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If there's one thing in common that is shared by many people, it is the fact that they don't want brown spots to develop on their skin. Brown spots are often mistakenly associated with age. This is a major misconception since it has been established by experts that the development of these spots has nothing to do with age. Calling them sunspots is more appropriate since brown spots and freckles are induced by the sun. Of course, everybody wants to fade sun spots on their skin since they are unsightly and make you look older than your age.
First of all, you need to take preventive measures to reduce the appearance of sun spots. Do not overexpose yourself to the sun. The sun's ultraviolet rays are the ones that initiate skin discoloration and it is the only reason why sun spots are present on your skin in the first place. If you can't help going out or if your work requires you to, limit the hours that you have to display yourself to the sun and always find a shade to hide yourself during peak hours.
Bring an umbrella if you have to attend an outdoor activity. Light-coloured and closely knitted fabrics have certain advantages when it comes to protecting yourself to the harmful effects of the sun. The light colour doesn't absorb the rays of the sun and clothing materials that are woven tightly keep the sunrays from penetrating your clothes and eventually getting to your skin. Even if you only have to go out for a while, always make it a point to smear a generous amount of sunscreen on your skin. If you have any existing sun spots, the sunscreen keeps them from getting darker.
You can fade sun spots by using chemically-induced products. Over-the-counter products are effective in eliminating spots that are still not too dark and big in size. However, do not use any random products that catch your eye. Don't rely solely on glossy advertisements either. Some dark spot treatments are loaded with harmful chemicals that will only generate more problems rather than alleviate them. Products with hydroquinone are the most recommended whitening treatment. However, this ingredient is also controversial and some experts say that long term use can cause damaging effects.
If you want a safer way to help you fade sun spots, perhaps you would want to consider various home remedies. A mixture of ¼ cup borax and ½ cup of sugar is known to lighten skin after regular use. Let the mixture stand for 48 hours and stir at least once a day. Use a q-tip to apply the mixture on the affected areas. Another effective home remedy is a mixture of borax, glycerine and water. Grated horseradish soaked in vinegar and buttermilk is also sworn by many to be effective in lessening brown spots.
If you want a more immediate result, consult a dermatologist. Treatments like chemical peel, cyrotherapy and laser resurfacing are expensive alternatives in removing sun spots. Any of these treatments is very effective but comes with a high cost. They can also be dangerous if not done properly. Always follow your dermatologist's advice to avoid any complication after a particular treatment.
So what are the best ways to cope? Let's find out:
Nicotine Replacement Therapy NRT is used to overcome nicotine cravings and in studies it has been shown that it doubles the chances of smokers quitting over smoking cold turkey.
NRT Includes the following methods and one you use is very much a matter of personal choice. The most popular are patches and gum which deliver nicotine in various strengths to cope with cravings. There are also puffers or inhalers that deliver a measured dose of nicotine and lastly we have the prescription drug Zyban.
The above are all effective in helping reduce the craving for nicotine and really it's which method appeals to you personally that determines your choice.
Alternative methods
The two most popular methods are acupuncture and hypnosis.
While some people swear by these methods, they are not NRT and over coming your cravings is down to will power at the end of the day.
There are also a number of herbal supplements sold many without any medical substantiation, but again these are not NRT and Nicotine cravings remain.
More Options becoming available
Today as we move to a smokeless society, we are seeing an increasing number of bans on smoking in the workplace, on transport, in bars and restaurants and even in public places. When nicotine bans are around NRT can help reduce nicotine cravings.
A new method of nicotine delivery several people have looked at is organic nicotine in water.
This is aimed at smokers who can't or don't wish to smoke and is very convenient.
Simply, take a few sips of water when the craving hits by keeping a bottle close to hand. The fact thats pure nicotine in water and has no added chemicals is giving it a new wider audience due to the medical research into nicotine.
Nicotine is not harmful it's good for you!
To many this may seem a surprising statement but it's true. In its organic form the nicotine compound is safe, non toxic and is found in numerous common foods, such as potatoes, tomatoes and even some teas.
It is the fact that nicotine is smoked in cigarettes that gives nicotine its bad reputation.
It is some of the other 4,000 odd chemicals in cigarette smoking that cause disease and kill, not nicotine.
In fact Nicotine is the subject of intense research for its health giving properties which are mainly focused on the way they affect neuro transmitters in the brain.
Nicotine helps improve both mood and attention and meidical research is showing great promise in its ability to help people who have depression, Attention disorders, schizophrenia, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease.
As more and more smokers give up or are prevented from smoking, more will turn to NRT to cope with nicotine cravings.
However on going medical research into nicotine's health giving properties, means that more people outside the smoking community could well be taking nicotine as a supplement for its health giving properties.