Hide Your Age Spots WIth These 5 Effective Remedies

Age spots are flat and oval areas of tan, brown, or black color on the surface of your skin. These spots are caused by excess production of melanin, which can lead to the accumulation of melanin in the keratinocytes (epidermal skin cells).Also known as liver spots or solar lentigines, age spots can give an uneven appearance to your skin complexion.Although associated with progressing age as a critical factor, age spots can develop as a result of damage caused by prolonged exposure to the sun. The increased production of melanin induced by UV light accumulates and takes the form of an age spot.

Tomato Juice

Tomatoes contain a carotenoid pigment called lycopene. The antioxidant nature of lycopene can dampen the oxidative damage done to the skin upon exposure to UV light. Also, it can smoothen the skin texture and give you glowing skin.

- Rub a slice of tomato on the affected area. Allow the juice to settle on the spot for 20 minutes. Rinse it off with cold water. Repeat once or twice a day.
- Mix equal amounts of tomato juice and honey. Apply the mixture on the affected skin. Wait for about 10 minutes, and then rinse it off with fresh water. Do this once or twice daily.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a source of antioxidants that potentially destroy oxidants and protect your skin from free radical-induced damage caused primarily by ultraviolet radiation.Vitamin C is an active depigmenting agent. It can reduce the effects of photoaging and can also prevent sunburn and erythema.

- Apply the juice of a lemon or orange to the affected area. Let it sit on your skin for 10 minutes. Rinse it off with warm water. Do this twice daily.

Vitamin E Intake

Vitamin E works as an antioxidant and can potentially reverse UV-induced damage on the skin.A study conducted on hairless mice corroborated the role of vitamin E on inhibiting the damage caused by UV irradiation, less incidence of skin cancer, and reduced pigmentation.

- Massage vitamin E oil on the affected skin for 10 to 15 minutes twice daily. Do this for a few weeks to reduce your uneven skin tone.
- Extract the contents of two vitamin E capsules and add 1 teaspoon of castor oil to it. Mix thoroughly. Apply the mixture on the affected areas before going to bed.
- Leave it on overnight and rinse it off the next morning. Use this remedy daily.
- Try to include vitamin E sources in your diet. Some sources are nuts, whole grains, olive oil, spinach, and sunflower oil.

Aloe Vera Gel

Abundant with vitamin A, C, and E, aloe vera has anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties.Regular use of aloe vera gel scrapes off dead skin cells, encourages the growth of new, healthy cells and adds freshness and youth to the skin. It can lighten and possibly remove age spots.

- Peel the aloe vera leaf and extract the gel.
- Rub the gel onto your age spots.
- Let it sit on your skin for 1 hour or more. You can then rinse your skin.
- Repeat this twice a day.

Yogurt

The lactic acid content in yogurt aids in bleaching the skin and enables the sloughing off of the dead skin cells, reducing the visibility of dark spots.A study has observed an apparent whitening effect on the skin after three months when treated with lactic acid augmented with 1% ascorbic acid. However, the whitening effect on the age spots was only modest.

- Apply some plain yogurt directly on the spots. Allow it to dry on its own for about 20 minutes before rinsing it off with cold water. Do this two or three times a day.
- As an alternative, you can apply a DIY face mask two to three times a week.
- Mix well 1 tablespoon of plain yogurt, 2 tablespoons of ground oatmeal, and 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice.
- Apply the mixture on the spots and let it sit for 30 minutes.
- Rinse it off with cold water.