Age spots, more commonly known as liver spots, vary in size and typically appear on your face, hands, shoulders and arms. These areas receive the most direct sun exposure, which results in the appearance of dark spots caused by the accumulation of excess pigment. Most age spots fade over time and require no medical treatment, according to the Mayo Clinic. However, you can use home remedies to lighten age spots, though they may take several weeks to work.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice--a slightly acidic substance--is a common home remedy for getting rid of skin discolorations. Lemon juice works by sloughing off your skin's outer layer. This home remedy removes or lightens age spots gently over time. Dab the juice from a fresh lemon over your age spots at least twice a day for the best results. The dark spots should get lighter after a few weeks of consistent treatments.
Honey and Yogurt
Combining honey and yogurt creates a mild, natural bleach that may lighten age spots if used consistently, according to author Bill Gottlieb's book "Alternative Cures." Mix 1 tsp. each raw honey and plain, whole yogurt. Apply the mixture directly to your age spots. Let the mixture dry for at least 30 minutes before rinsing your skin clean with cool water. Repeat the treatment once a day. You should see results after a few days to weeks, depending on severity.
Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera gel contains chemicals that remove dead skin cells and encourage the growth of new, healthy cells in their place, according to the Reader's Digest book "1,801 Home Remedies." This process lightens age spots naturally over time. For the best results, use aloe vera gel straight from the leaves of the living plant. If you don't have access to a live aloe vera plant, use store-bought aloe gel that contains minimal additives. Apply the gel directly to your age spots once or twice a day until you achieve the desired results.
Onion Juice and Vinegar
Use onion juice and vinegar together to gently lighten age spots. However, the smell may not appeal to everyone. In her book "Garlic, Onion and Other Alliums," Ellen Spector Platt recommends making a poultice of these ingredients and applying it directly to age spots, freckles or other skin discolorations. Combine 1 tsp. onion juice squeezed from a fresh onion with 2 tsp. white distilled vinegar. Rub the mixture on your age spots once or twice a day.
Other Home Remedies
Use buttermilk, lemon essential oil or castor oil to lighten liver spots. Apply buttermilk directly to your age spots a few times a day--let it dry before rinsing.
Dilute two to three drops of lemon essential oil in olive oil or another high-quality vegetable oil. Rub the oils into the affected area once a day, or massage castor oil into liver spots once a day until you achieve results. For maximum effect, dilute lemon oil in castor oil and use the mixture a few times a week.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Age Spots (Liver Spots)
- Aetna InteliHealth: Age Spots (Liver Spots, Solar Lentigo)
- "1,801 Home Remedies"; Reader's Digest; 2004
- "Alternative Cures: More Than 1,000 of the Most Effective Natural Home Remedies"; Bill Gottlieb; 2008
- "Garlic, Onion, & Other Alliums"; Ellen Spector Platt; 2003
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