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In_Owe (CARSON, CA) on 08/12/2008
5 out of 5 stars

I have a very sensitive skin. I suffered from acne "infestation" in my teen-age years, and left some marks of tiny craters on my face. In short, my pores are visible to others at a few-feet distance.

I have read most of the articles posted here and other websites about brown spots / melasma / age spot. I have been suffering from this skin disorder due to over sun-exposure which happened more than 10 yrs ago. Like everyone else, I have tried a lot of treatments with the exception of laser cure because I can't afford it. I have NOT stopped looking for the best possible therapy that would help at least fade my blemishes which are very visible on cheeks. I am thankful for all the contributions made in this site, and I have tried few of them. I came across this website in May, and since then, became more EAGER to find possible ways, and cure for my brown spots. Knowing that you are not the only one suffering from this skin disorder somehow made me more hopeful than discourage. I've wanted to write and share something since May, but I waited until there was a visible sign of change on my face. This is the account of my 3 months self-therapy:

Every night (as always), I sleep with a clean face. Since May, I have tried using Organic ACV (with Mother) on my face as my toner. On the first month, I diluted ACV with water and apply the mixture on my face using cotton. During the 1st month, my skin peeled off. For few weeks, my facial skin was so tender because of ACV, that it became a mild sore. To my amazement, the portions of skin that were peeled off remained my true skin color without the brown spot after it got healed (from being tender). When my face got used to the ACV, I stopped diluting it. Every night, I still apply undiluted ACV on my face. My friends who didn't see me for at least 3 months noticed that the brown spots were lighter. I also tried making my own moisturizer using Organic at least 98% Organic Aloe Vera, Vit. E, and few drops of Organic Tea Tree Oil, and Lavander Oil. From time to time, I replace the oils with Jojoba. Orally, I am taking Glutatione which is according to my research is considered the best, and mother of all anti-oxidants. I eat as much as possible organic food, and drink ACV tonic regularly 3x a Day (I use the brand _____). If I could, I avoid eating pork, junk food, and too much processed food. I rather eat room temperature food than have it warmed in microwave.

I am also using Juice Beauty moisturizer with SPF 20 during day time. So far, this is one of the best products I have tried with more than 90% organic ingredients. Sometimes, labels say organic, but the percentage is another thing. (This also applies when I am looking for food label. So, be careful). I put on Bare Escentuals Mineral Foundation/Powder to matte my oily skin. Some researches mentioned that whatever we put or apply on our body, about 60% or more is absorbed by our skin - meaning that's what comes in our body.

For the last three months, my skin and health has improved a lot. I cannot ascribe the improvement to ONLY one thing. I guess it is a combination of all of the above. I am happier with what I see, and feel. I guess there is no short cut to everything good. We just have to be patient. Most of all, we have to have a positive and good mental attitude. The spiritual side of my life helps me a lot in achieving a positive and healthy attitude in life. Remember, what we see on the mirror is just skin deep. The true beauty lies inside us - our soul and spirit.

Replied By Mez (Brisbane, Australia) on 09/23/2011

I'm very interested :D How bout glutatione did u take daily??

Replied By Fiona (Ilford, Essex, England) on 10/21/2011

I have read that MSM/organic sulphur flakes are great for sorting hyperpigmentation and have just started taking it as a supplement. Apparently, it raises Glutathione levels in the body as well. I will be sure to post in 2 or 3 months if/when I see a difference in my skin.

Good luck everyone, Fi

Replied By Dumpster Diva (Pinehurst, Texas, Usa) on 11/14/2011

I too have dark clusters. They used to be small, cute freckles on my cheeks, but have now formed into large clusters and are spreading. Plus a few years back Jane Seymours Youthful Essence scarred my face. I used the products to prevent wrinkles. While using, I started noticing a large brown patch about the size of a quarter, on the lower part of my the side of my face. It was mild at first, and I did not associate the patch with the Jane Seymour treatment. The spot grew darker and darker and the pores in that area were becoming large. I started to notice similar, smaller spots turning up here and there, and on the other side of my face. I finally realized the Youthful Essence was causing this, and I immediately stopped using it. The dark patches finally stopped growing, but unfortunately the damage was already done, and was permanent. I now have a huge dark patch on the side of my face that I can't even cover with concealer. When I put concealer on, it only seems to make the pores stand out in that area more. It is not as drastic as the skin of an orange, but looks similar to the skin of an orange. I am not sure if the freckles that grew together also did so due to the use of Youthful Essence, but I do know the ugly, dark patch is a direct result of the product. I am going to try the Apple Cider Vinegar and Castor Oil and see if that resolves these problems. Will let everyone know how it goes for me.

Someone mentioned warts, and I do have different wart salutions.

A friend with growths: One friend had some growths that appeared underneath both arms. Possibly skin tags, possibly finger warts. She never went to the doctor to have these identified. Then she somehow got a scratch under her arm, and a rash developed on it. This was a staph infection. She was going to go to the doctor, but decided to apply some tea tree oil to the staph infection to see if it would go away. After a few days the staph rash was still there, but she realized the growths under her arm were smaller. She ended up getting a prescription cream for the staph rash, and taking garlic pills. After a couple of weeks the growths under the one arm were completely gone. She started applying tea tree oil to the growths under the other arm. Those growths went away as well.

My experince with wart treatement: About 30 years ago I had the wart virus. I would get a wart, go to the doctor and get it cut off, or burned off, a few weeks later a new wart would appear. One day I was sitting in the doctors office waiting room, waiting to get my latest wart burned off. I was reading Readers Digest, and found an article about getting rid of warts. The article stated that applying Cod Liver Oil would get rid of warts. I should have walked out of the doctors office and ran to the nearest store to buy some cod liver oil pills, but instead I let the doctor burn off the wart. I still have a scar from the burning of that wart and the previous ones as well. As before, weeks later another wart appeared in a different spot. I bought a bottle of cod liver oil pills. I poke a pill with a needle and sqeezed out some of the oil onto the wart, and wrapped a bandaid around it. I did this a few times per day, every day. After a few days I started noticing the wart was actually smaller. The wart completly disapeared, and apparently the cod liver oil also killed the virus because I didn't get any new warts after the treatment.

The only down side to teh cod liver oil is the strong fishy smell. But a week or two of smelling like a fish, is well worth it!

Two friends with plantars warts: I have had two friends who had a plantars warts on the bottom of their foot. One took a homeopathic remedy called Thuja (in pellet form). The wart got smaller and smaller and was gone in a couple of weeks. Another friend put grey Duct tape on the wart, and wore this day after day. The wart turned white and peeled off.

I hope this is helpful! Will keep you posted on my castor oil, ACV results.

Replied By Zoraida (Cayey, Puerto Rico) on 03/02/2012

This is for Dumpster Diva, So how did the ACV work for your face? Any improvements?

Replied By Scfitmomof2 (San Clemente, Ca) on 01/24/2013

It has been so informative reading all of these posts. I am 40 years old with very fair skin. I started getting brown spots on my legs, especially the shin area in my 20"s and since then I have gotten more on my chest, face, hands, arms and back. I use self tanners because my skin is so fair - not in a pretty milky way, I am fair in a bluish with freckles, skin tags, red spots, uneven tone, dry skin and terrible brown spots, type of way. The self tanner makes me feel a lot more comfortable in my own skin, but now due to all the spots and the fact that they are getting worse, it now binds to them making them stand out even more. I never wear shorts or capri's even when it's hot. I rarely get pedicures because the spots are so unsightly, people stare! They are so bad on my shins that there is no way I could treat one at a time. Hearing similar stories has given me hope that there is something I can do.. I tried ACV on my face tonight and also drank 3 tbsps - yuck. I am going to try lemon juice with equal parts organic Apple Cider Vinegar and the castor oil at night. I am also going to try compound w as well on a few skin tags and see how it works. I am grateful to have found this site, although I noticed that there has not been a post on this topic in a year, so I am hoping that there is still an ongoing disucssion. I would love to hear what has worked best for others with some or similar skin issues mentioned above. I am also curious if anyone else out there uses a self tanner and has experienced the same reaction to there skin as I have (self tanner, darkening spots) or has had success with a particular regimen which reduced brown spots etc for better application of the product. I dont expect any miracles to occur, but any improvement is worth it to me. Thanks again for sharing all of your feedback -- It has given me hope. I will post my progress at least weekly.

Replied By Robin (Rural, Va) on 01/25/2013

I have exactly the same kind of skin, and experience the same problems. I am now 54 and the discoloration just gets worse with age. Sorry! I have gone through phases where I use the self tanner, but find that my fair skin is definitely preferable than the darker spots. I am hoping that there is some dialogue that gets going about this. But I have no remedies.

Replied By Anon (Anon) on 01/25/2013

Hi, apparently it's a selenium deficiency combined with eating too many transfats- so you could eat brazil nuts.

Replied By Renee (El Centro, California) on 07/13/2013

hi I am 43 have the same problem with dark spots on my legs. It is devastating to me I dont wear shorts & I live in the desert. I have small children AND I am sooo embarrrassed of these spots I dont swim with them or go to the beach. I feel like I am a terrible mother. I have tried expensive lasers that dont work. I feel so depressed does anyone have any ideas I am desperate!! Please please any ideas.

Replied By Jeanne Green (Colorado) on 07/22/2023
Bringing up some great points here. I had a couple of tiny spots that never bothered me.But after skipping my yearly liver cleanse since Spring here in Colorado was so cold, I got tons of spots all over my hands and arms, and also on cheekbones below sunglasses. Time to do some liver flush, and get some small daily (proper) dose of Selenium.

Replied By Leslie (New Castle PA) on 09/01/2023
Hello Jeanne,

How do you do a liver flush? I have sun spots on my arms and legs. Can't get rid of them. I suspect my liver could use some love.

Thank you!

Leslie

Replied By Jeanne G. (colorado) on 11/19/2023
Leslie, we buy our Liver Cleanse from "American Botanical Pharmacy", Dr. Schulze. It comes as a kit with instructions. You can do a 5 day cleanse with mostly raw food and juices, or you can modify it, which we have to do since it is cold in Colorado. If you do the cleanse in time you can stick to eating on day 1 and 5, and using just the liquid program on days 2-4, skin looks like having been in a very expensive spa for a week.

Replied By Penny (Salem, Oregon) on 09/03/2015

I would consider ACV before lemon juice because there is evidence that lemon juice is a light chemical peel which in time allows the dark spots to return.

My comment is directed to those who would like a natural, fairly inexpensive moisturizer. Have any of you tried Squalane oil? I use it directly under my makeup, if I wear any but I wait a few minutes and give it time to sink in. Squalane is a very light (almost feels like water) oil. It is so lovely, clear, no odor and fairly inexpensive. Many companies sell "cold-pressed, first-pass" olive oil and charge a lot of money for an ounce of it @ $45. But Squalane is a finer oil and very inexpensive, @ or less than $25 for 4 oz's. If you do not like the feel under your makeup use it for a night moisturizer. It is natural, inexpensive and beats any of the expensive ( very expensive) moisturizers I have ever used. I also use it as a carrier oil for other essential oils I may use. And Avocado oil is a most wonderful body moisturizer. It is a little green, and has a slight odor (mildly off-putting, but dissipates quickly). It does not make your skin green. Sure less expensive than lotion, and au -naturalle!

One last thing, I use Frankincense, straight in my nares, and it seems to be clearing my sinus'. You may want to mix it with a carrier but I like it straight. I just put a few drops in the palm of my hand and using a clean finger tip, apply it as far in in a circular motion to cover as much area as possible. My eyes have not looked like soccer balls, and I have not noticed the yellow crystals in the corner of my eyes lately.

Now, I can't wait to try the ACV and one of God's biggest healers to mankind honey. I wonder if a person made a mask of honey ( we used to do it in nursing school) and used the mask after the ACV dried what benefit a person might see with the tone, elasticity, integrity, and effect on dark spots? Sounds good, and there are some very nice tree honeys that are said to be wowsers! Best wishes on our journey~*~

Replied By Green Augustine (Mold, Denbighshire) on 09/11/2015

Hello Penny, I have a dark blotch on my cheek, had it over 20 years, and recently a small wart appeared underneath. I went to see my doctor as, having lived in Spain for many years, I was worried about skin cancer etc. He took a photo so we could keep an eye on it. That was 6 weeks ago. At the same time, I started using ACV for some dermatitis on my arm and always just rubbed some into the little wart on my cheek. It has shrunk and seems to have dried so I can barely find it with my fingers! ACV is amazing as is works on sunburn and improves your hair if used as a rinse. I give it to my chickens in their water and it prevents them getting lung infection etc. I take it with beetroot juice and it helps my aches and pains. I've also used it on athletes foot and it cleared it up amazingly well though it did sting a bit. It seems to have so many health benefits. However, so far I haven't noticed the dark mark on my face or age spots on my hands getting any lighter but maybe if I keep using it for several months it will! Good health and blessings!

Replied By Penny (Oregon) on 09/12/2015

Green, I am sorry about the wart but I am pleased it is going away. About 5 years ago without even realizing it I developed skin tags around my neck, where my necklace had always laid. I didn't want to pay for somebody's secret recipe online, so I have just gradually reduced them by using a loofah type cloth. I wish I had a magic cure-anybody?

I have recently developed an interest in essential oils as I think I mentioned. I began with jojoba oil, then went to squalane, and the most recent three are raspberry oil, rosehip oil, and pomegranate oil. I chose the last three because they are noted for reducing redness and inflammation.

While I was using the first two, I noticed my skin was beginning to regain it's integrity and elasticity, and it seemed to me that the dark spots were shedding. I have developed rosacea from an allergy to the metal in my back and I hate it. When I read about raspberry , pomegranate and rose hip oil, I saw that they were noted for reducing inflammation. So I ordered each of them and began a regimen of a drop or two of jojoba or squalane oil, as they are known carrier oils, then a drop or two of each of the raspberry, pomegranate, and rose hip oil, mixed them together and applied that mixture at least two times a day. I am not given to overstating a thing, but I have to tell you that the fine little veins and spots from the rosacea are nearly gone. I still get red, but the damage to my skin is improving so fast that it is unbelievable to me. I also applied this combination to an area of tiny veins on the side of my knee to see if it would affect them and it has!

Finally, I noticed that the brown spots had gradually sloughed off in the process. My brown spots were very light except on my eyebrows, so I am not saying everybody will experience this as quickly but I do believe there is a wealth of healing to be found in the essential oils. I slather my body every day with avocado oil to help my dry skin.

I particularly enjoy the new integrity of my skin. The pores seem smaller, the fine lines finer and over all a younger look and feel. BY the way, I never use anything stronger than water and a washcloth to clean my skin and if I have make up on before bed, I never wash it off because it can destroy the acid mantle on the skin which is not helpful.

Now if anybody has a recipe for skin tags, I am listening? And, as soon as I am able I will get the ACV with mother and try that with a honey mask just to see what else might happen. I am unaware of the benefits of selenuim as well and need to research what part that will play in my regimen.

My largest concern now is to find something to really get rid of the angular cheilitis that cause me such problems and damages my skin-anybody?

Replied By Penelope (nickname Penny) (Dallas, Tx. ) on 07/21/2018

Hi Penny....I just read your Earth Clinic post about using essential oils for lessening capillaries & brown spots (OK, old age spots! ) on one's face. Your entire reply was great, thanks!

I'm wondering if things have been going as well since the last time you posted (about 3 yrs. ago). I'm wondering what to do myself. That fine, thin complexion that's too much that way. Also have what appear to be tiny whiteheads but I now believe perhaps they're a wart of some kind. Have you heard of these? I've been involved in the natural world for close to 30 yrs. or so. Has helped me with neurological problems I have & something that laid me totally flat, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) now known as Myalgic Encephalamyolitis ME). Ongoing battle & one of my other illnesses entailed surgery for cysts forming inside the spinal cord. I later had surgery for one of the others, Arnold-Chiari Malformation. Fortunately, the latter was successful, but so much damage had been done. Sorry, didn't mean to take the rest of your Sat. & Sun, too. Hope to hear from you & especially hope you are well. Thanks, Penny II. (I now go by Penelope...far more respect in the medical world.

Replied By Penny (Oregon) on 07/21/2018

Penelope, How nice to hear from you! Since getting involved with essential oils I have changed things up and have been following the same regimen I developed for my health and my complexion for @ 2 years now and so happy with it.

I would be happy to share with you if you are interested but I do not want to write a long post or look up URL's to paste for research if not. I am recovering from a very intensive hip replacement and am just finishing my first week. I have no problem sharing this with you, am happy to do it, but I tire easily and am taking meds so I am a little gimpy and slow.

I have a number of things I use that work well for me as I said but I would be remiss if I didn't continue looking for other treatments. I keep a holistic approach but I am not a perfectionist, I just do what works for me and I am not a price snob. I do not believe that just because something is more expensive it is better.

Ok, hope this helps, let me know if you are interested and I will get back to you! PS: I have a big surprise for you about the "warts! "

Penny

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