Whether you call them dark spots, liver marks or age blotches, chances are, they're not welcome on your face. Although prescription treatments for dark spots tend to work more quickly than home remedies, consider do-it-yourself alternatives if you prefer less expensive, gentler methods. Always test a new ingredient or product on an unseen patch of skin first. If it doesn't irritate your skin, apply the dark spot home remedy of your choice once or twice a day.
Castor Oil
The acidic and anti-inflammatory properties of castor oil may explain its long use as a spot-lightener, according to Grannymed.com. Manufacturers press the oil from the castor bean plant, or Ricinus communis. Experiment with the oil, which also moisturizes, by applying it to dark spots on your face twice a day. Use the castor oil method on brown spots showing a leathery appearance, suggests "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies II."
Onion and Vinegar
Chop an onion and let it sit overnight until it "weeps" liquid. Press the onion pieces to release more liquid. Strain and discard the solid parts. Combine 2 tbsp. onion juice with 2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar. Apply to dark spots with a cotton swab. Do this every day for several months. Simply rubbing a piece of red onion on the age spot may work just as well. Onions contain the same peeling agents as lemons.
Lemons
The bleaching properties of lemon's natural acids boast a long tradition in lightening blond hair, whitening teeth and erasing dark spots from the face. Lemons appear to work on age spots because they peel away the upper layers of sun damage, according to "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies II."
To try this home remedy for your own dark spots--dip a cotton swab in the juice of a fresh-squeezed lemon and apply to the areas you wish to lighten. Consider applying it at night in order to let the lemon juice work its magic while you sleep. Citrus products may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, so don't apply this treatment before a day at the beach.
Hair Dyes
Look for a hair-coloring product that contains 12 percent hydrogen peroxide, advises the book "Age Erasers for Women." If it passes the patch test, apply with a cotton swab every day until you see improvement. This method works best for smaller age spots, the book advises.
Drugstore Creams
Don't discount the so-called "fade creams" just because they've been around forever; there's a good reason for that. "Age Erasers" notes that many of these creams contain the ingredient hydroquinone, which blocks the production of skin-darkening melanin. As with other home remedies, allow several months for the treatment to take hold.
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