Some people are born with noticeable marks on the skin, commonly called "birthmarks". These spots can differ in size, shape, appearance, color and texture. Most birthmarks are typically quite small and can barely be noticed. However, if you have one that you want to lighten or completely get rid of, you can use some natural remedies.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Clear the Birthmark
Step 1. Use papaya
This fruit contains an enzyme, called papain, which exfoliates the skin by exposing the new cells and bringing them to the surface of the skin, giving a lighter appearance to your birthmark. You can find papaya soaps or creams to apply to the stain two or three times a day.
Step 2. Rub some lemon juice on the birthmark
Doctors believe that the citric acid in lemon juice has a powerful whitening effect that can help lighten these types of blemishes. Here's how to apply it:
- Cut a lemon in half with a knife.
- Apply the lemon directly to the birthmark as you squeeze it.
- Keep the entire area covered for at least 20 minutes.
- Wash thoroughly with warm water.
- Pat dry with a clean cloth.
- Repeat this three times a day.
Step 3. Try using olive oil
It is considered a natural emollient that can rehydrate damaged skin cells, which in turn can lighten a birthmark. Here's how to use it:
- Apply a few drops of olive oil to a cotton ball so that it is soaked but not dripping.
- Keep the cotton ball resting on the birthmark.
- Leave it on the area so that it completely covers the stain for five minutes.
- Wash the area thoroughly with warm water and dry with a towel.
- Repeat this two or three times a day.
Step 4. Apply ice packs to the skin
Ice and cold packs can help the skin retain moisture and have a softer texture. As a result, the spots or pigmentations that form birthmarks lighten a little. This type of pack also tightens the pores thus minimizing the stain. To apply the ice pack:
- Wrap 2-3 ice cubes in a clean cloth.
- Keep them wrapped around your skin for 15 to 20 minutes. Make sure you don't leave them for more than 20 minutes, or the cold could damage your skin.
- Let the skin rest for an hour and repeat the application if necessary.
Step 5. Cut some tomatoes to minimize the appearance of the birthmark
Tomatoes have antioxidant properties that can help reduce skin damage. They also have a natural whitening property similar to the citric acid of lemon juice. To use a tomato for this purpose:
- Cut a tomato in half.
- Apply it on the birthmark.
- Hold it in place for at least 20 minutes.
- Wash and dry the skin.
- Repeat this process once a day.
Step 6. Massage Vitamin A Cream into your skin
Vitamin A stimulates cell division and the production of collagen (the most abundant protein in the skin). It also helps renew and exfoliate the epidermis where the birthmark is present, reducing its pigmentation.
Apply the cream to the stain at least 2 or 3 times a day. Make sure you cover it completely
Step 7. Smear a solution of vitamin E oil
Thanks to its antioxidant properties, it fights free radical damage and minimizes damage to skin cells. It also helps exfoliate the skin and can make the urge less noticeable.
Apply the oil to the affected area 2 or 3 times a day so that the stain is completely covered
Step 8. Try kojic acid
It is a white, crystalline powder produced by a fungus of Asian origin. This chelating agent suppresses the function of tyrosinase, the protein responsible for producing the brown pigment, namely melanin.
You can find it commercially in the form of soap available at the best-stocked pharmacies and parapharmacies. Apply it on the birthmark 2 or 3 times a day
Part 2 of 2: Knowing the Differences Between Different Types of Birthmarks
Step 1. Determine if you have a pigmented birthmark
This is a type of stain that leaves an excessive amount of pigment or color on the skin. It is generally present in younger children and usually disappears when they reach the age of eight or get older. The following skin imperfections belong to this type:
- Nevus (congenital nevus). Moles are pigmented spots that usually pose no health risk. However, some can become cancerous.
- Brown or cream-colored spot. It is a type of birthmark that forms due to very high levels of pigmentation in the skin and does not usually go away.
- Mongolian spot. It consists of a mark characterized by a flat and smooth skin patch of gray-blue color. It is usually found on children and tends to disappear as they grow.
Step 2. Know what the speckled spots are
These are birthmarks that form flat, light pink-colored spots that appear on certain parts of the body, such as the neck and around the eyes. Generally they form on the youngest, but are relatively harmless.
Step 3. Check for any vascular malformations
Also called angiodysplasias, they are birthmarks that can form anywhere on the body. One of the most common types is the flat angioma ("wine stain") which generally does not disappear with time.
