With age comes grace, however when it comes to spots on your face, you don’t always feel very graceful. Many people in the mid-’40s will start to see the occasional age spot. This may happen for some people at an earlier age. Though they say with age comes grace, you don’t always feel very graceful when you have spots on your face which you know have come about too early in life. Maybe you didn’t think you would get age spots until you were well into your 60s, or didn’t realise how much damage excessive sun exposure was doing to your skin. Regardless, when these age spots appear, we feel the urge to cover them up to bring our complexion back to the way it used to be. You want to look young and feel young, and in this day and age, looks matter.
This is why we are looking at some of the natural techniques for treating age spots and removing them, thereby giving you a healthier look and feel. Mostly caused by sun exposure, age spots are pigments or blemishes that usually appear on the face, hands and arms. Age spots are very common in people above the age of 50. However, due to various factors such as sun exposure, bad nutrition and excessive chemical usage, these spots have come to develop earlier for some people.
Though there are some synthetic means to remove age spots (cosmetic surgery), people often tend to cover the spots with make-up. However, there are some incredible natural techniques you can adopt and incorporate to ensure healthier skin. These simple and effective solutions will help you naturally remove age spots, bringing a healthier complexion and feel.
Caused by hyperpigmentation, age spots are also known as dark spots. The dark spots appear when your skin produces more melanin; which is the component that gives skin its colour. When it comes to age spots or dark spots, whichever terminology you prefer, there is a host of different ways to treat them. Lasers to chemical peels to topical medication. However, it is usually better to consider the natural means to remove and treat age spots, which is why you are here. If you have age spots and would like to understand the different natural remedies to treat and remove them, keep reading this word to word. We promise you that by the end of this article, you will have a host of different remedies that you can try at home to remove age spots and better your complexion.
Natural Home Remedies for Age Spots
When it comes to naturally treating and removing age spots, there is a host of things you can try at home. These should be the first things you try, for they don’t harm your skin; instead gives you an overall healthier glow. These simple home remedies can help you bring your youth back and give you a better complexion; which is great for your self-confidence.
Remember however that when it comes to home remedies and age spots, you have to have patience. They simply won’t just disappear in a week’s time. Give yourself a few months to actually notice the results of whatever it is that you are trying.
1) Sandalwood
Sandalwood is great for your skin and complexion. It is something many beauticians swear by. This is because sandalwood contains various anti-ageing properties which can help reduce hyperpigmentation; this includes age spots. Using sandalwood will help you reduce the severity of age spots in your skin, reducing the appearance of spots and blemishes.
When it comes to sandalwood, there are two ways to go about it. You can opt to use sandalwood essential oil. Simply massage a few drops of the oil into the affected region and allow it to dry. This works really well when you find yourself in a rush.
Otherwise, you can use sandalwood powder. Mix a pinch of the sandalwood powder with a few drops of rose water, glycerin and lemon juice. Use the mixture on the affected regions of your skin and allow it to dry. After about 20 minutes, rinse it off with cold water.
If you give it time, sandalwood can treat age spots and decrease the appearance of them on your skin.
2) Buttermilk
Buttermilk contains lactic acid which is great for bringing about a lighter complexion. The trouble with many ingredients which bring about the same result is, that they cause skin irritation. Buttermilk does a great job at soothing your skin and treating your spots without causing skin irritation.
Buttermilk works really well in reducing dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Simply dip a cotton swab in buttermilk and apply it to the regions of skin affected by spots or hyperpigmentation. Wash off after 15 to 20 minutes and pat dry.
If you are prone to acne or have oily skin in general, simply mix the buttermilk with a little lemon juice and use it accordingly.
3) Castor Oil
Praised for its healing properties, castor oil is great when you are trying to treat hyperpigmentation. Castor oil has proven itself very effective in reducing the colour of age spots thereby providing for better complexion and glow.
Simply apply the castor oil on the affected regions of your skin and massage the area for a few minutes. This will stimulate blood circulation which will enable effective absorption of the oil. Use twice daily for better results; once in the morning and once in the evening.
If you have dry skin, it is best to mix the castor oil with some olive oil or almond oil. This moisturises your skin better, treating your dry skin, simultaneously working to remove the age spots.
4) Yoghurt
The hyperpigmentation in your skin is caused by the build-up of dead skin cells. Lactic acid, naturally found in yoghurt works really well to remove dead skin cells. This enables the clearing out of the darker and discoloured skin patches, which enabled the growth of fresh and healthy new skin.
Simply apply yoghurt to the affected regions of your skin and allow it to dry for about 20 minutes. Rinse off with cold water and repeat as frequently as desired. For better results, you can even leave the yoghurt on the affected region overnight. Simply apply yoghurt before bed and wash it off in the morning.
Yoghurt also works well as a skin pack. To make a skin pack, simply mix one portion of yoghurt to two portions of oatmeal and one portion of fresh lemon juice. You can use the pack on the affected region for about 30 minutes. Once done, simply wash off with cold water and apply some moisturiser to treat your skin. You can use this remedy a few times a week.
5) Papaya
Papaya works really well in exfoliating your skin giving you a healthier glow. This is because papaya contains certain enzymes and alpha hydroxy acids which help reduce age spots and blemishes. After using papaya on your skin, you will notice that your skin feels cleaner and that your complexion has gotten lighter.
Simply cut a slice of the skin of green papaya and press the fleshy side on the affected region of your skin. Press the slice on the affected region for about 15 to 20 minutes. You can also use the actual papaya. Simply cut the papaya into small pieces and make a paste with a fork. Use the paste on the affected regions. The paste works like a mask. Simply leave the paste on your skin for about 15 minutes before washing it off with water. Use daily for the best results.
Please note, if you have a papaya allergy, you would want to refrain from using this remedy.
6) Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is known for the marvellous benefits it has on your skin. The gel of this plant works great to balance oil production in your skin and works to give you a brighter and clearer complexion. It has been identified as an ingredient that can help resolve many skin conditions and this includes age spots.
Simply extract some aloe vera gel from the leaf of a plant using a knife, and apply the gel to the affected regions of your skin. Allow the gel to dry and only wash away if you are irritated with the stickiness. The longer you leave the gel on your skin, the better.
If you don’t have access to an aloe vera plant, you can buy fresh aloe vera juice which also works well to treat age spots. However the gel of the plant is preferred, and if you can, get your hand on some aloe vera gel.
7) Horseradish
Containing vitamin C, horseradish works really well to slow down the production of melanin in your skin. Melanin is the component that is responsible for skin pigmentation. The more melanin you have, the darker your skin will be. Horseradish also contains glucosinolates, which helps in the better circulation of blood to your skin.
To use horseradish, simply make a paste and apply it to the region affected by age spots. Leave the paste on your skin for 15 to 20 minutes before washing it off. For best results, use this remedy a few times a week.
Another thing that you can do with horseradish is mix pieces of horseradish with apple cider vinegar. Take about a four-inch piece of horseradish and mix with a quarter cup of apple cider vinegar. Allow this mixture to sit for about two weeks. After two weeks, you can simply strain the mixture and apply it to the affected regions of your skin. Do this at least three times a day for noticeable results in a month’s time.
8) Onion Juice
Onions have great antiseptic properties for they contain sulfur compounds. The acids in onion are also great for they allow for proper exfoliation of the skin. Onion juice works well to restore the natural oil balance in your skin and removes dead cells which enable the growth of healthier skin.
Simply slice an onion and use the slices on the affected regions of your skin. Rub the slices around the skin area to gently massage the skin for better circulation. Use this two to three times a day for best results.
You can alternatively use onion juice. Simply mix one portion of onion juice with two portions of honey and apply the mixture to the affected regions of your skin. Leave on your skin for about 15 minutes and wash off well to rid your skin from the smell of onions. Repeat this one or twice a day.
9) Apple Cider Vinegar
As a natural source of alpha-hydroxy acids, apple cider vinegar works really well in reducing sun damage and age spots.
Since the vinegar is an acid and can cause skin irritation, simply mix the vinegar with olive oil to protect your skin from dryness. Apply on the affected regions of your skin and wash off after 20 minutes. It will leave behind a glowing complexion and a smoother feel.
There will be a little stinging at first and if you notice this more often, it may be due to the fact that you have more sensitive skin. If this is the case, simply dilute with water and use accordingly.
10) Lemon Juice
Lemon juice works really well to reduce the appearance of age spots. This is because the citric acid in lemon juice is a natural bleaching agent. This leaves behind exfoliated skin with a shiny and natural glow.
Lemon juice may take longer to show results (about 2 months). Simply apply the juice to the affected regions of your skin, twice a day. If you are comfortable with not washing the juice after application, then that is best. Otherwise, wash off after about 30 minutes. Lemon juice also works very well if left on the affected region overnight.
Refrain from using bottled lemon juice, for it may contain other chemicals which could irritate and damage your skin. If you are looking to step outside into direct sunlight, allow the applied juice to dry on your skin first. This is because lemon juice increases skin sensitivity.
11) Turmeric
Tumeric works really well in smoothening your complexion. Applying it produces a healthy glow, which is often caused by the removal of dead skin cells. It produces an overall brighter complexion which is why it works well in removing age spots.
Simply mix two portions of rice water with two portions of flour and one portion of turmeric. Mix well to make a smooth paste. Apply the paste into the affected regions of your skin and leave it to dry for about 20 minutes. Rinse off with lukewarm water and moisturise after.
For best results, use this remedy a few times a week or once daily if you prefer.
12) Parsley
Fresh parsley works really well in treating and removing age spots. It is one of the best natural home remedies in treating age spots. This is because parsley contains a lot of essential oils which help in fighting off bad bacteria in your skin. It helps remove and exfoliate dead skin cells, thereby producing a healthy glow.
Mix two portions of chopped parsley with one portion of baking soda and one portion of yoghurt. Mix well to make a paste. Apply the mask on the regions affected by age spots and leave it to dry for about 15 minutes. Rinse off with warm water and apply some moisturiser to treat your skin.
13) Garbanzo Beans (Chickpeas)
Rich in magnesium, chickpeas work really well in reducing fine lines and wrinkles. If you are treating age spots, then chances are that your first wrinkle is close by. This is why chickpeas are a great way to treat and remove age spots. The magnesium and zinc in chickpeas help remove spots and blemishes; it has loads of anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants which help protect your skin from the damage of free radicals.
Simply boil and mash chickpeas and mix with a quarter cup of water. Apply on the affected regions of your skin and allow it to dry. After about 30 minutes, rinse off with warm water. Repeat daily for noticeable results.
14) Hydrogen Peroxide
If you are prone to acne or skin irritation, then please opt-out of this remedy.
Hydrogen peroxide helps lighten skin complexion which is what makes it great for age spots. The bleaching effects of hydrogen peroxide works really well in treating and removing age spots.
Simply combine one portion of hydrogen peroxide with one portion of milk. Apply the mixture to the affected regions of your skin and leave it to dry for about 15 minutes. Rinse off with warm water and pat dry. Use a moisturiser afterwards for better results.
15) Potatoe and Honey
Honey has some great benefits to your skin. When combined with potatoes, the combination works really well in reducing blemishes and age spots. Potatoe is high in salicylic acid, which is what helps you treat and remove age spots and hyperpigmentation.
Simply grate a potato and mix with honey to make a paste. Apply on the affected regions of your skin and allow it to dry for about 15 minutes. Thereafter, rinse with cool water and pat dry.
For best results, use this combination daily.
16) Olive Oil
Olive oil has slight skin-lightening properties. The fact that it has only a slight effect is what makes it our least favourite remedy on this list. That being the case, it helps block the damage and pigmentation caused by sun exposure, which is why the treatment is useful in treating age spots. It also contains vitamin E which is great at reducing the appearance of age spots.
Do note that using this remedy will take a longer time to notice results. (3 months)
Simply apply olive oil to the affected regions of your skin and allow it to dry. Leave on the skin for as long as possible. It works well when used overnight.
17) Dandelion
The sap of dandelion roots has the ability to lighten the complexion and even skin tone. This is why dandelion has made this list of natural home remedies to treat dark spots. The sap of the dandelion root soothes the skin, giving it a healthier glow and feel.
Simply rub some of the sap on the affected regions of your skin and allow it to dry. Repeat this two or three times a day for best results.
18) Cucumber Juice
Cucumbers have bleaching properties, which is what makes them great in the fight against age spots. It usually refreshes your skin, opening up pores. It cleanses your skin by removing dead skin cells, promoting the growth of healthy skin.
Simply crush the cucumber in a bowl to make a paste. Apply the paste into the affected regions of your body. Leave the paste on your skin for about 30 minutes before washing away with water.
19) Watermelon
When you eat the watermelon, you usually throw away the rind. However, the rind has some great properties which make it ideal in treating age spots. They help brighten your skin and fights off hyperpigmentation. Watermelon contains glutathione, an antioxidant with skin-lightening properties. This is what makes it great in removing age spots.
Simply rub the rind of a watermelon on the affected regions of your skin. Massage the skin with the fleshy side of the rind for about 20 minutes before rinsing off with water. Repeat as often as you would like.
20) Orange
Organ, another citric fruit is also useful when trying to remove age spots. This is because the peels of oranges contain a good amount of citric acid, which helps fight skin pigmentation and age spots.
Simply rub the peels of oranges on the affected regions of your skin and massage with the peel for about 20 minutes. Rinse with water and pat dry. Use as often as you would like.
21) Vitamin E Oil
Loaded with healing properties and antioxidants, vitamin E oil is a great ingredient in fighting age spots. Its anti-inflammatory properties help regulate healthy skin, leaving behind a soothed and glowing complexion. It works really well on hyperpigmentation, reducing the appearance of dark spots in your skin.
Simply open a capsule of vitamin E oil and apply it to the affected region of your skin. Allow the oil to soak into your skin and leave for a few hours. The longer you leave it on your skin, the better.
22) Lavender Oil
This essential oil is praised for its healing properties. It works to reduce the damage caused by sun exposure, thereby reducing age spots and blemishes. It also has some great anti-inflammatory properties which work well to maintain healthy skin.
Simply apply the lavender oil to the affected regions of your skin and allow it to dry. Don’t simply rinse it off, allow it to get soaked into your skin. Leave overnight for best results.
23) Frankincense Oil
This essential oil works wonders when it comes to age spots. If you can get your hands on some frankincense oil, then we recommend incorporating it as a remedy in your fight against age spots. It works really well in reducing hyperpigmentation, enabling you to fade those age spots.
Simply take some frankincense oil and rub it on the affected regions of your skin. Gently massage your skin to better the circulation of blood. Allow it to dry and don’t rinse off immediately. Best results are observed when used overnight.
Prevention of Age Spots
When it comes to treatment, they say that prevention is the best cure. So what is the best option that you have when it comes to prevention? When it comes to age spots, the most significant cause behind age spots is excessive exposure to the sun. It is sun damage that is the resultant cause of age spots.
Hence when it comes to age spots, you should make it a point to use sunscreen when exposed, to prevent any damage that excessive sun exposure could cause. You can also try avoiding the sun and not spend so much time by the pool or at the beach. If you must, make sure to use good sunscreen.
When it comes to tanning beds, be warned, overexposure to tanning lamps can lead to the development of age spots. Hence it is best to avoid them altogether.
Better Skin
Remember that when it comes to the health of your skin, your nutrition matters. That does not mean that you eat right and not wear sunscreen when you expose yourself to the sun. Make sure to take care of your skin and if you are struggling with age spots, one of the many remedies in this article could help you treat them and remove them altogether.
Happy Living!
