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Tasha's Skin Tips: Prevent and Treat a Spotty Skin Situation.

by Tasha Noriega

Dark spots, blotchiness or hyper-pigmentation are a big skin problem for many Latinas.  The causes: sun damage, genetics, hormones, and/or age.

Dermatologists, such as Javier Zelaya, of Brooklyn, New York, treats his patients’ dark spots with the prescription treatment Tri-Luma, which contains the popular agent, hydroquinonine.  Depending on the individual, it can be effective, yet, depending on the patient’s skin, a bit harsh on skin.

If you’re looking for a more natural approach, try using non-prescription products containing botanical lightening extracts such as Licorice, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Mulberry, Lemon and Cucumber.  These natural agents are formulated at safe and effective levels to halt the enzyme pathways that stimulate damaging melanin production.  Use them daily to produce dramatic results. (Catalina picks: Tepoema Skin Lightening Emulsion, $40, www.TahitianNoni.com; or blanca powerful miracle lightener, 1 oz., $68.50, www.TashaandCo.com.)

To prevent dark spots now, protect your skin from sun exposure as much as possible.  Use a sunscreen daily and use moisturizers loaded with healthy vitamins and antioxidants to help brighten the skin tone naturally.   

Tasha Noriega is the founder of Tasha & Co. Look for Tasha’s skin tips in every issue of Catalina.

This article appeared in the July/August, 2005 issued of Catalina and is reproduced with permission.