When it comes to your complexion, dark discolourations and angry red splotches suck, period. Happily, you don’t have to resign yourself to putting up with your pits and pockmarks forever. Yes, it’s time for some good ol’ fashioned beauty DIY:
1. Cool it with a cucumber. Afflicted with acne marks? The first order of business is to squelch the splotches that can make post-pimple hyperpigmentation so unpleasantly prominent. (Indeed, the purplish post-blemish blotches aren’t scars per se, and should clear up with a little tender loving care.)
Simply hold a cold compress or cucumber slice against the afflicted area for a minute or so, then pat dry. The dip in temperature shrinks the skin’s blood vessels and reduces ruddiness in the process.
2. Take the edge off with olive oil. This amber ambrosia is a supremely soothing skin saviour; a generous dollop of extra virgin straight from the bottle softens the appearance of calluses and scars arising from an accumulation of dead skin.
Olive oil is also fantastic for fortifying your skin against fine lines and wrinkles in the evenings, especially if you’re sleeping in a skin-desiccating air-conditioned room. Slap it on over rough and raised patches as a last step in your night regime, and awaken to a complexion that’s calm, cool and collected.
3. When life gives you lemons … Use ‘em to dislodge discolourations and sweep away stubborn sun-induced spots! Besides being a brilliant skin brightener in its own right, the topical vitamin C in the tangy treat also makes for a useful adjunct to your daily dose of sunscreen. Or try squeezing a drop or two of lime or lemon juice into your moisturiser and layer this citrusy concoction under your sunscreen during the day. The antioxidants will maximise sun protection and prevent brown blotches at the same time.
Right, then. You know the drill: Sharing is caring, so if you’ve got a good blemish-busting and redness-reducing solution to recommend, go right ahead and spill it!
