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Natural Ways To Deal With Age Spots May 14, 2014Relax0 Comments

“Old Age is when the liver spots show through your gloves.”

                                                                          -Phyllis Diller

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Photo credit: Jeff Tidwell @ flickr

The above quote from wise-cracking comedienne Phyllis Diller may bring a smile to your lips, but if you have age spots you’ll know there’s nothing funny about them. These unsightly brown, grey or black spots appear on areas of skin that have been exposed to UV light on a regular basis, such as the hands, face, shoulders and tops of the feet. They can vary in size and often begin appear as we enter our 40’s but they can affect younger people too, especially those with fair complexions who spend a lot of time in the sun.

Sometimes referred to as ‘liver spots’, they have nothing to do with the liver and are harmless, however it is always advisable to have any suspicious looking skin blemish examined by your GP. When your skin is exposed to UV light, either from the sun or tanning bed, the production of melanin in the upper layers of your skin speeds up causing the top layers of skin to darken. Although this creates the much sought after tan, it is actually the body’s way of protecting deeper layers of skin from potential UV damage. Overtime, frequent and prolonged exposure to the sun will lead to the extra-production of melanin, which can then result in the development of age spots.

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As with most things prevention is the best form of protection when it comes to skin care and age spots. Always make sure to use a good quality sun block, wear a hat and, if possible, avoid spending too much time outside when the sun is at its peak between 10am-2pm. Don’t panic if you already have age spots as there are natural remedies that can help diminish their appearance and give your skin some much needed TLC. Of course using natural treatments won’t provide an instant fix, but if you’re patient and apply the treatments regularly, you will notice positive results in the long term and your skin will thank you!

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An old folk remedy that still proves popular today is using buttermilk, which contains lactic acid that gently exfoliates and lightens the skin. Apply the buttermilk with a cotton ball and leave on the affected area for 2-3 minutes before rinsing off with warm water. Do this daily. You can also make a paste of 1-Tablespoon natural yoghurt, 1-teaspoon natural runny honey and 2-drops lemon essential oil or lemon juice. Apply to affected area and leave on for 30-minutes before rinsing off with warm water. The lactic acid from the yoghurt will exfoliate and lighten the skin, lemon is also a natural bleaching agent while honey is soothing and moisturizing.

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There are many essential oils that are beneficial when it comes to skin care. Mature, sun damaged skin will reap rewards from the regular application of soothing, moisturizing and intensely nourishing essential oils like sandalwood, frankincense, lavender, neroli, rose absolute, lemon and carrot seed. Lemon essential oil is fantastic for dry, wrinkled skin and its natural bleaching properties will work to lighten age spots. However, it is important to remember that lemon is also a photosensitiser, meaning it will make skin more sensitive to UV rays, so never apply to the skin before going outside.

One of my favourite Aromatherapy blends is to combine 4-drops carrot seed, 2-drops lavender and 2-drops lemon essential oil in 20 ml rose hip carrier oil and 10 ml jojoba carrier oil. Applied to the face and neck nightly it is incredibly nurturing for the skin. Carrot seed essential oil is not always readily available but it is well worth sourcing as it’s earthy smell is not only relaxing, but its skin rejuvenating properties and high levels of anti-oxidants make it the ideal choice for any anti-aging skin care regime. Lavender is also a powerful skin cell rejuvenator and combined with lemon, makes a powerful combination. Both rose hip and jojoba carrier oil are good for the skin, helping to smooth out fine lines, reduce the appearance of age spots, encourage even skin-tone and provide deep moisturisation. If the aroma of carrot seed isn’t to your liking then a blend of 4-drops neroli, 3-drops frankincense and 2-drops rose absolute in 20 ml rose hip carrier and 10 ml jojoba carrier oil is a wonderful alternative.

Even if you already have, age spots or other visible signs of aging it is never too late to start looking after your skin. Use these natural ingredients as well as a sensible approach to the sun, to give your skin the love and care it deserves!

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With love from Teach This

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