I’m Velancia Sass, an internationally qualified cosmetologist. After college I worked in Cape Town. After a few years I had the opportunity to pursue my dream of working while travelling on board a cruise ship.
During my three years with OneSpaWorld I travelled the world and meeting different groups of guests, allowing me to work with diverse skin types and conditions. This diversity compelled me to apply the latest technologies and ranges in skincare.
Let me share my expertise and knowledge by showing you how to use your everyday pantry ingredients to create a beneficial facial treatment!
Causes of hyperpigmentation (darkened skin patches)
Age spots also called liver spots or lentigines are brown tan or black spots that usually appear on adults’ skin or after extended severe sun exposure.
Melasma (also chloasma), known as “the mask of pregnancy”, causes darkened skin patches to appear on one’s skin during pregnancy or while taking birth-control pills. The skin patches can last for months or years after giving birth.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation causes spots or patches of darkened skin that can appear after an inflammatory skin condition such as acne or eczema. Skin injuries, such as cuts or burns, can leave dark spots. This can happen from waxing, threading and chemicals in products.
Then there are certain medical conditions and medication. There’s, for instance, Addison’s disease (not enough steroid hormones) and hemochromatosis (too much iron), conditions that can both cause hyperpigmentation. It can also be caused by certain medication.
Treat it
Protect skin daily with a broad-spectrum sunscreen (UVA and UVB) of at least SPF30. Look out for the ingredient zinc oxide (reflects light).
Exfoliate skin to help expose new skin cells to replace old ones. This will help even out skin tone. Poeple can make their your own exfoliator: mix lemon juice and bicarbonate of soda, glycerine and bicarbonate of soda (for sensitive skin).
Use a mask to treat skin further with ingredients such as alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids and fruit enzymes.
Turmeric and lemon juice mask
Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties can help lighten dark spots when used regularly. Lemon juice can lighten the dark spots and brighten skin. Mix 1-2 teaspoons turmeric powder and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice into a paste. Apply the paste evenly to the face or on focused dark spot areas. Rinse off the mask after 20-30 minutes with lukewarm water. Sensitive skin types: Make paste with water or keep the mask on for 10-15 minutes. Use 1-2 times per week.
Tip: Exfoliating skin first can improve the results of the mask.
Please note: Normal tingling lasts for about five minutes. If the tingling continues for longer than five minutes, remove the mask immediately with milk and a cold compress. The next time the mask is applied try to keep it on a little longer. Extend the time gradually every time the mask is used until the skin gets used to the activeness of the ingredients. If one’s skin burns excessively, it’s possibly an allergic reaction. Remove the mask and do not use it again.
Will it ever go away completely?
Hyperpigmentation can take time to lighten. If these treatments do not help, see a dermatologist to determine how far deep the pigmentation has affected the skin. This will determine the type of treatment that will be recommended further.
Every Friday I do a mask of the week video. The following copy goes along with the video.
Cinnamon & Banana Mask
Ideal for acne-prone skin and to get that perfect glow.
With the anti-inflammatory properties and richness of antioxidants, cinnamon can promote healing and deep cleansing of the skin by eliminating bacteria. The nourishing properties of banana can set one off with that perfect glow.
Here’s how:
Mash 1 banana and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Apply and let it dry for 10 minutes. For more sensitive skin types only 5-7 minutes. A tingling sensation may occur. Rinse off the mask with warm water. Use once per week.
Tip: Exfoliating the skin first can improve the results of the mask.
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