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beauty

SKINCARE HACKS That Help With Discoloration

By Poosh
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 Photo credit @haileybieber
@haileybieber

Early signs of aging have many sources. We get dark spots from sun damage, from allergic reactions that scar, scratches, burns, and the most common, picking, and lines from free-radicals from food, the environment, alcohol, and more, as well as sun-loving sans proper protection. While picking is a pandemic we all hope to heal ourselves from (for the most part, it’s a mental battle) the scars and darkness from picking-past is something to contend with.

Whether our breakouts are hormonal, or we suffer from inflammation and stress, or are guilty of a little sun worship and skipped the SPF one too many times (don’t skip it!) hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and dark spots are extremely common. 

This damaged tissue— because that’s what it is— doesn’t magically go away all on it’s own. For some spots, time will heal them, but without a little help this could take years. Other spots are here to stay without a serious push from special products and ingredients.

Essentially, spots must be exfoliated away. While there are specialized lasers for the treatment of melasma and super intense, more textural acne scars, most dark spots can be treated at home with topical products. Exfoliation is also great for wrinkles at their early stages, as well as some high-tech gadgets.

Because there are many ways to exfoliate, and dangers when it comes to over-exfoliation, (like damaging our skin’s protective barrier, making our skin red and raw inviting in more bacteria and inflammation) we want to use exfoliating products as instructed— no more in hopes to expedite the process. With that in mind, here are our favorite tricks for fading spots as quickly, yet naturally as we can.

Aloe Vera

MOUNTAIN TOP Organic Aloe Vera Gel $14

Mountain Top

Organic Aloe Vera Gel $14
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This juicy, slimy stuff packed inside those plushy leaves is absolute magic for acne scars and scabs. We can purchase a gel in a bottle to have on hand— just look for the most natural formulation of at least 99% pure aloe— or we can filet a leaf right from our backyard and dab some of the goo inside on our dark spots. Do this after moisturizing at night and let dry before lying down to rest, and rinse off in the morning. The difference will be noticeable in a few days Start as early as possible for breakouts; it can help heal scabs faster and prevent the dark spot from scarring in the first place.

Vitamin C

Tahnyc Vitamin C + AHA and Peptides For Acne Serum $64

Tahnyc

Vitamin C + AHA & Peptides for Acne Serum $64
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Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps to brighten and even the skin surface, fade scars, and prevent aging. Find a stable formula juiced up with anti-aging peptides to work double-time on wrinkles while creating a smooth, even texture and tone.

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)

Kora Organics Noni Night AHA Resurfacing Serum $74

Kora Organics

Noni Night AHA Resurfacing Serum $72
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There are tons of great exfoliating products on the market that contain AHAs. AHAs may come in many forms on ingredient bottles, from glycolic acid, to mandelic acid, to lactic acid. Several different AHAs can be found in one product for a heightened effect, as well. Some forms may be more concentrated and are suggested to use once or twice weekly as a mask, and rinsed off with cool water. Others have lower acidic percentages and can be used daily, like a toner or serum.

These work by encouraging dead skin and the top layer of cells to dissolve, and new cells to grow and develop. This will help heal the appearance of dark spots and fine lines as fresh skin builds new layers. Even plain yogurt has enough lactic acid to do some exfoliating while replenishing more moisture, but make sure to get unflavored and full-fat, like greek yogurt.

Fruit Enzymes

Golde Papaya Bright Superfood Face Mask $34

Golde

Papaya Bright Superfood Face Mask $34
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Enzymes naturally found in fruit help us to digest our food, and in a similar way, they break down dead skin and the top layers of cells on our scars and barrier. Careful which fruits we apply directly to our skin as some can be too acidic (we don’t recommend straight lemon juice). Instead opt for tropical fruits like papaya and pineapple, which can be found in easy, less messy masks for regular bi-weekly application as well.

Honey

Living Libations Frankincense Honey Mask $46

Living Libations

Frankincense Honey Mask $46
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Beekeepers Naturals B.Powered Superfood Honey $17

Beekeepers Naturals

B.Powered Superfood Honey $17
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Honey is antimicrobial, which can help prevent those breakouts that make you pick in the first place. It’s also mildly exfoliating and moisturizing, leaving skin even, dewy, and supple. We love prepared masks with other super skin ingredients to pack a powerful punch, but good old plain honey works wonders on its own as well, especially brands loaded with propolis and vitamins and enzymes to multitask troubled skin.

Kojic Acid

Lumi Plexion Skincare Lightning Bleach (with Kojic Acid) $22

Lumi Plexion Skincare

Lightning Bleach (with Kojic Acid) $22
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This lesser-known ingredient is known to inhibit melanin production, making it act like a safe and natural bleach for dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Great to use on those pick scars and sun spots.

Gentle Scrub

Jenny Patinkin Pure Luxury Organic Bamboo Reusable Rounds $38

Jenny Patinkin

Pure Luxury Organic Bamboo Reusable Rounds $38
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Scrubs are a little scary– we definitely don’t want to go too hard and scratch the surface of the skin, causing redness, irritation, and possibly even more scarring! We want super gentle mechanical exfoliation, using a soft bamboo or muslin knit material like these bamboo rounds, or a gentle formulation, like these naturally hydrated silica particles.

Red and Amber LED light

DMH Aesthetics LED Light Shield Mask $190

DMH Aesthetics

LED Light Shield Mask $190
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These shades of LED are best known for brightening and fading hyperpigmentation, as well as encouraging collagen production. This mask makes it easy to get a treatment while multitasking or even watching your favorite shows before bed.

Retinol

Overt The Anti-Aging Duo $79

Overt

The Anti-Aging Duo $79
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Retinol is a powerful form of topical vitamin A that encourages rapid cell turnover, which in turn will have a major effect on scars, hyperpigmentation, and wrinkles. If not going the dermatologist route and getting a prescription retinol formula, more gentle, skin-loving formulations are available over-the-counter and online to soothe, heal, and protect. Retinol can have adverse effects on skin as we get used to the super-quick cell turnover, like redness, irritation, and peeling, so gentler formulas might be the best option for sensitive types.

The content provided in this article is provided for information purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice and consultation, including professional medical advice and consultation; it is provided with the understanding that Poosh, LLC (“Poosh”) is not engaged in the provision or rendering of medical advice or services. You understand and agree that Poosh shall not be liable for any claim, loss, or damage arising out of the use of, or reliance upon any content or information in the article.

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