Are you noticing some dark spots on your body and wondering what they are? These dark patches are age spots that commonly appear on the skin with age. You can see it almost anywhere in your body but it is found especially in sun-exposed areas like the face, hands, and shoulders.
Although these spots are harmless and a normal part of ageing, one might not be comfortable living with it. So without wasting any more time, lets learn more about their root cause, prevention and most importantly, their removal ideas.
1. Aloe Vera Gel
Yes, you heard it right! Who would have thought a simple ingredient like aloe vera could be used as a home remedy to fight the dark spots?
Studies have found the miraculous benefits of aloe vera in treating hyperpigmentation, and you could also use this natural process to fade out the pigmented, sun damagaed spots on your face, upper limbs or your entire body.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
Rich in acetic acid, ACV when used on a regular basis might help to get rid of the pigmentation. Not to forget, it also contains hydrating properties that further help to maintain your skin's moisture balance. Which leaves your skin not only clearer but also looking fresh and revitalized.
Not just your skin, ACV benefits your hair too. With so many benefits to offer, it's no wonder people claim ACV as one of the best natural remedies to fade age spots.
3. Honey
Honey, the sweetest miracle created by mother nature not just satisfies your sweet tooth but also keeps your skin bright and spot free. Wondering how? Honey is a natural humectant which also contains some antibacterial properties. What the antibacterial properties does is, it heals and rejuvenates your skin.
In fact, honey, with its natural enzymes and exfoliating action, brightens the skin and reduces the visibility of age spots. It also benefits your hair, which is the main reason people add honey to their hair and skin care routine!
4. Green Tea Extract
Green tea might be some of yours favourite thing to drink. We basically grew up learning that it boosts metabolism and keeps your weight in check. But with on going studies and research, it has come into light that the tea is much more than a weightloss remedy.
It contains antioxidants named polyphenol which helps protect the skin from harmful UV rays. And with its regular application or consumption, green tea extract can help improve skin texture and diminish the appearance of dark spots over time.
5. Buttermilk
Very much like yogurt or curd, buttermilk if ingested or worn as a mask helps to reduce dark spots from your skin. It is a suitable natural remedy as it contains lactic acid which promotes cell turnover and lightens age spots over time.
For better results, apply buttermilk to your desired area with a cotton ball and let your skin absorb those nutrients for about 15 minutes. Lastly, rinse it off with lukewarm water.
6. Lemon Juice
Lemon or lime juice is one of the best natural treatment that helps to reduce ageing spots from your skin. As the juice of lemon contains high amount of Vitamin C, it contains bleaching properties which further helps to brighten your skin and improve its texture.
However, always follow up with sunscreen after the treatment, as the acidity of lemon can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight.
7. Turmeric
Turmeric, one of the kitchen potion possesses qualities that doesnt necessarily limits in your kitchen. This natural miracle contains curcumin which has antimicrobial properties.Not just in modern days, people have been using this root as a medicine from centuries.
It is because, turmeric contains anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants, that helps to get rid of age spots by lightening the skin and promoting an even skin tone.
8. Cucumber
Either you consume it on a regular basis or apply it on your skin, cucumber promotes a more even skin tone. To use this cooling tasty veggy as a mask, start by mashing it into a coarse paste.
Then, apply it on your skin and leave it for 15-20 minutes. Once, your skin feels dry, wash it thourughlly. Apply it everyday or every other day for better results.
9. Tomato Paste
Sounds strange but tomato paste makes a great exfoliating agent that promotes shedding of dead skin cell while encouraging new growth for a healthy looking skin.
This paste also protects your skin from UV damage, which is a leading cause of hyperpigmentation and age spots. Therefore, if you have a high quality tomato paste in your pantry then apply it on your age spots. The result might surprise you!
10. Papaya
The use of papaya as a natural remedy can be the best answer to how to get rid of age spots. Yes, we consume papaya as a fruit, but did you know it can aid to minimize age spots?
Indeed, ingesting and using papaya paste on your skin on a regular basis promotes skin cell renewal, making age spots fade over time. Ensure you avoid applying papaya to broken skin, as this can irritate.
11. Yogurt
Like mentioned above, yogurt just like buttermilk contains lactic acid which is best for your guts and your skin as well. For maximum benefits, you can apply it directly to the skin, which will slowly help fade age spots but also hydrate and soothe your body. As a result, your skin feels soft, smooth, and rejuvenated.
12. Baking Soda
Baking soda has a balancing effect on the skin's pH which is believed to improve overall skin clarity. However, baking soda is alkaline in nature so, it can be drying or irritating to sensitive skin. So, always do a patch test before making the big move.
13. Sandalwood
Sandalwood is amongst the best natural treatments that soothes your body and offer skin-lightening properties. To use, mix the sandalwood powder with rosewater or milk to form a thick paste. Then, generously apply it on your face and body.
But if you are not a fan of it, you can also choose to apply it on the desired area. Once the paste dries completely, rinse it with thoroughly and enjoy a smooth spot free skin!
14. Red Onion Juice
Wondering how does this help you? Red onion is rich in sulphur compounds and antioxidants which helps to lighten dark spots by promoting skin cell turnover. Similarly, onion juice also inhibits the production of excess melanin, which causes hyperpigmentation.
15. Pineapple
Did you know pineapple is another effective remedy for getting rid of age spots? People who consume it and use as a pack swear by it. It is because it contains enzymes that help exfoliate the skin and reduce pigmentation. It also contains natural acids that further help to brighten the skin.
Apply fresh pineapple juice or rub a small piece to the age spots and leave it on for 15 minutes by repeating this treatment daily. If your skin feels irritated, limit the application to a few times a week.
What Causes Age Spots?
In addition to sun exposure, other factors might also play a vital role in causing age spots. So, before you jump to any conclusion, let’s learn the root cause of age spots.
• Sun exposure:
While this might come as a surprise but studies shows that when you are exposed to UV rays for a long period of time, you body starts to produce more melanin. As a result, the age spots form when the melanin accumulates in a certain region or is produced in high concentrations in the same area.
• Aging:
When people start ageing and grow old, their skin loses its capacity to renew and heal itself. As a result, it leaves them more vulnerable to the damaging effects of UV rays and the development of age spots.
• Genetic Factors:
Yes, genetics plays a vital role too. Although there is a chance you may never have it but if your parents or grandparents do, chances are you will have them too.
• Hormonal Change:
Some studies has concluded that, there is a chance for a female to have these spots due to their hormonal changes. These changes usually occurs during pregnancy or menopause.
Can We Prevent Age Spots?
Whoever came up with the proverb "Prevention is better than cure” they knew the real deal of preventive measure. Be it reducing the probability of age spots or any other condition, it is always ideal to be cautious. The actions that we take today can prevent age spots tomorrow.
Here are some prevention techniques-
1. Use of Sunscreen
Always wear a high quality sunscreen before you step outside. Is it necessary? Yes it is necessary, because sunscreen has a screening properties that shields you from the harmful ways which might otherwise burn your skin and invite variety of skin issues including brown spots.
2. Avoid Tanning Beds
Avoiding tanning beds can get rid of UV radiation which can increase the risk of age spots.
3. Regular Skin Care Routine
We know keeping up with a routine might not always be cost friendly and tiring. But you always have the option to choose natural and home remedies which you can consume but also use as a skincare. For instance, a honey, yogurt and turmeric face pack; or a coffee scrub etc.
4. Drink Plenty of Water
Drinking water alone supports skin health and helps maintain its elasticity and appearance.
5. Healthy Diet
Regardless of the condition or requirements, one should always eat a balanced diet. But when it comes to removing pigmentation from your body, you should always reach for food rich in antioxidants, Vitamin C and Vitamin E.
It might sound a task but the choices are tasty and will make your palate happy. You can choose items like leafy greens, berries, watermelon, salmon, beans and more.
6. Regular Skin Checkup
Regular skin check-ups can help to monitor any skin changes. If any change or potential skin issue arises, we can take corrective action early before the appearance of age spots.
7. Wear Protective Clothing
Going to the beach?? If that’s the case, always remind yourself and your family to wear protective clothes sunlight.