Natural cures for reduction of sun spots??

StayGold · Joined: 02 Aug 2006 Posts: 1 Location: CT

Hi everyone-
I'm new to posting on this board, but I have been reading it for quite some time now. Here's a little background on me: I am 28 yrs old and have fair skin. I have never been one for tanning in my younger years and have never gotten sunburned. Everyday I use SPF 15 Aveno lotion, I wear a hat when going out and in general I avoid the sun like the plague. As you can tell since a very young age I have been anti-age obsessed, unlike many young girls my age who would tan. Naturally, you can imagine my shock when on my left cheek I developed a SUN SPOT! First, I can't imagine how since as I said I take so many precautions. And second, I am now stuck with the dilema of trying to get rid of it. I went to a dermatologist who confirmed yes it was a sun spot. She put me on Tretioin 0.25% cream. However, creams like Retin-A, hyrdroquinone, they tend to scare me. Because for one, I really don't want chemicals on my face. Hydroquinone has cancer causing properties and is banned for use in Eurpoe. And Retin-A may actually cause WORSE hyperpigmentation on spots and can reoccur once you stop using it.
What I am looking for is a NATURAL way that is effective in PERMANENTLY erasing this spot! If you can be of any help at all please let me know via an email: jennmariotti@yahoo.com
or a reply on this board.
Thanks so much!

orangehrzn · Joined: 23 Feb 2005 Posts: 1005

Never heard of a 'natural' way to remove sun spot. If I was you and if one freckle bothered me so much I would go for IPL or laser. Since its just one spot they should charge you some minimal price not the regular $300 and up.

marsto911 · Joined: 14 Apr 2005 Posts: 122

I cannot vouch for 100% accuracy regarding the below paragraph, but found it on line.

I have heard that the ochronosis is prevalent with dark skinned persons.

M

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Hydroquinone (BLEACHING agent):
For standard non-hormone induced hyperpigmentations Hydroquinone usually reduces or removes hyperpigmentations very effectively. For the person who do not wish to have expensive or invasive procedures or only has slight hyperpigmentations - hydroquinone can be a good option. However, these products may not be suitable for your needs and they will also take longer than some treatment options. Hydroquinone is a melanin blocker. You may have heard it call d skin bleach but in actuality it prohibits new melanin production as your body goes through natural or chemical-assisted exfoliation. These products can be obtained over the counter in weak strengths or by prescription for your plastic surgeon or dermatologist. Some formulations are even available on the Internet.

Formulations of 4% used to be thought to be the best as irritation would erupt in higher strengths. This has been proven although strengths up to 10% are routinely formulated for patients. However it must be noted that higher strengths of Hydroquinone have caused hydroquinone-induced ochronosis (black speckling in the dermis) in patients with darker skins. And have even been banned in parts of Europe and all throughout Asia due to the belief that higher concentrations are carcinogenic.

orangehrzn · Joined: 23 Feb 2005 Posts: 1005

I dont understand. Hydroquinone blocks formation of new melanin hence prevents new brown spots. What about brown spots that have already formed?

marsto911 · Joined: 14 Apr 2005 Posts: 122

There's turnover in skin, the epidermis flakes off. Epidermis is where pigmentation resides (generally speaking.)

M

allym · Joined: 06 Sep 2006 Posts: 1

I've also read recently that glucosamine (used to treat arthritis) can help treat age spots/sun spots.

There is a certain combination containing both n-acetyl glucosamine and niacinamide which was shown in clinical studies to prevent sun spots and fade existing ones, according to info put out by Proctor and Gamble.

From what I've read, you can take it as a supplement and it should help. Has anyone else read or heard about this?

Ally

yogagirl · Joined: 13 May 2005 Posts: 84

What about kojic acid? It is supposed to lighten sunspots & is extracted from plant source. I just read somethingin the LA Times that hydroquinine (sp?) has been found to cause cancer & is going to be banned by the FDA. Don't know that I would be to keen to try that one!

benji · Joined: 09 Jun 2006 Posts: 14

I have used the combination of lemon peel bioferment, arbutin, and kojic acid dipalmitate. (You can order them from www.skinactives.com and www.bulkactives.com). So far, it has lighten some discolorization. But I've used it for maybe two months. So, I haven't seen a dramatic effect yet.

sherlock · Joined: 02 Nov 2006 Posts: 1

There are some products listed at http://liverspot.info/products_1.php that you may want to research. Some are natural ingredients but i do not personnally know of their effectiveness but they are intended for use on liver spots.

C · Joined: 29 Mar 2006 Posts: 18

Dr Tod,

As posted : does Retin-A " may actually cause worst hyperpigmentation on spots & can reoccur when you stop it ?

clearlipstick · Joined: 05 Nov 2006 Posts: 16

I think this whole topic depends on whether the writer meant "sun spot" or freckle. I live in Sydney, Australia, and have had several "sun spots" burnt off. I also have many freckles. They are two different things. Sun spots here are lesions of callous skin that looks like a sore but when you scratch the top off it does not go away but rather produces another scaley top. This if left can grow inwards and become cancerous.

drtodorov · Site Admin Joined: 10 Dec 2004 Posts: 3177

orthomolecular · Joined: 12 May 2006 Posts: 28

I don't know if liver spots are the same thing. Usually as people get older they get these marks, freckles or spots referred to as liver or age spots. The amino acid cystein can help with these types of spots. I am not sure what the difference is, or if there is any difference, between sun spots and liver spots.

Cysteine might work for sun spots because hyperpigmentation can be about high copper levels. Cysteine being a sulfur containing amino acid would help with lowering copper levels because of its sulfur content.

But cysteine is great for detoxing from lots of things, after being a smoker, after using illegal drugs, lots of things can be detoxed with cysteine.

newskinoasis · Joined: 09 Sep 2006 Posts: 48

For brown spots (sun spots, liver spots) on sensitive skin I recommend a natural, plant-based product by SkinCeuticals--SkinCeuticals Phyto +. This product contains kojic acid and arbutin, natural alternatives to hydroquinone, and cucumber and thyme to soothe irritated skin. Active ingredients are delivered in a hyaluronic acid base to hydrate, heal, fade hyperpigmentation, and calm the skin. Don't expect overnight results, but if you use this botanical gel twice daily, along with daytime UVA/UVB protection and moisturizers, if needed, you should begin to notice a difference after three months, with gradual improvement from there on out.

Brenda Pitts, Esthetician
newskinoasis.com

newskinoasis · Joined: 09 Sep 2006 Posts: 48

What is NIA24?

Brenda Pitts, Esthetician
newskinoasis.com