Age spots are quite common to occur; usually its common in elderly people but even young people who are exposed to sun often can get age spots. The main cause for getting age spots is exposure to sun. So these are seen mainly in the face, neck, hands, arms, shoulders and upper chest.
When your skin is exposed to ultraviolet light (UV light) it causes increase production of the skin pigment called melanin by the melanocytes. When there is increase melanin production the skin will turn darker. These darker skin areas or patches are called age spots.
Age spots do not need any treatment as they are harmless. Treatment is done solely for cosmetic reasons.
How do you Get Rid of Age Spots?
If you are really concerned about the age spots here are some home remedies one can try to reduce the age spots. These should be at least tried for several weeks to get the results.
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Lemon Juice for Age spots
Lemon juice contains citric acid which is a natural bleaching operator & exfoliates your skin. This will reduce the age spots.
Apply freshly squeezed lemon juice on the spots twice a day. Leave it on the skin for at least half an hour. You can do this even at night before going to sleep. You should notice changes in about 2 months. Do not go in the sunlight just after applying the lemon juice, wait until it dries up as it increase the skin’s sense to sunlight.
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Onion Juice
It contains sulfur compounds that acts as an antiseptic. It also contains acids that facilitate exfoliation.
Slice up the onions and rub the onions on the affected area two or three times a day and keep it for about 15 minutes and wash it away.
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Apple Cider Vinegar for Age Spots
It contains natural alpha hydroxyl acids which help lighten age spots.
Mix the apple cider vinegar to olive oil to protect your skin from drying up. Apply daily on the skin & remove after about 20 minutes.
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Papaya
It contains alpha hydroxyl acids and other enzymes, which can exfoliate your skin and reduce the age spots. It will also give your skin a brighter and cleaner look.
Cut a thin slice of the skin from a green papaya. Apply the fleshy side of the skin to your affected skin daily and keep for about 15 to 20 minutes.
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Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is generally used to treat many skin conditions which include age spots.
Take some fresh aloe vera gel & apply on the age spots. As aloe vera is gentle you don’t need to wash it off, but if it feels sticky you can wash it away with water.
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Horseradish
Horseradish contains vitamin C which will slow the production of melanin. It also contains Glucosinolates which increase circulation, works as antioxidants and remove the waste from your body.
Make a horseradish paste & apply directly on your skin, leave it for 15 to 20 minutes. Use it a few times a week.
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Yogurt
The lactic acid that is found in yogurt removes the dead skin. Apply plain yogurt directly onto the age spots, keep it for about 20 minutes and rinse it off with water. For speedy results apply yogurt on affected areas and keep it overnight.
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Buttermilk for Age Spots
Buttermilk also contains lactic acid, which lightens the skin without creating any irritation. This will reduce brown spots and skin pigmentation.
Soak a cotton bud in buttermilk & apply on the age spot skin areas. Wash it off after about 20 minutes.
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Sandalwood
It contains effective anti-aging properties and it is used to reduce the age spots.
Massage a drop of sandalwood oil directly onto the age spots.
Conclusion
There are some home remedies you can use to reduce the age spots. These remedies should be taken for several weeks to get the results. The home remedies are lemon juice, onion juice, apple cider vinegar, papaya, aloe vera, horseradish, yogurt, buttermilk and sandalwood.
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Mayo Clinic – Age Spots (Liver Spots) Link: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/age-spots/symptoms-causes/syc-20355859
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Healthline – How to Get Rid of Age Spots: Home Remedies and Medical Options Link: https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-get-rid-of-age-spots#home-remedies
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Medical News Today – How to get rid of age spots on the face Link: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321879
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