are lightening. There is one problem though, I did recently start using a Tea Tree dark spot treatment from The Body Shop two weeks ago, so I can’t for sure say the results are strictly from the lime juice. I’d like to think it is only because I didn’t notice any difference in the marks until I started using the lime juice. And not only that but after washing the juice off, my skin feels amazingly smooth! I’m excited to see what another weeks worth of using the citrus juice will do!
Sources: garden of beauty

Don’t forget to sign up for my mailing list for sneak peaks of what’s happening on the blog, giveaway details, and special offers from my favorite eco-friendly brands!