Age spots, also known as liver spots or solar lentigo, occur when pigment accumulates in the skin, usually because of excess exposure to the sun over a long period. Age spots take many years to form, which makes them most common in people over the age of 55, although they can appear at any age. These darkened spots on the skin do not cause pain or irritation, but are considered a cosmetic problem. In some cases, doctors may prescribe lightening creams to help get rid of age spots. Several home remedies also exist that may lighten age spots, although they work gently and take time to yield results.
Papaya
A popular home remedy for lightening age spots around the world, papaya contains mild bleaching agents that can remove discoloration over time. According to Juta Stepanovs in her book "Skin Saver Remedies," this treatment works best if you use the latex, or fleshy side, of the papaya skin. Peel a green papaya and apply the fleshy side of the skin directly to age spots. Allow the papaya skin to remain in place for 15 to 20 minutes, remove and rinse with tepid water. Repeat the treatment once daily until you achieve the desired results.
Pineapple Juice
In her book "Folk Remedies That Work," Joan Wilen recommends using fresh pineapple juice to help dissolve age spots. Pineapple juice contains a protein-digesting enzyme known as bromelain that may slough away dead cells and gently bleach the skin underneath. Dip a cotton ball into fresh pineapple juice and apply directly to clean, oil-free skin. Allow the cotton ball to remain on the age spots for about 20 minutes, and then rinse with tepid water and pat dry. Perform this treatment daily until the age spots have faded, which may take anywhere from a week to a few months, depending on their severity.
Onion Juice and Vinegar
Onion juice combined with vinegar, an old folk remedy for skin discoloration, may help reduce the appearance of age spots, according to Joan Wilen in her book "More Chicken Soup & Other Folk Remedies." Grate an onion and squeeze it through a fine-mesh strainer or piece of cheesecloth until you have about 1 tsp. onion juice. You can also use a juicer if you have one available. Combine the onion juice with 2 tsp. white distilled vinegar and massage your age spots with the liquid. Use this treatment twice daily until your spots have faded away.
Honey and Yogurt
In the book "1,801 Home Remedies: Trustworthy Treatments for Everyday Health Problems," the Reader's Digest Association recommends blending honey and yogurt to create a mild, natural bleach to lighten age spots. Both honey and yogurt contain natural bleaching properties and they help soften the skin. For the best results, mix 1 tsp. plain whole yogurt with 1 tsp. raw honey, apply the mixture directly to the affected areas and allow it to dry for 30 minutes. Rinse away with warm water and repeat the treatment daily as needed.
References
- Intelihealth: Age Spots (Liver Spots, Solar Lentigo)
- "Skin Saver Remedies"; Juta Stepanovs; 1999
- "Folk Remedies That Work"; Joan Wilen, Lydia Wilen; 1996
- "More Chicken Soup & Other Folk Remedies"; Joan Wilen, Lydia Wilen; 2000
- "1,801 Home Remedies: Trustworthy Treatments for Everyday Health Problems"; Reader's Digest; 2004
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