Brown spots—also known as age spots or liver spots—are areas of increased pigmentation on the skin that normally develop after spending lots of time in the sun. Though they are often not a serious medical concern, brown spots can contribute to an uneven skin tone and interfere with having a clear and bright complexion.
Traditional treatments that can reduce the appearance of brown spots include laser treatment, cryosurgery, and microdermabrasion, among many others. However, it’s possible to treat brown spots at home on your own using common household ingredients you may already have on hand.
Before you head to your dermatologist or the nearest medical day spa for brown spot treatment, try these four at-home remedies for brown spot removal.
1. Lemon Juice
Flavonoids—particularly those in citrus fruits—are shown to reduce and fade brown spots while also brightening your skin tone. Flavonoids are compounds in plant foods that offer a large variety of health benefits. They are found in nearly every fruit, vegetable, and herb, but the flavonoids in fruits specifically can help you achieve a more even skin tone and clear complexion.
All you need for this treatment is cotton swabs and a teaspoon each of water and fresh lemon juice. Mix the water and lemon juice, and then apply it to your brown spots using a cotton swab. Rinse it off after 20 to 30 minutes, and perform the treatment once a day.
It may be several days or weeks before you notice results with lemon juice, but you can stop using this treatment after your spots have faded.
2. Aloe Vera
Pure aloe vera contains a compound called aloin. Aloin is shown to have the ability to depigment brown spots and lighten your skin naturally. In addition to treating hyperpigmentation, aloe vera adds moisture to your skin to make it softer and smoother.
To use this brown spot remedy, you need pure aloe vera that comes directly from the plant. If you don’t have an aloe vera plant, look for 100% aloe vera formulas that do not contain added ingredients like alcohol, dyes, or fragrances.
First, extract the gel from an aloe vera leaf and whisk it using a fork. Then, apply the gel directly to your brown spots using a cotton swab. Rinse away the gel after 20 to 30 minutes, or leave it on overnight while you sleep and rinse off in the morning. Perform this treatment once a day for the best results.
3. Yogurt
Yogurt contains lactic acid—a type of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). AHAs work as natural exfoliants to remove dead skin cells and are found in many facial products and spa treatments, including chemical peels. The lactic acid in yogurt also can reduce brown spots, reduce redness, moisturize the skin, and improve your skin tone and elasticity.
When buying yogurt to use on your skin, look for plain, natural yogurt brands without additives like sugar, food coloring, and preservatives.
To do this treatment, apply the yogurt directly to your brown spots, or mix it with other natural ingredients like honey and oats. Honey has antibacterial properties that can reduce acne and brighten the skin, while oats also work as a natural exfoliant to brighten and soften the skin. Rinse away the yogurt mixture after 20 to 30 minutes and perform once a day.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is loaded with several compounds that contribute to overall better health—including skin health. It contains citric acid, which is another AHA with the ability to reduce the appearance of brown spots. ACV also has malic acid, which can gently exfoliate the skin and decrease your body’s production of melanin (a dark pigment in skin and hair) to lighten brown spots.
To use this treatment, combine equal parts water and ACV. Apply this solution directly to your brown spots and rinse off after two to three minutes. Do this treatment twice a day until your brown spots fade.
Other Remedies for Brown Spots
Green tea extract, turmeric, and licorice extract are some of many other at-home and natural treatments that are shown to reduce brown spots and improve the overall appearance of your skin. It may not hurt to try these treatments, especially if your doctor or dermatologist has confirmed that your brown spots are only an aesthetic concern and not a symptom of a skin disorder or skin cancer.
If you need help removing brown spots even after trying natural remedies, contact your doctor or a dermatologist to discuss your other available treatment options.
Resource Links
- “What can get rid of age spots?” via American Academy of Dermatology Association
- “Citrus Flavonoids with Skin Lightening Effects – Safety and Efficacy Studies” via ResearchGate
- “On the novel action of melanolysis by a leaf extract of Aloe vera and its active ingredient aloin, potent skin depigmenting agents” via National Library of Medicine
- “Clinical efficacy of facial masks containing yoghurt and Opuntia humifusa Raf. (F-YOP)” via Natural Library of Medicine
- “Are Natural Ingredients Effective in the Management of Hyperpigmentation? A Systematic Review” via National Library of Medicine