Are dark spots making your skin look dull?

Has your skin lost its even tone? Are you looking older than you are because of these dark spots?

If yes, read on to find out about some great and easy home remedies to reduce dark spots effectively.

Dark spots commonly occur on your face, neck, arms, hands, and even your legs. These are a result of uneven skin pigmentation, also known as hyperpigmentation is a condition where the body produces excessive melanin. This leads to dark patches and spots on the skin which can be quite difficult to get rid of.

There are several over the counter products that claim to cure pigmentation. However, they are loaded with chemicals that can lead to other skin issues. In order to get rid of skin pigmentation, you can try several simple and proven home remedies.

What Causes Hyper Pigmentation?

There are several factors that are responsible for this condition, such as:

• Excessive exposure to the sun, leading to skin inflammation
• Any allergic reaction
• The use of certain medication
• Skin injuries such as cuts and burns
• Hormonal changes
• Pregnancy
• Chemicals present in some skin care products
• Emotional stress
• Facial hair removal procedures
• Skin dryness

Tips to Avoid Hyperpigmentation

Prevention is the best cure when it comes to skin pigmentation. Here are some tips that will help avoid the appearance of dark spots:

• Do not expose your skin to the sun directly. The UV rays of the sun increase the production of melanin. Apply a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 protection and keep your face and body covered when you go out.
• Make sure you stay hydrated with plenty of water and fluids.
• Consume fresh fruits, vegetables, and foods that are rich in Vitamins A, E, and C.
• Combat stress with yoga and meditation.
• Use lukewarm water instead of hot water for your bath. Hot water causes skin dryness. This, in turn, leads to the darkness of the skin.

11 Effective Home Remedies for Hyper Pigmentation

There are most effective home remedies that can cure hyper-pigmentation. These remedies are natural, safe and economical as well.

#1. Potato Juice

Why it works

Melanocytes are responsible for producing melanin which causes skin pigmentation. Exposure to sun, hormonal changes and several other factors increase the production of melanocytes. Potato contains an enzyme known as catecholase. This enzyme reduces the production of melanocytes that are responsible for melanin production. In addition to this, potato contains magnesium, calcium, potassium, Vitamins B, Vitamin C as well as Zinc that lighten dark blemishes and any pigmentation.

How to use

Method 1

• Grate a medium-sized potato and squeeze the juice out.
• Mix it with an equal portion of lemon juice.
• Apply it on the affected area and leave it on for 30 minutes.
• Wash it off with cold water.

Method 2

You can also rub potato slices on the affected area for about 10 minutes and then rinse it with lukewarm water.

Frequency of use

Repeat this twice a day for fast results.

#2. Apple Cider Vinegar

Why it works

Apple Cider Vinegar is a very powerful, natural astringent. This helps lighten your skin and returns it to its natural color. It is also known to be a very good antioxidant and antimicrobial agent that helps get rid of other skin issues that you might be experiencing.

Beta-carotene, which is found in abundance in Apple Cider Vinegar cures any damage caused to your skin by free radicals. It also balances the pH level of your skin to give you a clear, even tone.

How to use

Method 1

• Mix two teaspoons of unfiltered, organic Apple Cider Vinegar with ½ glass of lukewarm water.
• Add 1 teaspoon of raw honey to this diluted mixture.
• Mix it well and drink. It is best that you drink it first thing in the morning and just before you go to bed for best results.

Frequency of use

Drink this mixture twice each day

Method 2

You can alternatively apply diluted Apple Cider Vinegar to the affected areas of your skin.

Allow it to dry for about 10 minutes and then wash it well with warm water.

Frequency of use

You can do this every alternate day.

#3. Cucumber Juice

Why it works

Skin dryness is one of the primary causes of pigmentation. Cucumber is very effective to combat pigmentation caused by dryness as it helps to rehydrate the skin. This helps prevent any dark spots and removes excessive pigmentation.

The cooling effect of cucumber is also helpful in reducing any inflammation, preventing the occurrence of any dark spots in the first place.

How to use

• Grate a small sized cucumber and extract the juice.
• Mix this with an equal portion of lemon juice and raw honey.
• Apply the necessary amount of this mixture on areas that have pigmentation.
• Leave it on for about 10 minutes and then wash it off with lukewarm water.
• You can store the remaining mixture for 2 days in the refrigerator.
• Including cucumber in your diet is also an effective way of preventing hyperpigmentation.

Frequency of use

Apply it twice every day for best results.

#4. Lemon Juice

Why it works

Lemon juice is one of the most well-known remedies for skin lightening. The citric acid present in lemon makes these dark spots fade away with time. It is also loaded with Vitamin C which acts as a great antioxidant to get rid of any skin pigmentation that is caused by free radicals. Vitamin C also reduces the production of melanin.

How to use

• Squeeze out the juice of 1 lemon.
• Mix this with half the proportion of water.
• Using a cotton ball, apply this on the affected area in generous amounts.
• Allow it to dry for about 15 minutes.
• Rinse it off with cold water and pat your skin dry.
• Make sure that lemon juice is diluted if your skin is sensitive.
• You can also add a teaspoon of raw honey to the mixture to improve the skin lightening properties of this mixture.

Frequency of use

Apply this once every day till you see results.

#5. Turmeric

Why it works

Turmeric is known for its bleaching properties, making it one of the best ingredients for skin lightening. It is also loaded with antimicrobial, antifungal, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help keep your skin free from any infection.

How to use

Method 1

• Mix two tablespoons of turmeric with 10 tablespoons of milk.
• Make a smooth paste.
• Apply this paste evenly on all the affected areas.
• Massage it for about 5 minutes.
• Allow it to dry for 20-30 minutes.
• Wash it off with warm water and pat your skin dry.

Method 2

You can also make a paste with turmeric and lemon juice and follow the same steps

mentioned above for an effective home remedy for skin pigmentation.

Frequency of use

Repeat either method twice each day for best results.

#6. Orange Peel

Why it works

Orange peel contains citric acid which is a natural skin lightening agent. It is also loaded with Alpha Hydroxy Acids that are also used in most skin products meant for pigmentation. These acids have bleaching properties that get rid of any dark patches on your skin.

In addition to that, orange peel also contains Vitamin C that helps you skin glow due to the anti-oxidizing effect. It makes your skin glow and gives it an even tone.

How to use:

• Blend dry orange peel, 1 teaspoon of lemon juice, honey and milk together to make a
• smooth paste.
• Apply this on the affected area as a mask.
• Allow it to dry for about 20 minutes as you massage it in.
• Once it is dry, wash it with lukewarm water.

Frequency of use

Repeating these steps about 3 or 4 times every week encourages the production of new skin cells which help remove any dark spots and blemishes.

#7. Papaya Juice

Why it works

This is an effective remedy. It is especially recommended for any pigmentation that is seen on the facial area because it is gentle on the skin. Papaya is rich in an enzyme called papain that exfoliates your skin.

Apply papaya juice regularly on the affected area to remove any dead and damaged layers of the skin. This eventually removes any dark spots, blemishes, and scars.

How to use

Method 1

• Grate raw papaya
• Extract the juice and apply it on the areas of the skin that are affected.
• Leave it on until it is fully dry.
• Then wash it off with cold water and pat your skin dry.

Frequency of use

Repeat this twice each day for best results.

Method 2

• Mix pulp of ripe papaya with milk and honey to make a mask.
• Leave it on until it is fully dry.
• Then wash it off with cold water and pat your skin dry on

Frequency of use

Apply this mask thrice each week to remove any blemishes or dark spots.

#8. Milk and Almond

Why it works

Milk and almond oil are the perfect combination for any pigmentation that is the result of skin dryness. Almond oil contains Vitamin E and Omega-3 fatty acids that nourish your skin and also moisturize it.

Milk adds to the hydrating effect of this mixture, combatting any dryness that leads to the appearance of dark spots.

How to use

Method 1

• Soak a handful of almonds in milk overnight.
• Remove the soaked almonds and grind them to make a paste.
• Apply this as a mask on the areas that have been affected.
• Allow it to dry and wash it off with lukewarm water.
• Pat the skin dry.

Frequency of use

Repeat this twice every day for faster results.

Method 2

It is also a good idea to apply almond oil on your skin directly. Simply take a few drops and massage them in evenly all over the area.

Frequency of use

Apply every night before you go to bed.

#9. Aloe Vera

Why it works

Aloe Vera contains mucilaginous polysaccharides that remove any dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. These polysaccharides promote the production of new skin cells, removing the blemishes over time.

Aloe Vera is also anti-inflammatory in nature and has a very soothing effect on the skin. This helps get rid of any dark patches that are caused by dryness or other skin problems like acne and scars.

How to use:

• Mix 2 tablespoons of Aloe Vera gel with ½ teaspoon of fresh, raw honey.
• Make a smooth paste and apply it evenly on the affected areas of the skin.
• Allow this paste to dry for about 20-30 minutes.
• Wash it off with lukewarm water and pat your skin dry.

Frequency of use

Follow these steps once every day until you are able to see the dark patches fade away.

#10. Vitamin E oil

Why it works

Vitamin E helps in the production of new skin cells and is also very effective against skin dryness. One of the most important qualities of Vitamin E oil is that it neutralizes the effect of harmful UV rays and protects your skin from several other issues.

How to use

• Puncture 2-3 Vitamin E capsules and empty them into a bowl.
• Mix in a few drops of castor oil and make a paste. Castor oil helps to retain the skin’s moisture and keeps it supple.
• Apply this on the affected areas every night before you go to bed.
• Leave it on overnight and rinse with cold water in the morning.

Frequency of use

Repeat this every day till you see the results.

#11. Sandalwood paste

Why it works

Sandalwood acts as a very effective skin cleanser that helps get rid of dark patches, scars, dullness, and blemishes. It helps to enhance the complexion of your skin and removes any scars and wounds caused by acne along with dark patches and spots. Sandalwood gives your skin an even tone and helps it glow.

How to use

• Mix 2 tablespoons of sandalwood powder with rose water to make a smooth paste.
• Mix it well and apply it on the affected areas of the skin.
• Allow it to dry for about 30-45 minutes.
• Adding a tablespoon of turmeric powder can also enhance the effect of this mixture.
• If pigmentation is caused by skin dryness, replace rose water with milk. This hydrates and lightens your skin to prevent dark spots.

Frequency of use

Repeat this twice each day to get rid of any pigmentation.

Conclusion

Your skin needs utmost care and protection. Skin Pigmentation can be easily treated by above-suggested home remedies. Each skin type is different so every remedy will work differently on different skin types. For one skin type, the result may start showing in 2-3 use and for others, it may take month-long time. Be Patience!!

Eat Well, Think Well and Sleep Well……….. That’s the Ultimate Remedy 🙂