Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Dark Spots On Your Skin
Aging with grace is easier said than done. Especially when you have to deal with one of the first signs of aging – dark spots. You will find them on all parts of the body that have been constantly exposed to the sun.
Sun damage is one of the leading causes of premature aging skin and dark spots. Several other factors contribute to the development of these spots. Would you like to know more about dark spots and how they can be treated naturally? Read on!
What Causes Dark Spots On The Skin?
Dark spots are often a result of hyperpigmentation. They occur when certain areas of your skin produce more melanin than the others. Melanin is the pigment that gives your skin, eyes, and hair their color.
Several factors can contribute to the development of dark spots on the skin. They are:
Sun damage – Dark flecks caused by sun damage are also called sunspots.
Hormonal changes, which are especially evident during pregnancy.
Certain medications like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and psychotropic drugs.
Inflammatory skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, acne, or a physical injury.
Wounds from insect bites, burns, or cuts.
Allergic response to allergens or cosmetic products.
Diabetes
A few factors that can further increase a person’s risk of developing dark spots are listed below.
Risk Factors
Increased exposure to the sun
Pregnancy
Skin conditions like acne or eczema
Trauma to the skin
Taking medications that are associated with increased pigmentation
Let us now understand the characteristics or symptoms of dark spots on the skin.
Symptoms Of Dark Spots On The Skin
Dark spots on the skin can be light to dark brown, depending on the skin tone of the affected person. These spots will be similar in texture to your skin and do not pain or protrude.
Such spots can vary in their size and may develop on any part of the body. However, most dark spots occur in areas that are constantly exposed to the sun like:
The back of your hands
Back
Shoulders
Chest
Face
Lighter spots fade in a few months in persons with darker skin tones. However, deeper colored spots can take years to fade.
Although dark spots are rarely a medical concern, people get them removed due to cosmetic reasons.
If you visit a doctor to get these spots removed, they may recommend any of the following treatments for you.
How To Remove Dark Spots Medically
The common medical treatments prescribed for the removal of dark spots are:
Laser treatment – An intense pulse light laser that targets melanin is used to break up the dark spots.
Microdermabrasion – A special device with an abrasive surface is used to remove the outermost layer of the skin.
Chemical peels – A chemical is applied topically to the skin, which exfoliates the surface to reveal new skin.
Cryotherapy – Liquid nitrogen is applied to the spots to freeze them. This injures the skin, and subsequent healing reveals lighter skin.
Prescription skin lightening creams that have a bleaching effect on the skin.
Most medical treatments for lightening dark spots are quite expensive. And topical skin lightening creams are associated with many unwanted side effects like uneven pigmentation.
Hence, many are now turning to natural alternatives to get rid of dark spots. There are several home remedies, like the ones mentioned below, which can help in lightening those stubborn spots.
Home Remedies For Dark Spots On The Skin
Tomato Juice
Tomato is a rich source of lycopene, which provides additional protection to your skin from the harmful UV radiation. These activities of tomato can help prevent dark spots caused by sun damage.
You Will Need
¼ glass of tomato juice
How to Use
Drink around one-fourth of a glass of tomato juice daily.
Alternatively, you can add tomatoes to your salads and other dishes.
How Often You Should Do This
You may do this daily.
Olive Oil
Olive oil exhibits protective effects on your skin when applied topically. It can prevent sun damage, which is one of the main causes of dark spots.
You Will Need
1 tablespoon of virgin olive oil
How to Use
Apply olive oil to the affected areas.
Allow it to dry.
Rinse it off if necessary.
How Often You Should Do This
You may do this once daily.
Nutmeg Essential Oil
Nutmeg has anti-photoaging effects that can protect your skin from the harmful rays of the sun. It can, thus, also help with dark spots caused by sun damage.
You Will Need
2-3 drops of nutmeg essential oil
1 teaspoon of coconut oil
How to Use
Add two to three drops of nutmeg essential oil to a teaspoon of coconut oil.
Mix well and apply it to the affected skin.
Leave it on until it dries.
How Often You Should Do This
Sandalwood Powder
Sandalwood possesses significant anti-inflammatory properties that can help in treating inflammatory skin conditions known to cause dark spots.
You Will Need
1 teaspoon of sandalwood powder
Water (as required)
How to Use
Add a few drops of water to a teaspoon of sandalwood powder.
Mix well to form a paste.
Apply the sandalwood paste to the affected skin.
Leave it on for 15-20 minutes and rinse it off with water.
How Often You Should Do This
You may do this once daily.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is widely used to treat several inflammatory skin conditions known to cause dark spots, like pruritus and acne, due to its anti-inflammatory activities.
You Will Need
1 tablespoon of powdered oats
Water (as required)
How to Use
Take a tablespoon of powdered oats and add some water to it.
Mix well to form a thick paste.
Apply the paste to the affected body parts and leave it on for 15-20 minutes.
Rinse it off with water.
How Often You Should Do This
You may do this once daily.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera contains aloin, an active component that causes melanin aggregation and helps in lightening dark spots or hyperpigmentation on the skin.
You Will Need
Freshly extracted aloe vera gel
How to Use
Extract the gel from the aloe leaf.
Whisk the gel using a fork or spoon.
Apply it to the affected areas.
Leave it on for 20-30 minutes and rinse it off with water.
How Often You Should Do This
You may do this once daily.
