You probably only have overgrown freckles if you have dark spots on your skin. Addressing the American Academy of Dermatology in Washington, D.C., Dr. Elizabeth Tanzi, M.D., a member of the clinical faculty of dermatology at Baltimore's Johns Hopkins Hospital Center, said direct sunlight is the most common cause of dark spots, but it takes decades of exposure to bring them out, so they are also called age spots or liver spots. You can lighten or eliminate them with a simple home remedy.
Step 1
Skin care specialists at PureFect Your Skin offer many dark-spot remedies, but the lemon cure is one of the simplest and most economical for home use. If you prefer a different citrus fruit, dermatology professionals at YgoY.com say you can pick your favorite: lemon, lime or orange. Cut a slice no more than 1/4-inch thick.
Alternatively, you can squeeze yourself a portion of juice from any fruit you prefer. The amount you squeeze depends on the size and number of spots you want to treat. Mix it with twice the volume of apple cider vinegar. A single spot typically needs no more than 1 tsp. juice and 1 tbsp. vinegar.
Step 2
Apply the citrus to the spot. If you are using slices, simply lay the slice on the spot, making sure of good contact, and leave it in place for five minutes. Do this once in the morning and once in the evening.
If you use juice, soak a 2-by-2 gauze pad in the juice and vinegar mixture. Apply it over the dark spot you want to lighten. If it is inconvenient to hold it in place for five minutes, use a mild adhesive to secure it. Do this twice a day for five minutes.
Step 3
Thoroughly rinse each treated spot immediately after the 5-minute citrus application. Most home-remedy skin spot removal experts suggest applying a high-quality skin moisturizer right after each application and renewing it as needed. Apply sun blocker with a sun protective factor or SPF of at least 25 to 30 before any direct sun exposure. Reapply sun blocker as needed.
Tips and Warnings
- Use sunblock during and after lightening treatment or sunlight will darken skin spots and counteract your efforts.
- Citrus fruit is safe and wholesome, but citrus juice and vinegar can irritate your skin. Be sure to apply moisturizer after each application of the treatment. Some kinds of skin cancer also start as apparently harmless dark spots. Check with your doctor before beginning any home treatments on your skin blemishes.
Things You'll Need
- Medium-size orange, lemon or lime
- Apple cider vinegar
- Skin moisturizing cream
- Sun block with at least 25 SPF rating
- 2-by-2 gauze pads
- Adhesive tape
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