5 Women-tested dark-spot correctors

DARK spots and dark areas on the skin are the bane of many black women’s existence, whether a remainder of acne, bug bites, or other skin trauma or a result from body parts rubbing together or from conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or diabetes. We all have it at some point or the other – under our armpits, between our thighs, under our buttocks, or on our face and legs. And while many of us try the various correcting measures out there, not many have seen results, until now.

What’s your bothersome spot that you want to correct naturally? Here, some women tell what worked for them to correct those annoying dark areas.

Turmeric and lime/lemon juice

Problem: Dark underarms

“Mix some turmeric, about a teaspoon, with equal parts lime or lemon juice and apply to the area twice per day,” says Fayola Walker. “Also, instead of shaving, try waxing, and exfoliate before and after.”

She said these instructions, followed religiously, will clear up your dark areas in as little as six weeks.

Baking soda and honey

Problem: Acne marks

“Make a paste from baking soda, water, and honey and apply as a mask to your face every three days,” says Terry Graham.

She said she has always had issues with acne, ever since high school, and this has been the only treatment that works long term.

“While the baking soda dries out the pimples, the honey moisturises your skin,” she says.

Sugar scrub

Problem: Dark inner thighs

This is caused by the skin of the thighs rubbing together and chafing and is a problem many women experience.

“I make a sugar scrub using brown sugar, aloe vera, and coconut oil and I apply it daily after my showers, leave on for 15 minutes, then rinse off,” says Taletha Sewell. “Afterwards I apply some more coconut oil or Vaseline, and I no longer have the problem.”

Tea tree oil

Problem: Backne

This is back acne, and as a treatment, Novelle Thomas uses a mixture of diluted tea tree oil and sugar as an exfoliant.

“I mix these in a jar, then apply to my back area and scrub it with a back brush,” she said. “The tea tree oil is an astringent and it dries up what’s to dry up, while the sugar sloughs them off. I finish with lotion to moisturise my back.”

Vitamin E

Problem: Dark neck

The skin on the neck gets dark easily, whether due to hormones, sun exposure, or other skin-related conditions, or medical issues like PCOS or diabetes.

“I buy Vitamin E capsules, break them open and rub the oil on, after I have exfoliated with a treatment containing salicylic acid,” Natasha Cowan says. “I’ve noticed significant lightening. Most of all, you have to use sunscreen daily, and make sure that you exfoliate often.”