6 Home Remedies To Remove Dark Spots On Face | Causes & Types

If you are craving smooth skin with an even skin tone, you are probably also wondering how to get rid of dark spots.

Sometimes the pigmentation occurs in dark patches on the face and neck or appears on the body in other instances. There are many causes behind this issue, but if you are always out in the sun for whatever reason, these patches can appear or get flared up quickly.

The following write-up includes the causes, types, and treatments for dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin tone. Keep scrolling for more information!

What Causes Dark Spots On The Face?

Dark spots or hyperpigmentation occur due to excess melanin production in certain areas of your skin. Melanin is a pigment produced by your body that gives your hair, eyes, and skin color.

Factors that may contribute to dark spots include:

• Exposure to peak sunlight every day can cause the appearance of freckles and dark spots on your skin (1). This is because it increases the production of melanin on the surface of your skin.
• Hormonal imbalances can also cause hyperpigmentation (2). This, in turn, can lead to discoloration and the appearance of dark spots on your skin.
• Certain medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), psychotropic drugsⁱ  Drugs that produce a change in the psychological states of an individual, including their mood, behavior, thoughts, and perceptions. , or tetracyclines can lead to increased melanin production (3). This can result in dark spots.

Dark spots can be classified into different types, depending on how they are caused.

Types Of Dark Spots

• Melasma – It is caused by hormonal fluctuations and is more prominent during pregnancy or menopauseⁱ  The natural decline of the reproductive hormones in women that usually happens after their 40s or 50s. (4).
• Lentigines – These are age spots that are caused by excess sun exposure and are more common in old age (over 60 years) (5).
• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation – It is caused by skin conditions like acne, burns, etc. (6). Acne scars and scarred tissue can remain as discolored spots on the skin for a long time.

Sometimes, acne can also cause spots on your skin. These spots are usually formed when sebum gets oxidized, and they do not indicate skin damage. Wondering how to get rid of dark spots on face? We have you covered.

Dark spots can take a while to fade or disappear, and, in some cases, you may have to consult your dermatologist. If you want to know more about how to remove dark spots on your face naturally, scroll down to the next section to know more!

Natural Ways To Lighten Dark Spots

1. Lemon Juice

Lemon juice for dark spots is a popular remedy because lemons are rich sources of flavonoidsⁱ  A large family of polyphenolic compounds that protect against oxidative damage and prevent diseases. and other antioxidants, which may help lighten the dark spots on your face (7).

What To Do: You will need a teaspoon of lemon juice, water, and cotton swabs. Mix the lemon juice and water. Dip a cotton swab in the solution and apply it to the affected areas. Leave it on for 20-30 minutes. Rinse with water. You may do this once daily.

Note: Lemon juice can cause a stinging sensation on some skin types. If you are allergic to lemon juice, you must avoid this remedy. If you use this remedy, ensure you apply sunscreen before heading out.

2. Parsley

Parsley exhibits skin-lightening properties as it is rich in vitamin C. This may help treat dark spots, blemishes, and other similar conditions, including epidermal melasma (8).

What To Do: You will need 1-2 tablespoons of parsley leaves and sterile cotton pads. Blend the parsley leaves in a blender. Apply the mixture to the entire face. Leave it on for 20-30 minutes and rinse with water. Do this once daily or every alternate day.

3. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera contains aloin, a compound with melanocytic effects that can help depigment dark spots (9). Using Aloe vera for dark spots on your skin can be quite effective.

What To Do: You will need aloe vera gel and cotton pads. Extract the gel from an aloe vera leaf. Whisk the gel using a fork. Dip a cotton swab into the whisked gel and apply it to the affected areas. Leave it on for 20-30 minutes before rinsing. You may do this once daily for best results.

4. Orange Peel

Orange peel

contains hesperidin, a potent flavonoid, which has skin-lightening effects. This may help eliminate the dark spots on your skin (10).

What To Do: You will need half a teaspoon of dried orange peel powder, water, and a cotton pad. Mix a few drops of water with the dried orange peel powder. Apply the mixture to the affected areas using a cotton swab. Leave it on for 20-30 minutes and rinse with water. You may do this once daily.

5. Turmeric

Turmeric contains curcumin, an antioxidant with anti-melanogenicⁱ  The property of a compound meant to block or prevent the production of melanin, helping in skin-lightening. effects (11). This may help lighten dark spots. Also, if you are exploring home remedies for skin pigmentation, turmeric can be quite beneficial.

What To Do: You will need a teaspoon of turmeric, some water, and cotton pads. Mix the turmeric powder with a few drops of water to form a thick paste. Apply the mixture to the affected areas. Leave it on for 20-30 minutes. Rinse with water. You may do this once daily.

Note: Some people may develop an allergic reaction to turmeric paste. If you are allergic to turmeric, you must avoid this remedy.

Keishanishta, a Youtuber, suffering from hyperpigmentation and dark spots shares how she got rid of it. She used a turmeric face mask for 1 week and noticed visible results. She says, “I was surprised to see visible results, as it checks out all the boxes that it claims. It’s definitely a brightening mask, it also lifted the summertime tan, and it definitely faded some of the blemishes and dark spots in such a short period of time (i).”

6. Cucumber

Cucumber

is a rich source of antioxidants and silica-rich compounds that possess skin-lightening properties (12). This may help minimize the appearance of dark spots.

What To Do: Take a fresh cucumber and blend it. Apply this paste on the areas with dark spots. Leave it on for 20-30 minutes and rinse with water. You may do this 1-2 times daily.

Use any or a combination of these remedies to lighten stubborn dark spots. The dark spots treatment with home remedies may not always show the desired results. Also, avoid ingredients like toothpaste or baking soda for dark spots. “They can be over-drying and may have adverse effects on your skin, especially for those who have dry and sensitive skin,” says Dr. Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD.

Quick Tip

Avoid skin lightening products that contain mercury, as this ingredient may damage the skin. It may appear on the list as “mercuric” or “calomel.”

In addition to these remedies, you may also try other natural options like green tea and vitamin E oil to fade away dark spots. Green tea is rich in antioxidants, while vitamin E acts as an antioxidant to help fight free radical damage and lighten the spots (13) (14). You may use these ingredients on their own as a toner or massage oil, respectively, or add them to your DIY face packs.

However, if you are dealing with a severe case of hyperpigmentation (or dark spots) or if the above remedies do not help, you need to consult a dermatologist. Here is how they may help you.

How Does A Dermatologist Treat Dark Spots?

The common dermatologist treatment for dark spots on face include:

• Laser therapy, which uses laser rays to target melanin deposition and fade dark spots (15).
• Chemical peels, which involve the application of a chemical solution to the skin to exfoliate the surface layer, thereby helping lighten the dark spots (16).
• Microdermabrasion, which removes the outermost layer of the skin using a special device to promote collagen growth and reduce dark spots (17).
• Over-the-counter treatments include creams containing active ingredients like hydroquinone, retinoids, or vitamin C. These may help reduce pigmentation by inhibiting melanin synthesis and promoting skin renewal (18) (19) (20).

Now that you know how to get rid of dark spots on skin, it is best to know how to prevent them from appearing again.

Prevention Tips

• Always wear sunscreen with SPF 40 or above before stepping out in the sun to avoid sun spots. Reapply every four hours in case of continued sun exposure.
• Wear sunglasses or a wide-brimmed hat for sun protection when outdoors.
• Treat inflammatory skin conditions like acne, eczema, or psoriasis immediately using topical creams and medications to prevent the development of dark spots on the skin.
• Avoid going out between 10 AM and 4 PM, when the sun rays are the most intense.
• Follow a healthy diet comprising Vitamins A, C, E, omega-3 fatty acids, and low glycemic index foods.
• Drink at least 3-4 litres of water regular to get a full body detox that will result in less flare-ups, therefore less spots.
• Get about 7-8 hours of sleep every day and focus on stress management to ensure good skin health.
• Consider using topical antioxidants like vitamin C serums, which may help inhibit excess melanin synthesis and fight free radical damage to reduce the risk of new dark spots formation (20). Always perform a patch test before using such serums and follow up with sunscreen.

Quick Tip

Use products with sun-blocking ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. This may help prevent spots.

Infographic: Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Facial Dark Spots

Dark spots on the face can be triggered due to various reasons. If you are looking to know more about how to remove black spots from your face at home, here are a few tips to help you reduce their appearance.

The following infographic provides information about a few effective home remedies that help lighten dark spots. Check them out.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the best cream to treat facial dark spots?

Most over-the-counter formulations containing retinoids and alpha hydroxy acids work well to treat dark spots. Serums with glycolic acid, kojic acid, and hydroquinone are also known to be effective. But they might also cause adverse effects, including increased sensitivity and skin inflammation. Hence, you need to consult a dermatologist.

How long do the dark spots take to fade?

While dark spots caused by acne or skin injury may fade within a couple of weeks, those caused by an underlying skin condition can take anywhere between six months to over a year to fade completely.

Does honey clear dark spots?

Researchers have not been able to establish that honey can fade dark spots. But they believe that honey may help in exfoliation, thereby reducing their appearance.

Can ice remove dark spots?

Yes. Ice massage can help improve blood circulation, and with prolonged use, it may reduce the look of dark spots.

Can coconut oil remove dark spots?

Anecdotal evidence suggests that coconut oil can help lighten the appearance of dark spots. However, more research is warranted in this regard.

Can salt remove dark spots?

Yes. A salt scrub, in combination with honey and lemon, may help reduce the appearance of dark spots.

Illustration: Home Remedies To Remove Dark Spots On Face | Causes & Types

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Say goodbye to dark spots on your face with these easy tips and tricks! Learn how to get rid of those blemishes and achieve a radiant complexion with this informative video.

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Reviewer Expert Author Editor Fact Checker

Dr. Hari Hara SudhanMD

Dr. Hari Hara Sudhan is a dermatologist in Coimbatore,Tamil Nadu. He has 14 years of experience in this field. He is a regular contributor to newspapers and has also authored a book. He is a member of the Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists (IADVL) and Indian Medical Association (IMA) and specializes in Dermabrasion, Scar Treatment, Dental Fillings, Anti Aging Treatment, and Sun Spots, Age Spots, And Other Pigmented Lesions.

Read full bio of Dr. Hari Hara Sudhan

• 
  Dr. Anna ChaconMD, FAAD Dr. Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD, is a double board-certified dermatologist with over 7 years of experience. She has authored many peer-reviewed articles and managed clinical research studies during her fellowship. She completed her medical school in the PLME (Program of Liberal Medical Education) at Brown University.
  
  Dr. Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD, is a double board-certified dermatologist with over 7 years of experience. She has authored many peer-reviewed articles and managed clinical research studies during her fellowship. She completed her medical school in the PLME (Program of Liberal Medical Education) at Brown University.

Shaheen NaserHealth & Wellness Writer

 

Shaheen holds a postgraduate degree in Human Genetics and Molecular Biology from Bharathiar University. She is a Geneticist with proficiency in Biotechnology, Immunology, Medical Genetics, Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Genetic Counseling.

Read full bio of Shaheen Naser

Anjali SayeeAssociate Editor

Anjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy about hair and skin care is simple: if you love and care for it, it will be healthy.

Read full bio of Anjali Sayee

Monomita ChakrabortyBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Monomita has a graduate degree in mass communication and video production from St. Anthony's College, Shillong, and a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from the Royal Global University, Guwahati. She is also a certified skincare coach with a keen interest in skin, hair, tattoos, nail art, and lifestyle trends.

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