5 Anti-Aging Beauty Treatments for Dark Spots, Wrinkles, and More

No tricks here! Simply whip up these “indulgent” candy-inspired remedies for beautiful skin and hair in a flash.

Fade dark spots with a ‘caramel’ face peel.

The glycolic acid in brown sugar (chewy caramel’s main ingredient) promotes new skin cell growth while its gentle granules exfoliate dead, dry skin — together diminishing brown spots. And adding lemon juice (its citric acid acts like a mild bleach) and egg whites (its amino acids repair damaged skin) helps the complexion look spotless even faster.

Try it: Mix 1 egg white, 1½ Tbs. of brown sugar, and 2 tsp. of lemon juice. Apply to dry skin with a cotton round. Let sit 5 minutes, then rinse with cool water.

Studies have shown that simply inhaling the scent of your favorite candy invokes positive childhood memories, boosting your mood by 40 percent!

Smooth wrinkles with a chocolate mask.

The cocoa confection is packed with antioxidants that restore skin’s elasticity, while its fatty acids help rid the complexion of lines and creases. To sweeten results, pair with honey (it locks in moisture) and olive oil (it deeply hydrates skin to fill in lines).

Try it: Mix 2 Tbs. of cocoa powder, 1 Tbs. of honey and 1 Tbs. of olive oil. Apply to dry skin and let sit for 15 minutes before rinsing.

Soften rough patches with a ‘candy apple’ scrub.

“Apple’s malic acid whisks away parched skin to reveal healthy layers underneath,” says Heather Wilson, aesthetician with InstaNatural Skin Care. For delectable skin in no time, mix with sugar (it exfoliates) and almond oil (its fatty acids hydrate).

Try it: Mix ¼ cup of applesauce, 3 Tbs. of brown sugar and 1 Tbs. of almond oil. Massage onto damp skin for one minute, then rinse.

Calm rashy skin with a licorice ‘salve.’

Licorice root’s antiinflammatory compounds have the power to soothe irritated skin quickly, says Wilson. Plus, the “tasty” treat’s antioxidants strengthen skin’s outer layer to protect from, and ward off, future redness. Use with hydrating and calming aloe for relief stat.

Try it: Mix 3 drops of licorice root extract (like Gaia Herbs Licorice Root, $12, Vitacost.com) and 1 Tbs. aloe vera gel. Apply to skin; let absorb.

Thicken hair with a peppermint ‘pattie’ conditioner.

Menthol in peppermint increases circulation, delivering hair-growing nutrients to follicles for faster hair growth. Boost the beautifying benefits by pairing with coconut oil (its lauric acid hydrates and plumps strands).

Try it: Mix 2 Tbs. of coconut oil and 6 drops of peppermint essential oil. Rub into damp hair from roots to ends. Let sit 20 minutes; rinse.

This story originally appeared on our sister site, Woman’s World.