Age spots, or liver spots, occur when extra skin pigment known as melanin accumulates in the skin. Age spots occur most frequently among those older than 40, as they develop slowly over time, according to Medline Plus. The dark spots usually appear on the hands and face, because these areas of the body typically receive the most sun exposure. While not considered a medical danger, age spots can affect appearance. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe a pharmaceutical bleaching cream or laser treatment. Several home remedies can also fade the age spots.
Horseradish and Lemon Juice
In her book "Smart Medicine for Your Skin," Dr. Jeanette Jacknin recommends using horseradish and lemon juice to treat age spots on your hands. The horseradish root gently bleaches discoloration, while lemon juice sloughs away the top layer of dead skin cells. Mix together 1 tsp. grated horseradish root, 1/2 tsp. fresh lemon juice and 1/2 tsp. white distilled vinegar. Dab the mixture on your age spots, leave it on for at least 10 minutes, and then rinse with tepid water. Apply once or twice a day, and you should see results within a few weeks.
Honey and Yogurt
Honey and yogurt combine to make a mild, natural bleach that can lighten age spots on your hands, author Bill Gottlieb writes in "Alternative Cures." Add 1 tsp. honey to 1 tsp. plain yogurt and mix thoroughly. Apply the mixture directly to your hands and allow it to dry, which usually takes about 30 minutes. Rinse clean with cool water. Gottlieb recommends repeating the treatment once per day until you achieve the desired results. Because the ingredients work gently, it may take several weeks to see a difference.
Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera gel contains chemical compounds that slough away dead skin cells and promote the growth of healthy cells in their place. This process has the added benefit of lightening discoloration and age spots. In the book "1,801 Home Remedies," the editors of Reader's Digest recommend using fresh aloe vera gel to lighten age spots on your hands. Harvest a leaf from an aloe vera plant, cut it open vertically and scoop out the gel. Apply the gel directly to your age spots twice a day for the best results. The treatment yields results slowly over time, but you should see your age spots fade within a few weeks.
Other Home Remedies
Numerous other home remedies can be used to treat age spots. Some of the more common solutions include applying 2 to 3 drops of lemon essential oil diluted in 1/2 tsp. of vegetable oil, applying buttermilk directly to the affected areas and applying plain lemon juice or yogurt. All of these treatments are safe ways to bleach skin discoloration, and you can use them daily as needed.
References
- Medline Plus: Liver Spots
- Mayo Clinic: Age Spots (Liver Spots) Causes
- "Smart Medicine for Your Skin"; Jeanette Jacknin; 2002
- "Alternative Cures: More Than 1,000 of the Most Effective Natural Home Remedies"; Bill Gottlieb; 2008
- "1,801 Home Remedies: Trustworthy Treatments for Everyday Health Problems"; Reader's Digest; 2004
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