Age Spots
Natural Remedies

Age Spots - Editor's Choice

| Modified on Feb 07, 2025
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Age Spot Remedies

Age spots, often referred to as liver spots or solar lentigines, are small, dark patches that typically appear on the skin due to prolonged sun exposure. These spots are more common in individuals over 50, but younger people are not immune, especially those who spend considerable time in the sun. While age spots are harmless, many seek natural methods to lighten or remove them for cosmetic reasons.

Understanding Age Spots

Age spots occur when melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color, becomes clumped or is produced in high concentrations. This is usually a result of years of exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. They appear mainly on sun-exposed areas, including the face, hands, shoulders, and arms.

Safe and Natural Remedies for Age Spot Reduction

Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is a popular home remedy for age spots due to its natural bleaching properties. The citric acid in lemon juice helps lighten dark spots and even out skin tone. Apply fresh lemon juice directly to the affected area and leave it on for about 20 minutes before rinsing. Do this regularly for the best results. Note: Lemon juice can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, so it’s important to avoid sun exposure after treatment or use sunscreen.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, which can help lighten pigmentation. Mix equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water, and apply to the age spots using a cotton ball. Leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing with water. For added benefits, mix in a bit of honey or lemon juice.

Castor Oil

Castor oil is known for its skin-healing properties and can effectively reduce age spots. It's rich in fatty acids, which can help improve skin texture and reduce pigmentation. Apply a small amount of castor oil to the age spots and gently massage it in. Leave it on for a few hours or overnight before rinsing off. Regular use can help fade age spots and even out skin tone.

Compound W

Compound W, typically used for wart removal, contains salicylic acid, can also effectively treat age spots according to Earth Clinic readers. Salicylic acid helps exfoliate the skin, removing the outer dead layer and promoting the appearance of new skin. Apply Compound W directly onto the age spots according to the product instructions. Using it carefully and sparingly is important, as it is a strong treatment. Regular use can help reduce the visibility of age spots over time. Follow all safety guidelines and consult a dermatologist before use, especially for sensitive skin.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is known for its healing properties and can also be effective against age spots. It is particularly useful for skin regeneration and hydration. Apply fresh aloe vera gel to the spots and leave it on for 30 minutes before rinsing. Regular use can help fade age spots over time.

Buttermilk

Buttermilk contains lactic acid, which can help exfoliate the skin and lighten age spots. Apply buttermilk directly to the spots using a cotton ball, or mix it with honey for added moisturizing benefits. Leave it on for a few minutes before washing off.

Green Tea

Green tea is rich in antioxidants and can help lighten age spots. Soak a green tea bag in boiling water, let it cool, and then apply it to the age spots. The antioxidants in green tea can help fight free radical damage and promote healthy skin.

Turmeric

Turmeric is known for its skin-lightening and anti-inflammatory properties. Make a paste by mixing turmeric powder with lemon juice or milk and apply it to the age spots. Leave it on for a few minutes before washing off. Regular use can help reduce the appearance of age spots.

Yogurt

Yogurt, like buttermilk, contains lactic acid and can lighten age spots. Apply plain yogurt directly to the spots, let it dry, and then rinse off with water. For a more potent remedy, mix yogurt with honey or oatmeal.

Selenium Supplements

A daily selenium supplement has been reported to visibly reduce age spots within a month. Selenium's antioxidant properties combat free radicals associated with aging and age spots.

Prevention and Skin Care

Preventing age spots is also crucial. Limiting sun exposure, wearing sunscreen, and using protective clothing are essential. A healthy diet rich in antioxidants can also support skin health.

In conclusion, natural remedies for age spots offer a safe and effective way to reduce their appearance. Consistency is key in seeing results, and it’s important to remember that these remedies may take time to show their effects. Always perform a patch test before applying new substances to your skin, and consult a dermatologist if you have concerns about your skin condition.

Continue reading below to learn which home remedies for age spots worked best for our readers, and please let us know what you tried!

Related Links:

Fountain of Youth and Anti-Aging Remedies
Glowing Skin Remedies
Skin Condition Remedies


The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Rimmonah (USA) on 10/30/2023
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

I'm 66 years old and had very dark age spots covering both cheeks from my eyes downward to my chin. I also had smaller spots on my nose and forehead. The spots were so bad that I was considering acid peels from a dermatologist, even though I am not in favor of them.

One month ago, I decided to try unfiltered, unpasteurized ACV with the mother to help with my mild Roseacia. I only have small capillaries around my nose and on my chin. However, I felt like I should apply the vinegar to my whole face but didn't know why.

I was very surprised to discover that I love the smell and the feeling of the apple cider vinegar on my face. I have been applying it morning and evening for 30 days. I do not rinse my face afterward. And I don't apply moisturizer after the vinegar.

My face looks noticeably clearer, brighter, and softer! The age spots are definitely fading all over my face. My husband and others close to me have seen the difference in my skin.

I did originally break out on my nose and chin, but those blemishes are gone now. The ACV did not make my skin feel dry or cause it to peel, either.

I am going to continue to apply ACV to my face and will be starting to apply it to my forearms and hands.

I read somewhere that unpasteurized and unfiltered ACV contains acetic, lactic, and hyaluronic acids. The last two are often found in anti-aging skin products.

I will stop back and give an update sometime in January of 2024.


Selenium

Posted by Arn (Kenmore, Wa.) on 02/13/2021 20 posts
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

Age spots, liver spots, and moles are usually signs of selenium deficiency. A capsule of selenium, usually 200 mcg, is safe to use daily, with food. The results come pretty quickly. I have seen big hairy moles vanish in a little over a month, dark splotches on the face vanish in days.

BTW, selenium helps prevent skin and breast cancer, and other cancers. And a recent study showed that 250 mcg per liter of blood stops any virus from propagating. Selenium stops covid!


Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Rosie Love (Spain) on 03/29/2020
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

I have found that, rather than drying skin, apple cider vinegar (or indeed any vinegar) has a moisturising and softening effect. There is no need to mix it with oil. I use distilled malt vinegar (white vinegar) as a cheap hand cream. Now, my hands react very badly to soap or any detergent, which both cause awful itching and dryness that keep me awake at night. So I started using the vinegar as a way to re-acidify my skin (natural pH 5.5) after washing in soap (which is alkaline and has a pH or around 8 or higher). Through this practice, I discovered vinegar was more effective than hand cream for moisturising and way better than putting petrochemicals on your skin. But I also noticed that the age spots on my hands were disappearing. After 6 months of using every night and during the day whenever I wash my hands with soap (very frequently these days), I have virtually no visible age spots left - just pale marks. At this rate, within another 6 months they should have gone. This is not from using ACV, simply white vinegar.


Ice Cube

Posted by Gokhals (Ca, Usa) on 10/23/2015 34 posts
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

Apply an ice cube or two daily on your face until you can no longer bear it.

It tones, de-wrinkles, smoothes, improves circulation, lightens age spots, your skin will be smooth as silk and glow.

Natural, non toxic, and will leave your skin feeling wonderful all day.


Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Cw (Georgia, U.S.A.) on 05/08/2015
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

I keep a bottle of 3 parts water to 1 part organic ACV for after washing my face I use it as my toner under my moisturizer on my face and neck once it dries there is no smell. I have been doing this for years, I am 55 and have no age spots on my face or neck and minimal wrinkles.


Compound W

Posted by Darlene (Flagstaff, Az) on 03/14/2012
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

Compound W applied directly to age spot and left on for five days will remove age spots. It burns when it goes on. Then it is a white spot for five days which can be covered with a bandaid or foundation. Then peel off for new pink skin underneath. Protect new skin as if it was a newborn or your age spot will be back. Compound W is a strong acid, try on one or two spots in hidden area first.


Castor Oil

Posted by Alyson (Plano, Tx) on 04/23/2010
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

UPDATE: So its been just about 7 months since I last posted about castor oil and wanted to give you an update. My age spots were gone, my worry crease between my eyebrows practically non-existant, and my skin where I had been using the castor oil firmer. I got cocky and stopped using the oil for about two months. I noticed the spots coming back and skin getting an almost rough texture on my cheekbones. I started using the castor oil again and in a week (two applications a day, left on clean skin for 10-15 minutes) and the spots are dramatically improved. Better than any anti-aging or age spot remover Ive found!


Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Haley (Greenville, Nc) on 09/26/2009
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

I am diabetic and was overweight, blochy red skin, sun spots on my face, neck, chest, arms and legs. I read Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) was good to drink and put on skin. I bought some and began drinking 1 tablespoon three times a day and put it full strength on my body in the shower after bathing when I still had some water on me. I rubbed it all over including my face, neck whole body, arms, legs and feet. After a month I began to notice the sun spots were getting lighter, my skin was getting a more youthful look (I am 55 years old) and I had more energy. When I went to get my A1C checked, it was 5.4! My blood pressure was 113/63! My doctor was estatic and so was I. My skin now is clear and bright. I have LOTS of energy. I'm not tired anymore. All the sun spots are just about gone. My dark elbows and ankles are now a normal color. I am so happy. I have been getting so many compliments on my "glowing" complexion. My facial capillaries have just about disappeared. ACV to me is a miracle in itself.



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