10 Best Home Remedies For Sunspots, Causes, And Treatments

Many people avoid going into the sun because they are afraid of sunspots appearing on their skin. Right now, you are probably thinking about how to get rid of sunspots. Don’t worry! We have got your back. Many people are concerned about sunspots. They are also hard to conceal if you don’t use makeup. Although these flat, brown patches are not hazardous, they can disrupt your appearance. This post is for you if you are looking for the best sun protection strategies and effective ways to get rid of sunspots. We have explored the underlying cause of sunspots, as well as some natural remedies and the finest sunspot removal methods, in this article. Check it out!

What Are Sunspots? What Causes Them?

Sunspots are flat brown spots on your skin. They are hyperpigmented skin blemishes and are also known as solar lentigines. This kind of skin discoloration could be a result of sun exposure for long periods. The harsh ultraviolet rays from the sun can multiply the pigment cells (melanocytes), which results in sunspots. Overactivity of tyrosinase (an enzyme responsible for melanin production) may cause irregular activity of melanocytes resulting in sunspots. Also, some people may develop these spots due to hereditary problems (1). They can appear on any section of your body that is exposed to the sun. It could be your cheeks, nose, upper lip, ears, arms, and hands.

Home remedies are, by far, the smartest and cheapest way to fight skin problems like sunspots. Remember those face packs and concoctions carefully selected by your mother? They really do work! Following are the ways in which you can get rid of sunspots with home remedies.

Home Remedies For Sunspots

1. Aloe Vera

You Will Need

Fresh aloe vera gel or aloe juice

What You Have To Do

1. Extract fresh gel from an aloe leaf and apply it to the affected area.
2. Leave it on for half an hour and then wash it off.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this every day.

Why This Works

The use of aloe vera for dark spots your skin is highly recommended. It contains natural healing agents that lighten dark spots and other signs of sun damage on the skin. It aids skin regeneration and improves skin quality (2). Aloe vera also exhibits antityrosinase activity that helps remove sunspots (3). Moreover, it contains two active compounds – aloesin and aloin – that help in removing sunspots and lightening hyperpigmentation (4), (5), (6).

Quick Tip

You can also add 1 tablespoon of rose water for extra hydration and a beautiful fragrance.

2. Lemon

You Will Need

• A lemon
• 1/4 cup of water
• Cotton ball

What You Have To Do

1. Squeeze out the fresh lemon juice.
2. Leave it on for 20-30 minutes.
3. Wash it off with cool water.
4. Pat your face dry and apply a good moisturizer.

Caution:

Undiluted lemon juice is highly acidic and may cause damage to the skin, especially if it is prone to be sensitive.

Alternate Method

• Mix a tablespoon of sugar with a tablespoon of lemon juice.
• Use this mixture as a scrub on the sunspots.
• After scrubbing for a minute or two, leave the mixture on for about 10 minutes. Rinse it off with water.

How Often You Should Do This

Use the simple lemon juice remedy every day. The lemon-sugar scrub can be used 2-3 times a week.

Why This Works

Lemon has bleaching properties that may help reduce the appearance of sunspots (7). It also helps you attain a flawless and radiant look.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 4 tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon honey

What You Have To Do

1. Mix the ingredients and apply the mixture to the skin.
2. Keep it on for at least 10 minutes, and then wash it off.
3. Add some orange juice to this mix for better and faster results.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this once a day to maximize results.

Why This Works

Apple cider vinegar is beneficial for different skin problems, including sunspots. The acetic acid in ACV can decrease melanin deposition (2). Thus, it may help reduce sunspots.

4. Green Tea

You Will Need

• A green tea bag
• A cup of hot water

What You Have To Do

1. Place the teabag in a cup of water for 10 minutes.
2. Remove the teabag, let it cool down, and place it on the affected area. Alternatively, you can apply the green tea you prepared once it has cooled down on your sunspots.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this once or twice daily.

Why This Works

Green tea is known as a powerhouse of antioxidants that fight skin conditions like tanning and spots (8). It also has a depigmenting effect that may help treat sunspots (9).

5. Castor Oil

You Will Need

A few drops of castor oil

What You Have To Do

1. Apply the oil on the affected area and massage it in for a few minutes.
2. Leave it on for at least an hour before rinsing it off.

How Often You Should Do This

Repeat this once or twice daily.

Why This Works

Castor oil deeply nourishes your skin as it contains essential fatty acids. It also helps lighten hyperpigmented skin (10).

6. Gram Flour (Besan)

You Will Need

• 2 tablespoons gram flour
• A pinch of turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon milk

What You Have To Do

1. Make a paste by mixing all the ingredients.
2. Apply this pack all over your face and keep it on for 15 minutes.
3. Rinse it off with cool water.
4. If you are allergic to dairy, use rose water instead of milk.

How Often You Should Do This

Repeat this 2-3 times a week.

Why This Works

Gram flour (besan) benefits include brightening the skin tone, reducing tan, and exfoliating the skin (11). Milk contains lactic acid that acts as an exfoliator, while lemon brightens your skin (7).

7. Buttermilk

You Will Need

• 1-2 tablespoons buttermilk
• Cotton ball

What You Have To Do

1. Simply dip a cotton ball into a bowl of buttermilk and massage it all over the affected area.
2. Leave it on for 10 minutes, and then rinse it off.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this twice a day to reap the benefits.

Why This Works

Buttermilk has a soothing effect on the skin. It is also claimed to have a bleaching effect which may help lighten sunspots. However, there is no scientific evidence to prove the same.

Quick Tip

You can also add a tablespoon of honey for additional hydrating properties and a teaspoon of turmeric to soothe the skin.

8. Papaya Pulp

You Will Need

2-3 cubes of ripe papaya

What You Have To Do

1. Mash the papaya and apply the pulp to the affected area.
2. Leave it on for 10-12 minutes.
3. Wash the area using cool water.

How Often You Should Do This

Apply papaya pulp twice a week.

Why This Works

Papaya can exfoliate the skin and make it lighter (12). It may help reduce pigmentation, sunspots, and scars.

9. Fuller’s Earth

You Will Need

• 2 tablespoons Fuller’s earth
• 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel
• Rosewater

What You Have To Do

1. Make a paste of medium consistency by adding enough rose water to the Fuller’s earth powder and aloe gel.
2. Apply this mixture to the affected area and let it sit for 15-20 minutes.
3. Wash the face pack off with cool water.

How Often You Should Do This

Apply this pack 2-3 times a week.

Why This Works

Fuller’s earth is also known as Multani mitti. It is commonly used for brightening your skin. It also improves blood circulation to the skin’s surface, unclogs pores, and removes the dull layer of skin cells (13). Rose water helps reduce skin redness (14). Also, it may help hydrate your skin.

10. Sandalwood

You Will Need

• 2 tablespoons sandalwood powder
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Rosewater

What You Have To Do

1. Mix some rose water with the sandalwood powder and lemon juice to get a face pack consistency.
2. Apply this all over the sunspots and let it dry for 10-15 minutes.
3. Rinse it off with water.

Another way to use sandalwood for sunspots is to blend sandalwood oil and olive oil in a 1:2 proportion and apply it every night on the sunspots.

How Often You Should Do This

Use this pack twice a week.

Why This Works

Sandalwood may help reduce skin dullness and eliminate hyperpigmentation (15).

Listed below are some more home remedies and medications you can use to treat sunspots.

Other Home Remedies For Sunspots

1. Licorice Extract: As per traditional Chinese medicine, using licorice extract for the skin has many benefits. The glabridin in licorice extract exhibits antityrosinase activity, which helps prevent UVB-induced pigmentation. It removes epidermal melanin and inhibits the biosynthesis of melanin (2).
2. Red Onion: The dried skin of red onions is said to exert antityrosinase activity and has skin-whitening properties (16).
3. Vitamin E: Topical application of vitamin E can reduce photo-induced skin damage (17). Thus, applying vitamin E oil may help lighten sunspots.
4. Over-The-Counter Creams: There are many topical creams available that you can use to remove sunspots. Most of these creams work by targeting the tyrosine enzyme to reduce the appearance of sunspots. Always look for topical creams that contain hydroquinone  glycolic acidⁱ  A natural water-soluble compound used in skin care products for exfoliation that is largely obtained from sugar cane. , hydroxy acidⁱ  Belongs to a class of organic compounds derived from living organisms that are used in skincare to smooth fine lines and wrinkles. , or kojic acid.
5. Hydroquinone: Hydroquinone cream works as a skin-brightening agent and standard depigmentation treatment by inhibiting the effect of tyrosinase (18). Hydroquinone for skin is available at 2% concentration over the counter or at 4% concentration in prescribed creams. Topical application of hydroquinone poses no risks. However, pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid using hydroquinone because substantial amounts of the medication are absorbed into the skin.
6. Tretinoin: Tretinoin cream is frequently prescribed by dermatologists to repair and reverse sun-damaged skin. It is a derivative of vitamin A that works by lightening the skin. Topical application of tretinoin cream has been found to improve the appearance of sun-damaged skin (19).
7. Tri-Luma: Tri-Luma is another topical cream used for treating sunspots. It contains three active ingredients – hydroquinone, tretinoin, and fluocinolone acetonide – in its formulation (20). It has been found that the potency of hydroquinone increases with the addition of tretinoin (21).
8. Azelaic Acid: It is a naturally derived grain-based acid that effectively diminishes sunspots, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin tone. It promotes a clearer skin tone by impeding melanin production and facilitating gentle skin exfoliation. Studies on mice indicate that concentrated azelaic acid could potentially inhibit melanoma cells and reduce the resulting pigmentation (22).
9. Vitamin C: It is a potent antioxidant that helps diminish sunspots, hyperpigmentation, and other skin discolorations (23). Regular application of vitamin C serums or creams may reduce melanin production, promote an even skin tone, and protect against further sun damage. Its brightening properties make it a valuable addition to a skin care routine for sunspots.

Fluocinolone acetonide is a corticosteroid that is used to treat severe inflammatory skin disorders (24).

These are some of the at-home remedies to get rid of sunspots. There are a few sunspot removal treatments available, but these should be performed by a trained skin care professional. Let’s learn more about those professional treatments in the following section.

What Are The Best Sunspot Removal Treatments?

If you want faster methods of treating sun-damaged skin, there are several treatment options in dermatology that you can consider. We have discussed them below.

1. Laser Skin Resurfacing

Laser skin resurfacing is a skin care procedure that helps improve skin texture and reduces blemishes, acne scars, and skin irregularities. This procedure involves a wand-like device that is used to deliver laser beams to the skin. This device removes sun-damaged skin layer by layer. The entire laser treatment process can take a minimum of 30 minutes to 2 hours for sunspot removal. Healing of the skin can take anywhere from 10 to 21 days.

2. Intense Pulse Light (IPL)

Intense pulse light uses pulses of light energy to target dark spots on the skin. Lasers of different wavelengths are used to heat the pigmented cells, thereby removing the sunspots by destroying the melanin. It is also known as a photo facial, and it takes less than 30 minutes. It can treat several skin conditions, and the number of sessions required varies from person to person. Also, it causes little to no pain.

3. Chemical Peels

Chemical peel is another cosmetic procedure that involves the application of an acid solution to your skin. It causes your skin to exfoliate the damaged skin cells and make way for new skin. The main idea behind this procedure is to encourage your skin to shed off its damaged outer layer and reveal newer skin underneath. It helps reduce sunspots, wrinkles, and fine lines. It can make your skin firmer, brighter, and healthier.

Chemical peel treatment also encourages collagen production. This process reduces uneven skin tone and acne scars. The recovery time for a chemical peel is 1-4 weeks depending on the depth of the peel. Light/superficial peels penetrate and act on the epidermis, the outermost layers of the skin. Whereas medium/deep grade peels go much deeper by penetrating the dermis at various levels depending on the concentration and application time. This treatment may be more painful than the others, but it has decades of data that shows the best results for an even skin tone. Besides some pain, it can cause a burning sensation that lasts a few minutes. You can treat these side effects by using over-the-counter creams.

4. Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy is also known as cold therapy. In this treatment, skin lesions are exposed to extremely cold temperatures. This process helps reduce sunspots. Using nitrous oxide is the best option for the treatment of dark spots (25). This process only takes a few minutes.

Joanna, a Youtuber, shared her experience of using cryotherapy to remove sunspots. She shared that her dermatologist used liquid nitrogen to fade the dark spots on her face. She adds, “After 2 months, when the redness started going away and the scare had healed, you can see the dark spots have dramatically faded a lot compared to the original form (i).”

5. Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion facial is a cosmetic procedure that involves the exfoliation of the top layer of the skin. This process uses a small hand-held device with an abrasive surface. The special applicator with an abrasive tip removes the outermost layer of the skin, followed by suction to remove the dead skin. It can reduce age spots, wrinkles, fine lines, melasmaⁱ  A common skin condition that causes brown patches to appear on the skin, most commonly due to exposure to the sun and hormonal changes. , and acne scars. This is a very effective, painless procedure for many skin aging concerns and takes about one hour. You may experience some temporary redness and tightness after the procedure.

6. Microneedling

Microneedling is a minimally invasive derma roller procedure that uses hundreds of small needles to create ‘micro-injuries’ in the skin. This signals your body to produce more collagen and elastinⁱ  The most abundantly found protein in the body that is responsible for the elastic recoil of the skin and helps organs stretch and contract. to repair the affected area. It is mostly used on the face, but can be used on the body to reduce stretch marks or scars. It also helps in the absorption of topical serums that contain skin lightening ingredients. This makes derma rolling a great option for treating sunspots, wrinkles, pigmentation marks and acne scars. A topical anesthetic may be applied prior to the process to help reduce discomfort.

These are the different professional treatments for sunspots. Here are some more tips to keep in mind to avoid sunspots.

Tips For Sunspots

1. Try Anti-Tan Facials

A good anti-tan facial can help you fight sun spots and pigmentation. You can use an at-home anti-tan facial kit or get it done by a professional at a spa, salon, or skin clinic.

2. Stay Away From The Sun

Try not to step out in the sun too much if you are already tanned. Even if you are, it is best to carry an umbrella. Avoid peak sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Also, remember to wear loose-fitting clothes. Don’t go for dark or bright colors. The simpler your clothing, the better it is for your skin. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes. If you are at the beach, don’t forget your hat.

3. Use Sunscreen

Sunscreen is a must all through the year and not just the summer months. If you don’t have one already, it’s high time you purchased one. Sunscreen protects your skin from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun and prevents the signs of aging. Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen daily to protect against harmful UV rays. Choose a sunscreen that has an SPF of 30 or above. Reapply sunscreen every two hours during extended sun exposure.

Sunspots are not harmful or cancerogenic. But, if you notice any abnormality in their number and growth, you should consult your doctor. Scroll down to know more.

When To See A Dermatologist?

Sunspots are not harmful. They are caused by prolonged sun exposure. You can improve this condition by taking some protective measures. However, sometimes cancerous lesions on your skin can look like sunspots. If you observe rapid growth in dark spots or a lot of sunspots, you should get them checked by a dermatologist.

Infographic: How To Do Anti-Tan Facial At Home

While you are free to invest in anti-tan facials at salons or get an anti-tan facial home kit for helping you get rid of sunspots and de-tan your skin, you may want to consider using simple kitchen staples to DIY your facial.

Check out the infographic for detailed steps to give yourself a facial in a few quick and easy steps with all-natural ingredients.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Does coconut oil get rid of sunspots?

No. Coconut oil may not help get rid of sunspots. Dr. T N Rekha Singh, a dermatologist, says, “While coconut oil is touted for its moisturizing benefits, scientific evidence does not support its effectiveness in treating sunspots. Coconut oil does not contain active ingredients known to reduce melanin production or promote the exfoliation of pigmented cells.”

Does retinol get rid of sunspots?

Yes. Retinol may help reduce the sunspots. According to Dr. Anju Methil, a dermatologist specializing in cosmetic medicine, “Retinol, a vitamin A derivative, can treat hyperpigmentation. Encourages skin cell turnover, resulting in more evenly pigmented new skin cells. Consistent use of retinol can minimize hyperpigmentation over time.”

Can sunspots be removed permanently?

Yes, sunspots can be removed with the help of procedures like laser therapy or chemical peels. Whether this is permanent is dependent on how you look after your skin after using these procedures, especially chemical peel.

How long does it take for sunspots to fade?

Sunspots may take 6 to 12 months to fade away. However, it may take years if they are severe. Also, home remedies can help you speed up the fading process.

How much does sunspot removal cost?

The cost depends on the procedure you choose, the number of sessions you need, and the place you prefer. However, the normal rates may fall between $200 and $400.

Do home remedies for sunspots have any side effects?

Some home remedies may contain ingredients that may cause irritation, redness, allergic reactions, or dryness. Thus, it is important to do a patch test before use them. If you are already dealing with skin issues, it is better to consult a dermatologist before applying anything to your skin.

Watch this informative video to learn how to get rid of unsightly sun spots. Discover the best tips and tricks to reduce the appearance of sunspots and achieve a glowing complexion.

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Reviewer Expert Author Editor Fact Checker

Gabrielle RichensSkin Therapist

   

Gabrielle Richens spent 20 years as a model with Elite Model Management. She is now a skin therapist, clean beauty blogger, and founder of The Rich Skin Club, an online anti-aging coaching service. She helps women understand the aging process and how to build routines that reverse the visible signs of premature aging.

Read full bio of Gabrielle Richens

• 
  Dr. T.N Rekha SinghMBBS, MD Dr. T. N. Rekha Singh, MBBS, MD, has over a decade of experience in performing state-of-the-art dermatological treatments. Her expertise lies in aesthetic dermatology, advanced application of lasers in dermatology, and treatment of acne and acne scars, pigmentation issues, and hair fall. She graduated from Kakatiya Medical College & Hospital with a Master's degree in Dermatology, Venereology & Leprosy and is now based in Hyderabad.
  
  Dr. T. N. Rekha Singh, MBBS, MD, has over a decade of experience in performing state-of-the-art dermatological treatments. Her expertise lies in aesthetic dermatology, advanced application of lasers in dermatology, and treatment of acne and acne scars, pigmentation issues, and hair fall. She graduated from Kakatiya Medical College & Hospital with a Master's degree in Dermatology, Venereology & Leprosy and is now based in Hyderabad.
• 
  Dr. Anju MethilMBBS, DVD, MD Dr. Anju Methil, MD, DDV, is a cosmetologist and dermatologist with nine years of experience in the field. She specializes in injections and fillers for non-surgical facial contouring and has trained under top dermatologists and plastic surgeons across the world. Dr. Methil completed her postgraduation in Dermatology from DY Patil Hospital, Mumbai, and has received many awards for her contribution to cosmetic medicine.
  
  Dr. Anju Methil, MD, DDV, is a cosmetologist and dermatologist with nine years of experience in the field. She specializes in injections and fillers for non-surgical facial contouring and has trained under top dermatologists and plastic surgeons across the world. Dr. Methil completed her postgraduation in Dermatology from DY Patil Hospital, Mumbai, and has received many awards for her contribution to cosmetic medicine.

Annie JangamBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

 

Annie Jangam is a researcher-turned-content writer with 11 years of experience. She enjoys dissecting complex clinical studies and shuffling through the scientific jargon to make science interesting and easy to understand.

Read full bio of Annie Jangam

Ramona SinhaEditor

Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal.

Read full bio of Ramona Sinha

Swathi ESenior Beauty & Lifestyle Writer

Swathi has a postgraduate degree in English literature from The English And Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and over three years of experience in writing on beauty, health, and lifestyle. She also has a diploma in English journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Kottayam, and is a certified skincare coach.

Read full bio of Swathi E