Beauty: Get Evenly Beautiful Skin! 5 Fruits Great for Fading Dark Spots & Discolorations

One of the major problems when it comes to skin is discoloration. From having dark spots and scars to large patches of dark skin, it can be quite unflattering especially when you have to wash off all your makeup.

The skin is the foundation of any makeup look you want to create, and without making sure the foundation is in great condition your masterpiece will not come out well. Think Picasso painting on a rumpled canvass, you get the picture.

First of all, before you find the solution to your skin discoloration, you have to know what causes dark spots and discoloration to begin with.

Discoloration is caused by excess production of melanin (the skin’s natural pigmentation) in certain areas of the skin. This affects the topmost layer of the skin which then leaves you with brown or dark patches due to over/hyper pigmentation. The causes of melanin overproduction ranges from excess sun exposure, poor diet, indigestion, liver problems etc.

Dark spots on the other hand are caused by the scarring of the skin. This can be due to excessive pressure on the skin which can lead to the death and rot of he skin cells in that area. Take for example when you pop a pimple that isn’t ready to be popped; you will end up damaging your skin by killing the skin cells in that area which turn black from rot after a while.

So today to help get rid of these skin problems in the most natural way possible, we are letting you in on 5 fruits that are great for fading dark spots and discoloration.

1. Lime/Lemon

This is probably one of the most popular natural solutions for dark spots and discolorations. The citric acid prominent in limes & lemons are very potent and can lead to the bleaching of the skin causing dark spots and discoloration to fade.

However it is important to make sure your skin is not too sensitive as it could get burned in the process of using the fruit. If you have sensitive skin try mixing it with honey or rose water to dilute its potency.

Also it is important to avoid sunlight while the lime or lemon is on your face; its reaction to sunlight might cause skin burns.

2.Papaya

Papaya  is also a great way to lighten discolorations and dark spots. Naturally, papaya contains an enzyme called Papain which is the key lightening ingredient in the fruit and also helps with the smoothing of the skin.

Papaya also contains Vitamin C and other Alpha Hydroxy Acids that help maintain the skin’s PH balance as well as reduce pigmentation which lead to a more even skin tone.

A great way to incorporate this in your beauty routine is to mix mashed papaya with honey or olive oil and massage into your skin for 10 minutes daily. This gives your skin the chance to soak up the lightening enzymes that will brighten the skin. You should begin to see improvements after a few weeks.

3. Oranges

This is another member of the Citrus family that can get rid of discoloration and dark spots. Oranges are high in Vitamin C which help lighten skin and also contains antioxidants and other substances that help improve the skin’s elasticity.

A great way to incorporate this into your beauty routine is to mix 2 tablespoons of fresh orange juice and powdered tumeric. Mix them together until they form a paste and then apply to your face and neck overnight. If you are a ‘tosser and turner’ while sleeping, it’s best you do this earlier then wash off before you sleep. Be sure to let your face air dry so your skin can have some moisture to work with during the night.

4. Tomatoes

These red balls pack a punch when it comes to the antioxidant – Lycopene. This protects your skin from damaging UV rays when you’re in the sun, boosts collagen production which helps keep the skin smooth and firm and repairs skin. In addition it makes the skin brighter with the presence of Vitamin A and C.

A great way to use tomatoes in your skincare routine is to cut a whole tomato in half and rub on your face. Then let it dry and wash off with cold water.

Another great way to use tomatoes for your beauty routine is to sprinkle brown sugar on the other half of the tomato and rub gently on your face. This exfoliates the skin while giving it all the nourishment in the fruit.

5. Strawberries

Strawberries are super fruits that are high in anti-oxidants, Vitamin C and polyphenols such as flavonoids and ellagic acid which help fade dark spots on the skin. They also contain a high concentration of the alpha-hydroxyl acid which helps remove dead skin cells and excess oil on the skin’s surface.

To use a strawberry in your beauty routine, simply soak a cotton ball in fresh strawberry juice and apply on your skin. Leave it on for a few minutes and rinse off thoroughly.