It is every woman’s ultimate dream to have blemish-free skin, so she doesn’t have to rely on her army of concealers and foundations to cover her dark spots. But because of our lifestyle choices and environmental factors, dark spots or hyperpigmentation has become a common cause of concern for most. Age, sun exposure, and hormonal imbalances are some of the many causes of dark spots which become prominent when the melanin in our skin increases giving it that dark, patchy look.

Lucky for us, we can manage dark spots. With a combination of over-the-counter medicines and natural remedies, using ingredients that can be found purely in the kitchen, your skin can go back to looking clear and you can also prevent the occurrence of new spots or patches. Let’s look at how to remove dark spots from the face.

1. What Causes Dark Spots on the Face?
2. How Are Dark Spots Different From Scars
3. Home Remedies for Dark Spots With Kitchen Ingredients

What Causes Dark Spots on the Face?

Dark spots on the face result from many factors. The most common cause of dark spots is Sun Exposure. Sun exposure handles at least 70-80% of dark spots. The UV rays speed up the production of melanin in the skin. Dark spots occur when melanin clumps together or are produced in significantly higher concentrations. Exposure to the sun also causes premature skin aging that further leads to fine lines and wrinkles.

How Are Dark Spots Different From Scars

Dark spots result from the concentration of melanin while it caused acne scars because of tissue damage in the face. They are difficult to treat completely, even though they can fade over time, and remain visible. They often cause scars because of inflammation from acne and remain permanently because of a lack of collagen, which is the skin’s repair tissue.

Natural Home Remedies for Dark Spots With Kitchen Ingredients

1. Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe Vera is one of the most popular superfoods that have anti-inflammatory properties especially for those who have dark spots because of scarring. Aloe vera gel is a true tried and tested ingredient which is used for the skin. Simply cut a leaf and dab the sticky gel substance directly on the face wherever there is scarring. If you don’t have an aloe plant at home, aloe vera gel as over-the-counter packaging works well too.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar

Mix equal quantities of apple cider vinegar and water in a bowl. Stir well and apply on the dark spots. You can also try to mix a few drops of lemon juice with the vinegar. Rinse with lukewarm water.

3. Buttermilk

Apply buttermilk to dark spots and leave on for 15-20 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water and finish with your favorite serum and moisturizer. If you have oily skin or have acne add a little lemon or lime juice. Rinse with lukewarm water and finish with your favorite moisturizer.

4. Lemons

Cut a slice of lemon and gently apply to the affected area for 10 minutes, morning and evening. If you have sensitive skin combine 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of water or rose water in a glass bowl. Dip your cotton pad and apply it to the skin. Rinse with lukewarm water and finish with your favorite moisturizer.

5. Papaya

Papaya is a natural exfoliant that is used for anti-aging and dry skin by removing the top layers of the skin cells and production of new ones. In a bowl, add mashed ripe papaya and apply a mask to clean skin. Gently rub it on the skin, once the pulp dries on the skin and rinse with water and pat dry.

6. Turmeric

For ages, Indians have used turmeric for their complete wellbeing as it has many healing properties from reducing inflammation to curing digestive problems. It is no surprise that turmeric’s benefits also extend to the field of skincare and especially to prevent dark spots.

In a bowl, add 2 tablespoons of turmeric to 1 tablespoon of honey, and to speed up the process, a few drops of lemon juice. Apply the mask for 15-20 minutes and rinse with hot water to reveal a drastically reduced scar. Skip the lemon juice if you have sensitive skin and avoid using it on fresh scars.

7. Tomatoes

Photodamage is caused by overexposure to sun rays which creates those pesky dark spots on your skin. Tomatoes are rich in lycopene which has multiple health benefits (including being a natural sunscreen!). Slather a small amount of the pulp onto your skin and gently massage your skin. Add a few drops of lemon juice to a bowl with half a mashed tomato to speed up the process of the lightening of the spots.

8. Almond Oil

Almond oil is one of the richest natural sources of Vitamin E that not just reduces the appearance of the spots but also improves the skin texture. Add a few drops of oil to your skin regularly to see the visibly reduced appearance of these horrible spots. The best part is that since this sweet almond oil is non-comedogenic, so since it won’t clog pores; all skin types can use it during the day or as part of your nighttime routine.

It is vital that you take a conservative approach to these DIY homemade beauty remedies. Apply a small amount to your face and leave it on for a short amount of time, then work your way up to larger amounts and longer times until your skin can handle it. If you feel any discomfort, stinging, or a burning sensation rinse off the mixture immediately with lukewarm water. While you are using these natural remedies to diminish dark spots do your very best to limit your sun exposure.