In This Article
Facts Checked
How To Remove Dark Spots On Face Naturally At Home?
We all dream of having clear, flawless skin. But somehow, the dark spots on our face ruin our dreams and mask our appearance. Oftentimes, they are difficult to get rid of. If you are wondering what to do and how to deal with it, you are on the right page. This article will cover some of the most popular home remedies to remove dark spots. You may try these to reduce the appearance of dark spots. Continue reading to learn how to remove dark spots at home.
In This Article
What Causes Dark Spots On The Face?
Dark spots are the result of increased melanin [1] production on the skin in the form of patches. Melanin is the pigment that is responsible for the colour of your skin and hair. When your body produces excess melanin, it manifests as skin darkening or discolouration. Several factors contribute to dark spots on your face. These include
- Sun Exposure
- Hormonal Imbalance
- Allergies
- Post-inflammatory conditions
- Genetics
- Side Effects of Certain Medications
Home Remedies For Dark Spots On Face
While dark spots are not harmless, they need to be treated. Before you resort to any medical treatments, consider these home remedies for dark spots on face, which are readily available at home. Look for the ingredients before you try them and choose the one that works for you. Also, do not forget to perform a patch test to look for any reactions on your skin.
-
Aloe Vera:
We all know that aloe vera [2] contains soothing and moisturising properties, which help calm and reduce inflammation, and ultimately, your dark spots.
How to use:
- Apply fresh aloe vera gel to your face.
- Let it rest for 20-30 minutes.
- Wash your face with lukewarm water.
- You can even let it stay overnight and wash it off the following morning.
-
Apple Cider Vinegar:
ACV contains acetic acid, which is known for skin-lightening properties. It helps reduce the appearance of your dark spots.
How to use:
- Dilute apple cider vinegar with water in a 1:2 parts ratio.
- Dab this diluted solution to your dark spots using a cotton ball.
- Let it rest for 2-3 minutes.
- Rinse it off with warm water.
-
Papaya:
One of the most popular home remedies to remove dark spots on face is papaya [3]. It contains exfoliating properties that help lighten the dark spots and give you a bright complexion.
How to use:
- Take a ripe papaya and mash it in a bowl to form a paste.
- Apply it to your face as a mask.
- Let it rest for 10-15 minutes.
- Wash your face with lukewarm water.
- You can
-
Tomatoes:
Tomatoes are yet another best home remedy for dark spots on face. They are rich in vitamin C, natural acids and antioxidant properties that help lighten your dark spots.
How to use:
- Take a tomato, cut it into slices to extract the juice or pulp.
- Apply it to your face as a mask.
- Let it rest for 15-20 minutes.
- Wash your face with lukewarm water.
- You can mix it with other ingredients, like turmeric, honey, lemon or yoghurt.
-
Green Tea:
You can try green tea extract for your dark spots. It contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help you reduce hyperpigmentation or dark spots.
How to use:
- Brew green tea, and let it cool.
- Apply it to your dark spots using a cotton ball.
- Let it rest for 15-20 minutes.
- Rinse it off with lukewarm water.
-
Turmeric:
Turmeric is a wonderful dark spot treatment at home that you can try. It contains curcumin, a compound that helps reduce inflammation and melanin production in your body.
How to use:
- Mix a tablespoon of turmeric powder with the required amount of water in a bowl to form a paste.
- Apply this paste to your face as a mask.
- Let it rest for 20-30 minutes.
- Wash your face with lukewarm water.
-
Lemon Juice:
One of the effective home remedies for dark spots is lemon juice. It is rich in antioxidant properties and vitamin C, and contains natural bleaching properties that help lighten the pigmentation.
How to use:
- Take a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice in a bowl.
- Add 2 tablespoons of yoghurt to it to form a paste.
- Apply this paste to your face as a mask.
- Let it rest for 20-30 minutes.
- Rinse it off with warm water.
-
Potato:
Potatoes have natural skin-lightening properties that help lighten the appearance of pigmentation or dark spots.
How to use:
- Take a potato and grate it to extract juice.
- Apply it to your face using a cotton ball.
- You can cut a potato into slices and place them on your face.
- Let it rest for 15-20 minutes.
- Wash your face with lukewarm water.
-
Buttermilk:
Buttermilk is rich in bleaching properties and contains lactic acid that help reduce your dark spots.
How to use:
- Apply fresh buttermilk to your clean face directly using a cotton ball.
- Let it rest for 20 minutes.
- Wash your face with lukewarm water.
-
Milk:
Milk is rich in lactic acid, which contains natural exfoliating properties and helps in reducing the appearance of pigmentation.
How to use:
- Apply raw milk to the pigmented areas of your face directly using a cotton ball.
- Let it rest for 20 minutes.
- Wash your face with lukewarm water.
-
Red Onion:
Red onion contains vitamin C and antioxidants that can help lighten your skin.
How to use:
- Take an onion, and grate or blend it to extract juice from it.
- Apply it to your face using a cotton ball.
- You can also cut an onion into slices and rub it on your face.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Wash your face with lukewarm water.
-
Honey:
Using honey [4] is the best home remedy for dark spots on face. It contains antioxidants, natural exfoliation and bleaching properties that help lighten your dark spots.
How to use:
- Take a few drops of unpasturised honey.
- Apply it directly to your dark spots.
- Let it rest for 15-20 minutes.
- Wash your face with warm water.
- You can mix it with other ingredients, like turmeric, lemon or yoghurt.
-
Almond Oil:
Almond oil [5] is rich in vitamin E and contains anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce your dark spots.
How to use:
- Take a few drops of almond oil.
- Apply it directly to your face and gently massage.
- Let it stay overnight.
- Wash your face with warm water the following morning.
-
Lentil:
Red lentils, also called masoor dal, are rich in nutrients like vitamin B and contain exfoliating properties. They help reduce the appearance of your dark spots.
How to use:
- Take some red lentils in a bowl and soak them overnight in water.
- Blend it nicely to form a paste.
- Apply this paste to your face as a mask.
- Let it rest for 20 minutes.
- Rinse it off with cold water.
-
Yoghurt:
Yoghurt contains lactic acid that helps exfoliate your skin and lighten your dark spots.
How to use:
- Take plain yoghurt that does not contain flavours or added sugar.
- Apply it directly to your face as a thin layer.
- Let it rest for 15-20 minutes.
- Wash your face with warm water.
- You can mix it with other ingredients, like turmeric or honey.
-
Cucumber:
Cucumbers are rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, skin brightening and bleaching properties that help fade the appearance of your dark spots.
How to use:
- Take cucumbers and blend them to extract their juice.
- Apply the juice to your face.
- You can cut a cucumber into slices and place them on your face.
- Let it rest for 15-20 minutes.
- Wash your face with cold water.
-
Vitamin C Serum:
Vitamin C serum is a powerful antioxidant that helps reduce melanin production and pigmentation.
How to use:
- Take a few drops of vitamin C serum.
- Gently massage them onto your clean face.
- Follow up with a night nourishing cream as a PM routine.
- In the morning, always apply broad-spectrum sunscreen.
-
Licorice Extract:
Licorice is rich in antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and skin-brightening properties that help prevent melanin production, reduce pigmentation and brighten your complexion.
How to use:
- Use a serum, lotion or brightening cream containing licorice extract.
- Apply it to your clean face.
- You can use it in the morning, the night, or both, as a part of your skincare routine.
-
Honey and Lemon Juice:
A facemask made from ingredients like lemon and honey can help lighten your dark spots and soothe your skin.
How to use:
- Take equal parts of fresh lemon juice and honey in a bowl.
- Mix them to form a paste and apply it directly to your dark spots.
- Let it rest for 10-15 minutes.
- Wash your face with warm water.
When To Visit A Dermatologist?
You may have been consistently using the home remedies to remove dark spots on face for over a period of time. However, they may seem ineffective or fail to deliver the expected results. Home remedies do not work for everyone, and may even leave you with side effects. Moreover, they will only give you superficial results and may not treat deep or stubborn pigmentation. It’s time to meet a professional who will provide you with an effective solution that works for you. They will analyse your condition and customise a treatment plan tailored to give you the best results. Check out the dermatologist recommended treatments in the next section.
Advanced Treatments To Get Rid Of Dark Spots
Here is a list of advanced skin lightening treatments that your dermatologist may recommend to treat pigmentation or dark spots:
-
Laser Toning:
Deep Renew Laser Toning is an advanced dermatology procedure your dermatologist may recommend if you have dark spots, post-inflammatory pigmentation resulting from acne, tanning or other pigmentation concerns. This procedure uses top-notch Q-switch Nd:YAG laser technology to target the melanin under your skin, thereby reducing dark spots. You may need 4-6 sessions of laser toning to see the visible results.
-
Chemical Peels:
Dermatologists may recommend chemical peels for you to reduce dark spots or discolouration. The procedure includes applying a specialised chemical peel solution to your face. It exfoliates the top and damaged layer of your skin and reveals flawless skin underneath. Depending on the severity, you may be given 4-6 sessions of chemical peels.
Takeaway
Dark spots are usually harmless, but they can affect your appearance. Several reasons contribute to dark spots, and it is essential to find out the underlying cause and treat it. While some home remedies can provide temporary relief, they do not address the underlying cause. A professional can diagnose and suggest a personalised treatment plan that not only treats the root cause but also offers long-lasting results. At Oliva, our experts thoroughly analyse your condition and customise the treatment accordingly to deliver you the best results. We have 33 state-of-the-art clinics across the nation. You can walk in directly or book an appointment at your nearest Oliva clinic for a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions On How To Remove Dark Spots On Face Naturally At Home?
You can try home remedies like aloe vera, lemon juice, turmeric, or green tea to reduce the appearance of mild pimples and dark spots. However, that should be accompanied by consistent skincare and sun protection.
Some of the common home remedies for dark spots include aloe vera gel, turmeric paste, honey, lemon juice, potato juice, and papaya.
You can try a turmeric and honey mask, or a mix of besan (gram flour) with curd and lemon. These can help brighten your skin naturally.
No. Vaseline does not lighten or remove your dark spots.
Yes, besan can help exfoliate your skin and brighten your skin tone. However, it works slowly, and the results may vary for every individual.
It’s best to try one remedy at a time to check if it suits your skin. Moreover, always do a patch test before use to avoid irritation or any skin reactions.
Read This Next
Skin Rejuvenation Treatments In India: Benefits, Cost & Side Effects
What Causes Damaged Skin And How To Repair It?
Body Acne: Causes, Remedies, and Dermatological Solutions for Clearer Skin
Coffee for Skin: FAQs Answered by Experts | Benefits & Myths
Melasma – Types, Causes, Symptoms, Treatments and Prevention Tips
