Dermatologists have divided skin types into six categories based on several factors, such as ethnicity, eye color, and skin sensitivity. The first category - type 1 - includes the red-haired population, which has extremely sensitive skin to sunburn. At the other end is type 6 skin, which includes people with very dark skin, not particularly sensitive to sun exposure. Individuals with a rather dark complexion, but not completely black (such as Red Indians, Latin Americans, or Indians) fall into the category of type 5 skin. Generally, these people tend to tan more, rather than sunburn, but some sunburn is still possible.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Using Home Remedies
Step 1. Apply lemon juice as a whitening agent
The juice of this citrus fruit has natural whitening properties and you can spread it on the skin, diluting it with an equal amount of water. For best results, leave the solution on the dark areas for at least 10 minutes and rinse when finished.
Step 2. Use potatoes to lighten the skin
These tubers also have natural whitening properties and you can apply them to the skin without too many preparations. Simply slice a potato finely and place it on the dark spots. Leave it on for about 20-30 minutes before removing it.
Step 3. Make a turmeric mask
Mix 2-3 tablespoons of chickpea flour and a pinch of turmeric powder in a bowl. Add lemon or cucumber juice and half a teaspoon of milk to the powdered mixture. Mix the four ingredients until a soft dough is formed.
- Apply the mask on dark areas for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, the mask dries.
- After 10 minutes, gently remove the product with hot water.
- Apply this mixture to dark areas twice a week, until the spots have become so light that you feel comfortable.
- The amount of milk is approximate. You need to add enough of it to turn the mixture into a dough.
- If you have sensitive skin, use cucumber juice instead of lemon juice.
- Keep in mind that turmeric powder can stain fabrics, so be careful with clothes and towels when using it.
- Chickpea flour is obtained from the grinding of these legumes.
Step 4. Avoid scratching your skin sunspots as they heal
While trying to remove them or make them less noticeable, you shouldn't scratch or scrub them with a pumice stone or brush. This is good advice in general, because if you scrub your skin with abrasive objects, you can cause skin damage.
- Use a natural product to exfoliate, such as a loofah or sea sponge.
- Use a soap that has the same pH as your skin (5, 5).
- Always shower after exercising or other activities that have caused you to sweat.
Method 2 of 3: Go to the Doctor
Step 1. Make an appointment with your family doctor
Some solutions to treat dark spots on the skin (due to sun damage) can only be prescribed by your doctor. If the home remedies have not led to appreciable results or you still prefer to go to a doctor right away, make an appointment for a visit.
Your doctor may recommend a dermatologist who specializes in skin problems
Step 2. Get medical attention if the problem affects the dermis or epidermis
Unfortunately, only dark spots caused by surface pigmentation can be effectively treated. If it is found that the disorder is due to dermal pigmentation, your doctor may find several solutions or inform you that it cannot be resolved.
- The expression "epidermal pigmentation" refers to the presence of dark spots that affect only the outermost layer of the skin, where it is possible to intervene with different treatments.
- Dermal pigmentation, on the other hand, involves the innermost skin layer; the treatments will therefore not be able to effectively alter the dark spots.
Step 3. Get a prescription for topical creams
One of the first attempts that the doctor may propose is to prescribe creams to lighten the skin. These prescription products typically contain ingredients such as kojic acid, tretinoin, and some types of corticosteroids.
- Follow the instructions of your doctor or pharmacist to know the dosage and how to apply the cream.
- Generally, you need to smear these creams for a long time before you notice any significant changes on your skin, so you need to be patient.
- Kojic acid is a bleaching agent that works by inhibiting the biosynthesis of melanin in skin cells.
- Tretinoin is a type of vitamin A that helps the skin heal and regenerate.
Step 4. Get a chemical peel
Your doctor can offer you this procedure which is more invasive and which is performed using glycolic or trichloroacetic acid. In most cases, the doctor recommends this type of treatment only for the most serious situations, which have not been resolved with topical creams.
- The chemical peel is usually done by a professional trained for the procedure at a dermatology clinic. It is rare for the family doctor to provide this type of care.
- During treatment, the dermatologist applies a gel or cream-like substance containing one of the acids listed above to the skin. The substance is left on for a set period before starting the exfoliation procedure.
- Most likely, it will take several sessions before you notice any significant changes in the color of your skin sunspots.
Method 3 of 3: Taking Care of Your Skin
Step 1. Follow a regular skin care routine
This consists of washing all the skin regularly (and the face twice a day), keeping it thoroughly hydrated. You can make the skin soft by applying a moisturizer, but it is also important to drink water (and other fluids) to ensure proper hydration to the whole body even from the inside, as this can affect the skin.
Step 2. Apply sunscreen every day, all year round
If you are going outside or indoors in a building with many windows, remember to always put a protective cream on exposed skin. In the colder months, when the body is covered in clothing, it is important to spread sunscreen on the face every day.
- The dangerous UV rays can also act through clothing and damage the skin, so it is not necessary to be totally exposed to the sun, to suffer the negative effects.
- Don't forget to also protect your lips by applying a lip balm that contains a protection factor.
- If you are outside in the sun, reapply the sunscreen every 2 hours.
Step 3. Protect the skin with clothing and other covering elements
You need to protect your skin from sun damage not only with sunscreen, but also by using clothes and hats, as well as sunglasses to keep your eyes safe too. You should stay in the shade between 11:00 and 15:00, which is when the sun's rays are at their maximum intensity.
