Gina Heslop
When we notice changes in our skin, like age spots, moles, skin tags, warts, or blackheads, it’s always a good idea to talk to a doctor for advice on how to treat them. But there are also natural remedies that have been used for many years to treat these skin issues. These remedies often involve using ingredients like plants, seeds, roots, and leaves. Here’s a look at how some natural remedies can help with different skin problems.
Age Spots and Hyperpigmentation
As we get older, our skin changes in many ways. One common issue is age spots, which are dark spots that often appear on the skin of people over 50. These spots can be caused by too much sun exposure over time or by genetics. Another similar problem is hyperpigmentation, which is when the skin darkens in certain areas. This can be caused by sun exposure, hormonal changes, or inflammation.
To prevent these conditions, it’s important to protect your skin from the sun by using sunscreen with at least SPF 30, wearing sunglasses, hats, and sun-protective clothing. If age spots or hyperpigmentation do appear, you can try these natural remedies:
- Aloe Vera: A study from 2012 found that aloin, a compound in aloe vera, can help lighten dark spots. You can apply aloe vera to the affected areas before bed and rinse it off in the morning.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: This contains acetic acid, which can help exfoliate the skin and lighten dark spots. It also has mild antiseptic properties that are good for overall skin health.
- Orchid Extracts: These can help reduce dark spots over time. You can apply products containing orchid extracts directly to the spots or use face masks and creams that include these extracts.
- Green Tea Extract: This is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Applying a green tea extract serum or cream to dark spots can help reduce them and might also prevent the production of more melanin, the pigment that causes dark spots.
- Black Tea: Though studies have mainly been done on animals, black tea might help lighten dark spots. To use it, steep black tea leaves in boiling distilled water for two hours, strain the liquid, and apply it to your face with a cotton ball once a day.
Even though these remedies use natural ingredients, it’s always a good idea to do a patch test first to see how your skin reacts.
Skin Tags
Skin tags are small, noncancerous growths that are usually flesh-colored. They can vary in size and are connected to the skin by a narrow stalk. While they can be removed by a doctor, there are also natural remedies you can try at home:
- Tea Tree Oil: This oil has natural antibacterial and antiviral properties. To use it, mix a few drops of tea tree oil with a carrier oil like coconut, jojoba, or olive oil. Apply the mixture to the skin tag before bed and cover it with a bandage overnight. Repeat until the skin tag is gone.
- At-Home Freezing Kits: These kits use a cryogenic substance to freeze and destroy the tissue of the skin tag. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully and avoid applying it to healthy skin around the tag.
Warts
Warts are noncancerous growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). While they are generally harmless, they can be annoying and sometimes painful. Here are some natural remedies that might help:
- Apple Cider Vinegar: The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar can help erode the infected skin, leading to the wart falling off over time. Make sure to dilute the vinegar with water before using it.
- Bee Propolis: Propolis, which is made by bees, has antiviral properties and helps with skin cell production. Apply it to the wart, cover it with a bandage overnight, and repeat until the wart is gone.
- Duct Tape: Surprisingly, duct tape can be used to remove warts. Cover the wart with a small piece of duct tape for three to six days, then soak the wart in water and exfoliate it gently. Leave it uncovered for 10 to 12 hours before repeating the process.
Blackheads
Blackheads are caused by excess oil production, hormonal changes, dead skin cells, or certain medications. Some over-the-counter treatments that can help include:
- Salicylic Acid
- AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) and BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acids)
- Topical Retinoids
- Clay Masks
- Charcoal Masks
- Baking Soda and Water
These treatments help by exfoliating dead skin and reducing excess oil production, which can prevent blackheads from forming.
While it’s always important to consult with a doctor for skin issues, there are many natural remedies that can help treat age spots, moles, skin tags, warts, and blackheads. These remedies use ingredients that have been trusted for generations to keep skin healthy and clear.
