Ways To Use Coconut Oil For Age Spots
As a person progresses in age, age spots, which are also called as liver spots, start appearing on skin. Age spots have been described as dark brown or black flat spots that occur in skin.
One of major reasons for occurrence of age spots is prolonged exposure to skin. If a person remains exposed to skin for longer durations, sunscreen must be applied for preventing the harmful effects of sunrays. For treating age spots, many types of formulations are found in market.
These preparations often contain harmful chemicals and thus, their regular use may not be advised. There are also some home remedies that help in treating and lightening age spots. These home remedies involve use of naturally occurring substances and thus, do not have any side e ffects.
One such substance is coconut oil. Coconut oil has been found effective in treating age spots. However, for best results, it is necessary that oil derive from fresh coconut or virgin coconut oil is used. These oils are not subjected to any chemical treatments and thus, all natural properties of oil are retained. Due to certain ingredients, coconut oil offers best moisturizing properties.
Apart from treating age spots, coconut oil is also used for healing scrapes, bruises and burns. Age spots are reduced or faded as coconut oil acts as an exfoliating agent on skin. When applied regularly, it also helps in preventing sagging of skin. Appearance of wrinkles is also delayed by use of coconut oil.
In many studies, it has been proved that regular use of virgin coconut oil helps in preventing as well as diminishing appearance of age spots. This occurs due to anti-oxidant properties of coconut oil. This oil fights effectively against oxidation of polyunsaturated fats as well as proteins, which occurs due to free radical activity inside the body. Free radical activity in body increases with age.
How to Use Coconut Oil for Age Spots
Before applying virgin coconut oil on the affected areas, face and hands are washed with mild soap and clean water. Harsh soaps and face washes should be avoided, as they can remove moisture from skin. After washing, face is dried gently with a soft towel. In no case, age spots should be wiped with towel.
Few drops of coconut oil are then taken on palm. In winters, coconut oil freezes and thus, it may have to be heated in a microwave for melting. With the help of fingers, coconut oil is applied on areas of face containing age spots and is gently massaged. Massage is always given in upward direction towards the hair line.
Oil should be massaged for three to five minutes. If a person has age spots near eyes, only ring finger should be used for giving gentle massage. This is because ring finger is considered as the weakest finger and does not pull the gentle skin found around the eyes.
Coconut oil may also be massaged on hands and arms if these contain age spots. Even if hands and arms do not contain age spots, coconut oil should be used for preventing appearance of age spots. If a person has remained exposed to sunlight for longer duration, coconut oil must be applied after coming home for repairing the damage that has been caused to skin. Use of coconut oil should be continued until age spots fade away.
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