- Dark spots are caused by an increase of melanin in your skin and are commonly referred to as hyperpigmentation.
- Use face masks for dark spots containing exfoliating and brightening ingredients, such as turmeric, licorice root and castor oil.
- Alternative skincare treatments for dark spots include alpha-hydroxy acids, chemical peels and microdermabrasion.
Dark spots on your skin are commonly referred to as hyperpigmentation. They can be caused by several factors, including sun damage and aging. While there is no quick fix to remove hyperpigmentation from your skin, face masks containing active ingredients, such as turmeric, castor oil and licorice may help to reduce its appearance over time.
Contents
Causes of Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation is characterized by dark spots and patches on the skin. These darker areas occur as a result of excess melanin, a pigment produced by the body to give your skin its natural coloring.
There are multiple factors that contribute to the development of this common skin condition, including sun damage, skin injuries, hormonal changes and acne flare-ups.
Why Use a Face Mask for Dark Spots?
In-office hyperpigmentation treatments, such as microdermabrasion and chemical peels require multiple visits to a dermatologist, and the costs can quickly add up. Face masks are a quick, cost-effective and pain-free option for targeting hyperpigmentation.
You can easily apply masks as part of your daily regime and even make your own DIY formulas at home that brighten and exfoliate your skin.
Skin brightening
As hyperpigmentation is caused by too much pigment in your skin cells, you’ll want to treat it using ingredients with skin brightening properties. Turmeric is an ingredient used in masks that has been found to lighten dark patches on the skin, however, current research into its benefits is still limited.
Skin exfoliation
Your skin cells are regularly replaced by your body – this is known as cell turnover. This process helps to clear away dead and damaged cells, to make way for new, healthy cells. Skin cells with too much melanin are often replaced during this process.
Exfoliant ingredients facilitate your skin’s cell turnover process and help to reduce hyperpigmentation at a faster rate. Common exfoliants include glycolic, lactic and azelaic acid.
Turmeric and Honey Soothing Face Mask for Dark Spots
This simple recipe combines the antimicrobial and skin-soothing properties of honey with the brightening benefits of turmeric.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp turmeric powder
- 2 Tbsp raw honey
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix together the turmeric and honey.
- Apply the mask to your face.
- Leave on for 10-20 minutes.
- Wash off with warm water and a soft washcloth.
This mask is also effective in treating acne flare-ups, due to the antimicrobial actions of honey.
Castor Oil Lightening Face Mask for Dark Spots
Castor oil is widely used in DIY beauty, due to its rich omega-3 fatty acid content. This makes it a nourishing ingredient for dry and sensitive skin. Fatty acids have been found to target dark spots, by suppressing pigmentation.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp castor oil
Instructions
- With clean hands, apply the castor oil onto your skin.
- Massage into your skin for 5-10 minutes.
- Rinse off with warm water and a soft washcloth.
Due to the oiliness of this mask, it may not be suitable for those with acne-prone or oily skin.
Lemon and Apple Brightening Face Mask for Dark Spots
Lemons contain high concentrations of vitamin C, an antioxidant ingredient that has been shown to brighten your complexion by reducing melanin formation. Apples contain phloretin, another antioxidant that helps to prevent dark spots by providing ultraviolet (UV) protection against the sun’s rays.
Ingredients
- 1 whole apple
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Blend the apple in a food processor and transfer into a bowl.
- Mix in the lemon juice until combined.
- Apply mask to skin and allow to soak in for 20 minutes.
- Rinse off with warm water and a soft washcloth.
Turmeric and Coconut Oil Hydrating Face Mask for Dark Spots
This turmeric mask combines the hydrating effects of coconut oil, making it beneficial for those with dry skin.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp turmeric powder
- 2 Tbsp coconut oil
Instructions
- Melt the coconut oil in a small pan.
- Transfer to a container and stir in the turmeric powder.
- Apply the mask to your face and leave on for 20 minutes.
- Rinse off with warm water and a soft washcloth.
Licorice Root Brightening Face Mask for Dark Spots
Licorice root is a natural ingredient often used to lighten the skin. It works by inhibiting tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for melanin production in your skin cells.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp powdered licorice root
- 3 Tbsp water
Instructions
- Stir the licorice root and water until it becomes a paste.
- Apply the mask onto your skin and leave on for 10-20 minutes.
- Rinse off with warm water and a soft washcloth.
Alternative Treatments for Dark Spots
Darks spots on the skin can also be treated using products containing alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), such as glycolic acid. AHAs work by stimulating cell renewal, helping to clear away skin cells affected by hyperpigmentation.
For severe hyperpigmentation, you’ll likely achieve the best results from more intense treatments performed by a professional dermatologist. These include chemical peels, microdermabrasion and laser therapy.
Takeaway
Face masks are an efficient treatment for hyperpigmentation, although it’s important to use the right ingredients to achieve optimal results.
Turmeric, castor oil and licorice root have all shown promising results when it comes to reducing the appearance of dark spots on the skin. When making a DIY mask, its also useful to add ingredients that will benefit your individual skin type, such as coconut oil for dry skin and honey for acne-prone skin types.
Alternative treatments for hyperpigmentation include microdermabrasion, chemical peels, and products containing strong exfoliants, such as glycolic acid.
Sources
- Briganti, S., Camera, E., & Picardo, M. (2003). Chemical and instrumental approaches to treat hyperpigmentation. Pigment cell research, 16(2), 101-110. https://doi.org/10.1034/j.1600-0749.2003.00029.x
- Burlando, B., & Cornara, L. (2013). Honey in dermatology and skin care: a review. Journal of cosmetic dermatology, 12(4), 306-313. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.12058
- Hollinger, J. C., Angra, K., & Halder, R. M. (2018). Are natural ingredients effective in the management of hyperpigmentation? A systematic review. The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology, 11(2), 28. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5843359/
- Nerya, O., Vaya, J., Musa, R., Izrael, S., Ben-Arie, R., & Tamir, S. (2003). Glabrene and isoliquiritigenin as tyrosinase inhibitors from licorice roots. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry, 51(5), 1201-1207. https://doi.org/10.1021/jf020935u
- Nicolaidou, E., & Katsambas, A. D. (2014). Pigmentation disorders: hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation. Clinics in dermatology, 32(1), 66-72. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clindermatol.2013.05.026
- Pinnell, S. R., & Oresajo, C. (2010). Review of photodamage and oxidative stress and protection provided by topical antioxidants. Eur Dermatol, 5, 32-35. skinceuticals.ch/de/Resources/INT_EN/pdf/SCIENCELP_KEYSTUDY_2.pdf
- Rigopoulos, D., Gregoriou, S., & Katsambas, A. (2007). Hyperpigmentation and melasma. Journal of cosmetic dermatology, 6(3), 195-202. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1473-2165.2007.00321.x
- Sarkar, R., Arora, P., & Garg, K. V. (2013). Cosmeceuticals for Hyperpigmentation: What is Available?. Journal of cutaneous and aesthetic surgery, 6(1), 4–11. doi:10.4103/0974-2077.110089