The Chanhandle

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For some annoying reason I have been battling dark spots, also known as hyperpigmentation, on my forehead, upper lip, and under my eyes…I look dirty! My best friend, who happens to be a dermatologist, told me it is from the sun. The dark spots are a new thing for me and it is not something I can learn to accept. Pretty skin is important to me…So I did some research and found a few remedies I wanted to try (in addition to hydroquinone cream). Aloe vera has beneficial skin healing powers, it contains all kinds of anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties while helping your skin shine brighter and lighter. I read that aloe vera works on hyperpigmentation by encouraging the skin to regenerate new skin cells while also moisturizing and cleansing. Even though dark spots are pretty difficult to treat I thought it was worth a try! After reading through several different recipes I decided to make my own very simple aloe vera mask with coconut oil and lemon juice. The acidic juice will also help lighten the dark spots and give the aloe vera gel a longer shelf life.

Gel may have a slight pink tint due to oxidation.

Ingredients:

• Aloe Vera gel
• Lemon juice
• Coconut oil

Method:

• Cut the end and rough sides off the aloe Vera
• Using a sharp knife, slice off the top rind to expose the gel
• Using a spoon or the knife scoop the gel into a bowl
• In a small food processor add approximately 3 to 4 heaping tablespoons of gel
• Add 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
• Add 3/4 the juice of 1 lemon…more than half but not every drop
• Blend for approximately 1 minute

To use:

• To use as a mask apply to face and neck for approximately 10 to 15 minutes (it’s really slimy and slippery so apply mask in appropriate location, like the bathtub)
• To use as a toner, dip cotton ball in gel and rub on face and neck, focusing on dark spots. I like to do this at night then wash my face in the morning and continue with my normal routine.

These remedies can take up to a week or more for any discernible results to be seen.

Keep the concoction is your refrigerator, it will last for approximately 1-2 week(s).

My aloe vera leaf was big and I had leftovers/extra…I blended the remaining gel with lemon juice to create aloe vera juice. I kept it in my refrigerator and consumed 1 to 2 tablespoons per day.

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