black spots on skin
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black spots on skinPeople having dark spots often look aged and feel self-conscious while interacting with people in a group. These spots develop due to over production of melanin on the skin. Factors that trigger excess melanin production include sun exposure, vitamin deficiencies, hormonal changes and stress. They can develop on face, shoulders, chest, buttocks and other parts of the body. (Dark spots are also called as age spots, sun spots, liver spots, black spots and brown spots).

Though they don’t pose any health risk, they can lead to lack of self-esteem. Instead of resorting on chemical peels or laser surgeries, you can try natural DIY remedies to lighten them without any side effects. Wondering what they can be then read the below to uncover the treatment methods to get rid of dark spots.

Home Remedies to Get Rid of Dark Spots or Black Spots:

Here is an assortment of various kitchen ingredients that can be used to treat dark spots or sun spots at the comfort of your home. Select any one as per availability and try it regularly for at least a month to judge whether it is showing any improvement. If, not then you can try another method.

1. Lemon

Lemons contain skin bleaching properties which lighten the dark spots or black spots. The citric acid reduces the melanin production and exfoliates the dead skin cells. This method is effective in removing dark spots in any part of the body like face, shoulders, buttocks and chest.

Rub a lemon slice or lemon juice on the spots and leave it on to dry completely before rinsing off. Or else you can follow any method mentioned below.

Process 1: Lemon and Sugar Scrub

  • Combine 2 tablespoons of sugar and 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
  • Apply the mixture on the spots and gently massage in circular motions.
  • Leave it on for 20 – 30 minutes.
  • Rinse off with water and pat dry.
  • Repeat the process 2 – 3 times in a week.

Process 2: Lemon Juice and Turmeric Mask

  • Combine 3 teaspoons of lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder.
  • Mix well and apply it on the brown spots.
  • Leave it on to dry for 30 minutes.
  • Rinse off with water and pat dry.
  • Repeat this DIY mask daily until the spots lighten.
  • For added benefits, you can add parsley paste into the mixture.

Alternatively: You can use tomato juice instead of turmeric powder.

Process 3: Lemon Juice and Mashed Potatoes Pack

  • Combine 1 mashed potato, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, small amount of honey and milk.
  • Mix well and apply the paste on the affected areas.
  • Leave it on for few minutes or until it completely dries.
  • Rinse off with water and pat dry.
  • Repeat the process 3 times in a week.

Note: Make sure to avoid sun exposure until 6 hours after following the treatment as lemon juice can make the skin photo-sensitive. For people with sensitive skin, lemon juice can cause irritation and burning sensation. If so, then you can follow any other mentioned below.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is one of the effective remedies to natural lighten the dark spots, brown spots, age spots and pigmentation. The acidic levels lighten the spots, balance the skin pH levels and make your skin feel young. Apply ACV directly on the spots or else follow the process below.

  • Combine 1/2 teaspoon of honey and 1 teaspoon each of apple cider vinegar and water.
  • Mix well and apply it on the affected areas.
  • Leave it on to dry completely and rinse off with water.
  • Repeat the process daily until you notice the results.

Alternative: Combine equal amounts of lemon juice and apple cider vinegar. Apply it on the affected areas and leave it to dry completely before rinsing it off.

3. Onion Juice

Onions are one of the effective and easy remedies to remove brown or age spots on the skin. Its acidic nature and bleaching property fades the spots. It restricts excess collagen production which leads to scars. You can rub onion slice or onion juice on the spots and rinse off the application after it dries completely. Or else you can follow the process mentioned below.

Process 1: with Honey

  • Combine 1 tablespoon of onion juice and 2 tablespoons of honey.
  • Mix well and apply the mixture on the affected areas.
  • Leave it on for 15 – 20 minutes before rinsing off with water.
  • Repeat the process once in a day.

Process 2: with Apple Cider Vinegar

  • Combine equal amounts of onion juice and apple cider vinegar.
  • Using a cotton ball, apply the solution on the spots.
  • Leave it on for 30 minutes and rinse off with water.
  • Repeat the process daily for 6 – 9 weeks to lighten the spots.

4. Chickpea or Gram Flour

This process exfoliates the dead skin cells and other impurities present on the skin. It discourages the melanin production on the skin and fades the spots. This process is effective for treating spots during pregnancy and acne spots.

  • Extract juice from half of a lemon and soak the rind in some water.
  • Combine 2 teaspoons of gram flour, juice of half lemon, 1 teaspoon tomato juice, 2 pinches turmeric, 1 teaspoon curd, and 2 pinches of turmeric.
  • Apply the mixture on the affected dark spots.
  • Leave it on for 20 minutes.
  • Now, take 2 – 3 drops of castor oil or almond oil.
  • Using your fingers, gently massage the oil to remove the application.
  • After few minutes of scrubbing, rub the soaked lemon rind on the spots for few minutes.
  • Rinse off with water and pat dry.
  • Repeat the treatment once or twice daily for 10 days. Later continue it 2 – 3 times in a week for few weeks until you notice the results.

5. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera contains skin regenerative and healing properties which help to lighten the black spots. It also contains anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties.

  • Cut an aloe vera leaf and extract the gel from it.
  • Apply the gel on the spots.
  • Leave it on for 30 minutes to overnight.
  • Rinse off with water and pat dry.
  • Repeat the process once or twice daily for a month to get results.

6. Horseradish

Horseradish is an excellent herb which provides spotless skin. Its skin lightening properties remove age spots, freckles and black spots on the skin. Blend horseradish with some water and apply the paste on the affected areas. Leave it on to dry and rinse off with water. Or else follow this process for more benefits.

  • Peel and grate 4 – 5 inch long horseradish.
  • Combine grated horseradish and 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar.
  • Mix well, cover and leave it on for about 2 weeks in a cool dark place. Make sure to mix it once in a day.
  • After 2 weeks, strain and store the herbal solution in an airtight container.
  • Using a cotton ball, apply a small amount of the solution on the affected areas.
  • Rinse off with water after it dries completely.
  • Repeat the process 3 times in a day.

Note: This process may not suit for some people. It can cause irritation or any other discomfort. It is better to patch test before using it. If it shows any negative effects, then stop using it.

7. Butter Milk

The lactic acid present in buttermilk lightens the pigmentation, freckles, blemishes, brown spots and acne spots. It leaves your skin refreshed and lighter.

  • Soak a cotton ball in buttermilk and wring out the excess.
  • Apply it on the affected areas.
  • Leave it on for 10 – 15 minutes and rinse off with water.
  • Repeat the process few times in a day.

Note: If you have acne prone skin, then you can add lemon juice into butter milk for added benefits. If you have sensitive skin, then you can combine 4 teaspoons of buttermilk and 2 teaspoons of tomato juice and follow the same process.

8. Sandalwood

Sandalwood contains anti-septic, skin lightening and anti-aging properties which help to reduce hyper pigmentation and brown spots. It also has soothing and cooling effect on the skin.

Process 1:

  • Combine 2 tablespoons each of sandalwood powder and rose water.
  • Now, add 1 teaspoon each of glycerin and lemon juice.
  • Add enough amounts of cold water into it and mix well.
  • Apply the pack on the affected areas.
  • Leave it on for few minutes and rinse off with cold water.
  • Repeat this process few times in a week to lighten the dark spots.

Process 2:

  • Into a bowl, add 2 tablespoons of sandalwood powder, 1 tablespoon of orange juice, 1 teaspoon of lemon juice and contents of 2 vitamin E capsules.
  • Apply the mixture on the affected areas.
  • Leave it on for 30 – 40 minutes and rinse off with water.
  • Repeat the process few times in a week for 3 – 4 months to clear the spots.

Process 3:

  • Combine few drops of sandalwood oil and 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
  • Mix well and apply the mixture on the affected areas.
  • Leave it on for overnight and rinse off with water in the morning.
  • Repeat the process regularly before going to bed for few weeks.

9. Red Currant

As red currant is rich in antioxidants, it helps to fight against the brown, sun or age spots. Its healing properties repair the damaged skin. It also protects the skin against harmful UV rays and other free radicals that worsen the spots.

Process 1:

  • Blend an unripe red currant into a smooth paste.
  • Add 1 tablespoon of honey and mix well.
  • Apply the mixture on the skin and leave it on for 30 minutes.
  • Rinse with warm water and pat dry.
  • Now, dilute some lemon juice in rosewater and apply it on the spots.
  • Leave it on for as long as possible and rinse off with water.
  • Repeat the process few times in a week.

Process 2:

  • Combine equal quantities of redcurrant juice, lemon juice, parsley juice and orange juice.
  • Stir well and apply the solution on the brown spots.
  • Wait for about 10 – 15 minutes and rinse off with water.
  • Repeat the process once in a day for 2 months.

10. Yogurt

Yogurt contains lactic acid which contains mild bleaching properties that lightens the dark, brown, age and sun spots. It is also safe to lighten the dark spots during and after pregnancy. You can apply yogurt on the spots directly and leave it on for few minutes before rinsing. Or else follow the below process

  • Combine 1 tablespoon yogurt, 2 tablespoons of ground oatmeal, 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice.
  • Mix well and apply the mixture on the spots.
  • Let it sit for 30 – 35 minutes and rinse off with cold water.
  • Pat dry and apply any moisturizer if necessary.
  • Follow the process once in a day for 2 – 3 months to achieve the results.

Note: you can exclude oatmeal and follow the same process.

11. Castor Oil

Castor oil contains strong healing and anti-inflammatory properties that can effectively clear the brown spots or age spots.

  • Using a cotton ball, apply some castor oil on the spots.
  • Massage it gently for few minutes and then let it sit for about few hours
  • Now rinse off the application with water.
  • Continue doing this process for twice a day, once in the morning and once at night time till you achieve the results.

12. Papaya

Papaya has many enzymes like papain and alpha hydroxy acids that exfoliate the skin and lighten the age spots, acne and its scars, skin blemishes and various other skin problems. You can rub papaya peel on the spot to lighten it or follow the below process.

  • Peel and grate fully ripen or green papaya.
  • Apply it on the brown spots and massage it for few minutes
  • Allow it to sit for about 20 – 30 minutes and then wash it with lukewarm water
  • Repeat the same process for twice daily till you fade away the brown spots from your skin.

Note: Some people are allergic to papaya so it is advisable to do patch test before following the remedy to know whether you’re allergic or not.

13. Almonds

Being rich in vitamin E, antioxidants and healthy fats, almonds are effective in lightening the dark spots on any part of the body.

  • Soak 8 – 10 almonds in milk overnight.
  • In the morning, peel off the skin and blend them into a smooth paste.
  • Add 1 teaspoon of sandalwood powder and 1/2 teaspoon of honey into it.
  • Mix well and apply it on your face.
  • Leave it on for 30 minutes and rinse off with water.
  • Repeat the process 2 times in a week.

Alternatively: you can massage almond oil daily to reduce the brown spots and reduce the sun damage.

14. Oats

Oatmeal contains natural cleansing, mild skin lightening and soothing properties which are helpful in lightening the dark spots. It is also helpful repairing and rejuvenating the damaged skin.

  • Blend 1/2 cup of rolled oats into a fine powder.
  • Add 3 – 4 tablespoons of lemon juice to make a paste.
  • Massage the mixture on the affected areas for few minutes.
  • Leave it on to dry completely and rinse off with water.
  • Pat dry and apply moisturizer if needed.
  • Repeat the process once or twice in a week.

15. Potato

Potatoes have mild bleaching properties which help to fade scars, spots and blemishes. Its starch content reduces pigmentation while the enzymes present in it promote healthy skin. Rub a potato slice daily on the affected area for few minutes before rinsing off with water. Or else try the process below

  • Grate a potato and extract its juice.
  • Add 1 teaspoon of honey or lemon juice into it.
  • Apply the mixture on the spots.
  • Leave it on to dry for 15 – 20 minutes.
  • Rinse off with lukewarm water and pat dry.
  • Repeat the process daily.

16. Turmeric

Turmeric is one of the Ayurveda remedies to lighten the dark, acne or age spots. It also repairs the free radical damage and lightens the hyper pigmentation.

  • Combine 2 teaspoons of turmeric, a little milk and lemon juice.
  • Mix well and apply it on the affected areas.
  • Leave it on for few minutes and rinse off with lukewarm water.
  • Repeat the process few times in week.

17. Vitamin E Oil

Even dermatologists agree that vitamin E oils treats many skin ailments including dark spots, hyper pigmentation and blemishes. Its antioxidant properties fight with free radicals that are responsible for discoloration.

  • Rub few drops of vitamin E oil on the dark spots.
  • Leave it on overnight or as long as possible.
  • Rinse with water and pat dry.
  • Repeat the process once or twice in a day.

18. Pineapple

Pineapple contains antioxidants, vitamin A, C and bromelain which are helpful in fighting off the free radicals and reducing the discoloration.

  • Blend 1/4 pineapple and strain the juice.
  • Using a cotton ball, apply the juice on the affected areas.
  • Leave it on until it dries completely.
  • Rinse off with water and pat dry.
  • Repeat the application twice in a day.

Alternative Method: You can combine equal amounts of pineapple juice and yogurt. Apply it on the face and rinse off with water once it dries completely.

19. Cucumber

Cucumber contains cucurbitacins, vitamin A, B5, C, E and K which are helpful in reducing the discoloration of black spots, age spots, acne spots and hyperpigmentation.

  • Blend a small cucumber into pulp.
  • Add 1/2 teaspoon of aloe vera gel and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice into it.
  • Mix well and apply it all over your face, neck, shoulder or any other affected area.
  • Leave it on for 30 minutes before rinsing off.
  • Repeat the process daily to achieve the results.

Note: Alternatively, you can add yogurt or honey instead of lemon juice.

20. Milk

Milk contains vitamin A, biotin, vitamin D and lactic acid which remove impurities from the skin and lighten the spots and blemishes. Pregnant people can safely use milk to lighten the dark spots.

  • Combine 4 tablespoons of milk and 2 tablespoons of honey.
  • Mix well and using a cotton ball, apply the mixture on the affected areas.
  • Massage the application in circular motions for 10 minutes.
  • Leave it on to dry completely for 10 minutes.
  • Rinse off with water and pat dry.
  • Repeat the treatment daily for effective results.

Note: Alternatively, you can use turmeric powder or sandalwood powder instead of honey.

21. Orange Peel

Orange peels contain vitamin C and calcium which are responsible for fighting free radicals and rejuvenating skin cells. They effectively remove dark spots and draw out impurities from the skin.

  • Combine 1 tablespoons of orange peel powder and 2 tablespoons of yogurt.
  • Mix well and apply the paste on the affected areas.
  • Leave it on for 25 minutes and rinse off with water.
  • Repeat the process daily until you achieve the desired results.

Note: Instead of yogurt you can use honey, or milk.

22. Strawberries

Strawberries contain salicylic acid, alpha hydroxyl acids and skin bleaching properties which help to get rid of dark spots, hyperpigmentation and blemishes on the skin.

  • Blend 4 – 5 strawberries into a pulp.
  • Add 1 tablespoon of honey into it.
  • Mix well and apply it on the affected areas.
  • Leave it on for 40 minutes and rinse off with warm water.
  • Repeat the process few times in a week.

Note: Instead of honey, you can add apple cider vinegar into it.

23. Calamine Lotion

Calamine lotion contains zinc oxide and ferric oxide which is helpful in removing the dark spots and providing even skin tone.

  • Using a cotton ball, apply calamine lotion on the dark spots.
  • Leave the application overnight.
  • Rinse it off with water and pat dry.
  • Repeat the process daily.

Note: To determine if you are not allergic to calamine lotion do a patch test. If it is causing any allergic reactions like itchiness, swelling and redness then avoid using it further.

24. White Vinegar

White vinegar is one of the effective remedies to treat dark and sun spots. The acidic level balances the pH levels and evens out the skin tone.

  • Dilute 1 tablespoon of white vinegar and water.
  • Using a cotton ball, apply it on the affected areas.
  • Leave it on to dry completely.
  • Rinse with water and pat dry.
  • Repeat the process once in a day.

25. Coconut Oil

The mono-saturated fatty acids and nourishing power of coconut oil makes it an excellent remedy to reduce the discoloration of dark spots and acne spots.

  • Take enough amounts of coconut oil.
  • Using your fingertip, massage the oil on the affected areas.
  • After few minutes, wipe off the excess with a tissue paper.
  • Repeat the process daily before going to bed.

Note: Avoid following this process if you have oily skin.

26. Ginger

Ginger contains gingerol which is very beneficial in fighting with skin damaging radicals. With regular usage, it helps to lighten the dark spots and prevent acne.

  • Peel and blend ginger into a paste.
  • Apply the paste on the affected areas.
  • Leave it on for 20 minutes and rinse off with water.
  • Repeat the process few times in a week.

27. Watermelon

Being rich in water, vitamins and moisturizing properties, watermelon can rejuvenate and lighten the skin tone.

  • Take watermelon rind and massage it on the black spots.
  • After few minutes, leave the application to dry completely.
  • Rinse off with water and pat dry.
  • Repeat the process few times in a week.

28. Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is well-known for its skin bleaching properties which helps to get rid of dark spots, blemishes and pigmentation.

  • Using a cotton ball, apply hydrogen peroxide on the affected areas.
  • Leave the application to dry completely.
  • Rinse off with water and pat dry.
  • Repeat the process few times in a day.

29. Peach

If you want to diminish the dark, age or sun spots within 1 month then you should follow this process.

  • Mash a peach into pulp.
  • Combine peach pulp and any cream.
  • Apply the mixture on the dark spots.
  • Leave it on to dry for 20 minutes.
  • Rinse off the application with water and pat dry.
  • Repeat the process daily to notice the results.

30. Tea Extracts

Tea extracts contains tannins which are known for its antioxidant and astringent properties. They help to lighten the dark spots or sun spots quickly. You can use black tea, green tea or chamomile tea for this process.

  • Using a cotton ball, apply tea extracts on the dark spots.
  • Leave it to dry completely.
  • Rinse off with water and pat dry.
  • Apply any moisturizer if required.
  • Repeat the process 2 times in a day until achieve the results.

31. Parsley

Parsley contains skin lightening properties which are helpful to lighten the brown spots and even out the skin tone.

  • Chop 1 cup of fresh parsley.
  • Bring 1 cup of water to boil and add parsley into it.
  • After 2 minutes, remove from the flame and let it cool down.
  • Strain the water and add few drops of lemon juice into it.
  • Using a cotton ball, apply the lemon juice on the affected areas.
  • Leave it on to dry completely.
  • Repeat the process 2 times in a day.

32. Garlic

The antioxidant properties of garlic fight off free radicals that cause damage to the skin cells. Garlic can cause burning sensation, irritation and other discomforts, so it is better to patch test before using.

  • Crush 2 – 3 garlic cloves and extract its juice.
  • Dip a wash cloth in warm water and wipe the affected areas.
  • Massage the garlic juice on the affected areas for few minutes.
  • Leave it on to dry completely.
  • Repeat the process few times in a week until you notice the results.

Tips and Precautions:

  • Apply glycerin on the dark spots daily before going to bed. Rinse off in the morning to lighten the dark spots.
  • You can apply rosehip oil or sea buckthorn on the dark spots and rinse off after the application completely dries.
  • Apply the dandelion root sap on the dark spots and rinse off after 15 minutes to lighten the dark or brown spots on things, chest, face and buttocks.
  • Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep skin well hydrated.
  • People who frequently visit tanning beds are more prone to sun spots or dark spots. If you have dark spots, then we recommend to avoid tanning beds until you lighten them.
  • Make sure to remove your makeup before applying any of these home remedies.
  • Wear sun screen containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide while heading out in the sun to prevent formation brown or black spots.
  • If any of these natural home remedies don’t work then consult your dermatologist.
  • Eat foods or drinks that are rich in anti-oxidants like green tea, ginkgo, wine, dark chocolate, soy, fava beans and other citrus fruits.
  • Always do a small patch test before applying any of these remedies to know whether you’re allergic to it.
  • Combine milk and ground yellow mustard. Apply this paste on the face before going to bed and wash it off in the next morning.
  • Reduce your stress levels by doing yoga, meditation, breathing exercises, therapies, etc. as it can also contribute to the development of dark spots.

Did you find the information in the article helpful for you? By following the above remedies, you can happily say good bye to the annoying dark or brown spots on the skin. Please share your concerns, suggestions and experiences in the comment section below. We are happy to hear from you.

15 comments
  1. All of these suggestions sound interesting, but one(s) do you recommend most or do you find to me most effective soley for the purpose of lightening dark spots the fastest?

    1. It’s hard to choose one among them as all the methods have been effective in treating dark spots. You can choose one of them as per your preference and ingredient availability.

  2. plz suggest me to remove dark black scar on my face . can i use neem and turmeric paste to remove black scar

    1. As per your description above, we are not sure of the exact reason behind the dark black scar. Can you specify the reason behind the black scar? Meanwhile you can try the neem and turmeric paste for lightening the scar.

  3. Pls I ve a sensitive skin. Wen I tried using lemon n honey my face became worse .it burnt my face n also made it rough. I even became darker. Pls what’s suitable for me. This acne spots n scars gives me low self esteem. Pls help me

  4. God bless you.please how to I remove black heads caused by plucking of facial hair and how do I stop the facial hair from coming out.thanks

    1. You can try lemon, onion juice, castor oil, or turmeric method mentioned above to remove the black spots caused by cuts or injuries.

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