Have you ever noticed pesky dark spots on your skin that don’t seem to go away? If so, then you’re not alone. Hyperpigmentation is a broad, wide-reaching condition with a diverse number of causes. Typically, these darkened areas take a long time to fade—anywhere from a few months to a few years.
There are many different types and causes of hyperpigmentation. Age spots are darkened areas that develop throughout the years, while melasma occurs when excess melanin is produced as a result of hormonal changes. Freckles and sun spots arise from the free radical damage caused by UV exposure. Fatigue, stress and poor diet can all contribute to dark circles under the eyes. And inflammation, irritation or wounding (whether caused by acne, eczema, an irritating skincare product or burns) can all lead to the development of hyperpigmentation as well.
Regardless of why you might be experiencing hyperpigmentation, there are a number of Ayurvedic remedies that can speed up the healing process, thus improving the skin’s evenness and radiance. One simple, yet effective way to promote the fading of dark spots is by whipping up a DIY face mask. Incorporating nutrient-rich ingredients you can find in your kitchen, these Ayurveda-approved face masks will help fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation naturally—all while providing a luxurious self-care experience.
1
Almond, Honey & Rosewater
In this mask, the hydrating, detoxifying properties of almond, honey and rosewater combine to target dryness and hyperpigmentation. While honey provides deep moisture, rosewater brightens and evens skin tone and almond strengthens the skin with essential nutrients.
To make this mask, combine two tablespoons each of milk powder and almond flour with one tablespoon each of honey and rosewater. Mix into a paste and apply to the face and neck. Leave on for 20 minutes and rinse off with cold water. To target specific dark spots, you can also use this mask as a spot treatment, leaving it on overnight.
2
Fenugreek With Milk Powder And Sandalwood
Fenugreek is a potent ingredient for alleviating dark spots, preventing free radical damage, evening skin tone and combating acne and scarring. It also promotes cell regeneration and repair, helping dark spots to give way to radiant complexion & healthy skin. Milk powder also boosts cell turnover and improves skin elasticity, while sandalwood’s anti-inflammatory and cooling properties enable it to lighten hyperpigmentation, combat acne and promote evenness.
To make this mask, combine one tablespoon each of fenugreek powder and sandalwood powder with ½ tablespoon of milk powder. Leave on for 20-30 minutes and rinse off with cold water.
3
Tomato Puree
Rich in Vitamin C, tomato is an excellent natural tool for lightening dark spots and tightening the skin, leaving the complexion more even, taught and youthful. As research has shown, the lycopene in tomato also helps protect the skin from UV radiation, helping to prevent the formation of sun spots and age spots in the first place.
To reap the impressive benefits of tomato face mask, you can apply tomato puree directly to the skin. Leave on for 20-30 minutes before rinsing off with cold water.
4
Sandalwood And Banana
Sandalwood is a powerful anti-aging ingredient, lauded in Ayurvedic tradition for its abilities to combat wrinkles, boost skin tone, lighten hyperpigmentation and combat irritation. Combined with gentle, nutrient-rich banana, this mask deeply hydrates and nourishes the skin while also promoting radiance, alleviating inflammation and hyperpigmentation and more.
To make this mask, combine a mashed, ripe banana with sandalwood powder to form a paste. Apply to the face for 10 minutes before washing off with cold water.
5
Turmeric And Besan
Another anti-aging powerhouse, turmeric’s potent antioxidant and wound-healing properties enable it to alleviate hyperpigmentation, boost luminosity, reduce inflammation, lighten scarring and more.
Combine turmeric with besan, or gram flour, in equal parts and add fresh curd to form a thick paste. Apply to the skin for 20-30 minutes and rinse off with cold water.
6
Papaya
More than just a tasty fruit, papaya also boasts a range of benefits for signs of aging and hyperpigmentation. Rich in water and Vitamins A, C and E, papaya’s abundant enzymes and vitamins can help lighten, hydrate and brighten the skin. In addition, it can effectively neutralize free radicals, enabling it to prevent and combat sun and age spots.
To use, you can apply papaya puree to the skin and leave on for 20-30 minutes. After rinsing off with cold water, gently massage the skin in circular motions for extra radiance-boosting, exfoliating results.
7
Masoor Dal (Red Lentils)
Masoor dal, or red lentils, is a popular ingredient for at-home DIY face masks due to its natural exfoliating properties. Rich in nutrients, it is known to lighten hyperpigmentation, reduce wrinkles and more.
To make a red lentil mask, soak a cup of red lentils in water overnight and blend to form a paste. Apply to the skin for 20 minutes and rinse off with cold water.
Finally, for those who are interested in a targeted formula designed to lighten, tone and hydrate the skin, our UMA Absolute Anti Aging Face Mask and UMA Ultimate Brightening Face Mask are two good places to start. They incorporate ingredients like sandalwood, papaya, turmeric and tomato to promote skin that is even, hydrated and youthful.
