Age spots are very common, especially in people over 40 with fair skin and people who’ve spent lots of time in the sun. As a child, freckles fade, but in adults, they do not. Age spots, also known as liver spots or Solar Lentigines, are harmless patches of flat tan, brown, or black spots. These spots often appear on sun-exposed areas, such as the face, hands, shoulders, and arms.
Medically, age spots are nothing to worry about, but some consider them unsightly. So, in addition to medical treatments that target age spots, you can also try items from your grocery store to help keep these marks at bay. Here, we’ll look at a few everyday items from your kitchen that you can try to lighten up age spots.
Potato
Yep – you can utilize your favorite starchy vegetable to fight age spots. Cut a potato into slices (keep it as thin as possible), dab a little water on the piece, and apply it to your age spots. Leave it on for up to ten minutes. You shouldn’t notice any negative effects, and most people find that potato is gentle enough to use daily.
Lemon Juice
The combination of vitamin C and citric acid can work wonders for lightening age spots. However, some people find full-strength lemon juice too potent for their skin, so you may need to cut it with water. To get maximum benefit:
- Use a fresh lemon (not the juice that comes in a bottle).
- Dab lemon juice on a cotton ball, then tap your age spots.
- After twenty minutes, rinse the affected area with water (not soap).
For most people, it’s best to use lemon juice just a few times each week.
Oatmeal
Exfoliation is key for fading age spots, and oatmeal is a fantastic natural exfoliant that can gently help buff away dead skin cells. To create a paste, combine three parts oatmeal, one part honey, and one milk. Apply to any area where you’ve noticed age spots. After the mask dries, simply rinse with water. You can use this mask up to three times each week.
Cucumber
Cucumber is a fantastic option for reversing hyperpigmentation and can also be used to moisturize (an important consideration when using multiple plans of attack to fight age spots). Slice a cucumber and lay a slice on your age spot. To create a mask, blend a tablespoon of lemon juice, half a teaspoon of aloe gel, and a whole cucumber in a blender. Apply the mask to your discolored areas and allow it to sit for half an hour before rinsing with water. This mask is gentle enough to use every day.
Buttermilk
While the smell may not be your favorite, applying buttermilk to your skin is a fantastic way to lighten age spots. The lactic acid in buttermilk works as a gentle exfoliant that can work to buff away discoloration. Apply buttermilk directly to age spots, and allow it to sit on the area for 20 minutes before you rinse with water. As long as you’re not experiencing discomfort or irritation, you can use buttermilk on your age spots every day.
Looking For Help With Age Spots? We’re Here For You!
At Valley Skin Institute, we’re here to help with all of your skin needs. If these home remedies don’t give you the results you’re looking for, then other options may reduce the appearance of age spots, including:
- Prescription bleaching creams
- Chemical Peels
- Laser Treatment
- Microdermabrasion
Reach out to us today to schedule an appointment and learn more.
