Michelle Reed
Beauty & Style

7 natural ways to reduce dark skin spots

Many a moon ago, we simply didn’t know how harmful a cheeky mid-afternoon sunbake could really be. What most people don’t know is even if the damage didn’t show up then, it’s showing up in our later years. This is because when skin is exposed to the sun, it also causes an increase in the production of melanocytes. The increase in this production over the years increases a type of pigment called melanin in the skin, thus turning the skin darker.  

These dark skin patches are known as brown spots, age spots, dark spots, sunspots and liver spots. They generally appear on exposed skin areas like the face, back, neck, chest, shoulders and hands. Although they are not harmful, most people do not like the look of them. You can take solace in the fact that if you do have them, it’s likely because of years of enjoying time on the beach in the sun. Here are some natural remedies for improving these spots.

1. Lemon juice

Remember squeezing lemon juice into your hair before going to all those beach parties? Lemon juice has bleaching properties that can also help get rid of brown spots. Plus, it helps maintain soft, clear and beautiful skin.

Simply apply fresh lemon juice directly on the area you want to treat. Leave it on for 30 minutes before rinsing it off with cold water. Repeat this remedy twice daily for about two months to notice positive results. If you have a sensitive scalp, dilute the lemon juice with water, rose water or even honey if you’re not afraid of the mess.

Another option is to mix enough sugar in lemon juice to make a paste and use it as a scrub on your face, especially on your brown spots. Finally, rinse it off after five to 10 minutes. Do this a few times a week. You can also add some oilve oil in this recipe.

For more information on how to use lemon to treat dark skin spots, visit Your Best Skin Advisor. 

2. Buttermilk

Store bought exfoliates can be rough, but buttermilk contains lactic acid that helps exfoliate the skin to remove blemishes and brown spots without drying out your skin or being too harsh. It also won’t leave tiny microbeads all over your bathroom floor.

Apply buttermilk on your brown spots using a cotton ball. Leave it on for a few minutes to let it soak in before washing the area with water. If you have oily skin, you can also add some lemon juice to the buttermilk.

Another option is to mix four teaspoons of buttermilk and two teaspoons of tomato juice together and then apply this mixture on the affected skin.

Repeat either of these remedies once or twice daily until you are satisfied with the results.

3. Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a household hero. You can use it to help digestion, condition your hair and of course treat brown spots. It acts by helping to dry out the skin and fade the spots faster.

Dilute some apple cider vinegar with an equal amount of water. You can also add some honey, or buy an apple cider vinegar that already has honey in it.  Apply this solution on your brown spots and wash it off after a few minutes. Do this once daily for a few days or until you get positive results. You can use straight apple cider vinegar too, but it may sting.

Alternatively, mix one-half teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a few tablespoons of orange juice. Apply it on the affected area and leave it on until it dries completely before washing it off.

Repeat once or twice daily for four to five weeks.

4. Aloe vera

It’s no secret that aloe vera helps the skin recover from sun damage. The plant has been shown in studies to help heal minor wounds eight days faster than standard dressing, not to mention all its antibacterial qualities. So of course, it is excellent for getting rid of brown spots, especially when they are caused by sun exposure. Instead of reaching for expensive and diluted store bought products, opt for the real deal. You can buy an aloe vera plant for as little as $10.00. Get the aloe vera out of the leaf by cutting the top of the leaf with scissors and squeezing the gel out. Gently rub fresh aloe vera gel on the spots. Leave it on for about 30 minutes before washing the area with cold water. Repeat twice daily and within a month you should notice improvement. If your fresh out of aloe Vera trees, you can opt for aloe vera juice that you can readily buy. Try to go for an organic one and be scrupulous.

5. Papaya

Papaya has enzymes called papain that can balance skin tones and exfoliate the skin. It acts as its own scrub that many people use on elbows and knees. Use the pulp of the papaya and apply it to the affected areas. Let it work its magic for 20 minutes before washing it off. Another papaya home remedy to try is with combining it with limejuice.

6. Potatoes

Not many people may know that potatoes lighten dark spots. One way to use potatoes is by slicing a potato and placing it right on top of the affected area. Leave it on for a few minutes before washing your face with warm water. Potatoes can also be combined with honey to use as a facemask.

7. Horseradish

Horseradish is another effective herb that provides you with spotless skin. However, it’s an option that comes with a lot of commitment. Horseradish has skin lightening properties that remove the age spots, freckles and other spots on the skin. If you want any extraordinary results, you must put the extraordinary efforts, and have a go at the concoction below.

Ingredients:

Method:

  1. Grate 5 inch long horseradish to a fine paste
  2. Add this to half a cup of apple cider vinegar
  3. Stir well and let it sit for 2 weeks without disturbing
  4. Then take apple cider vinegar and add this to apple cider vinegar
  5. Stir it well and leave it like that for about 2 weeks without disturbing it only taking it out to shake once a day
  6. Strain the vinegar into a storage container
  7. Using a cotton pad, apply this mixture to the affected area twice a day for at least one month

Discontinue use if irritation occurs.

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Tags:
beauty, skin, sun, skin spots