Brown spots, commonly known as age spots, are actually called senile lentigines. These spots are harmless and are most common in people over 50 years of age, fair-skinned people, and people who are exposed to a lot of ultraviolet (UV) light, either from the sun or tanning equipment. Brown spots are so colored because they contain melanin, a pigment in the outermost layer of the skin that can clump together and form freckles. But luckily some home remedies can help you fade the appearance of these spots.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Using Lemon Juice
Step 1. Apply lemon juice directly to the spots
Lemon juice contains acids that destroy the melanin pigment, which can fade the appearance of freckles within a month or two. Vitamin C in lemon can also brighten the skin at the same time. Slice the lemon and place the slice just above the brown spot. Leave for 30 minutes then rinse with running water.
Be careful not to use lemon juice when you have to spend time in direct sunlight; there are reports that lemon juice on the skin can cause burns if exposed to direct sunlight. Another research report states that the process of lightening brown spots is more effective in direct sunlight. So, you should limit exposure to direct sunlight on the skin that is given lemon juice to fade brown spots for 10 minutes at a time
Step 2. Use lemon juice with sugar
Squeeze the lemon juice and put it in a bowl, then slowly add 2-4 tablespoons of sugar to the lemon juice until it forms a paste.
- Apply the mixture to each brown spot using a brush or earplug.
- Let the paste sit on your skin for about half an hour, then rinse it off with cold water.
- This paste can dry out your skin, so be sure to apply a moisturizer afterwards.
Step 3. Make a paste of honey, sugar and lemon juice
Squeeze the lemon juice and pour into a bowl, then add 2 tablespoons of sugar (according to the amount of lemon juice you get) and two tablespoons of honey, to form a sticky paste.
- Apply the mixture to each brown spot using a brush or earplug.
- Leave it for half an hour and rinse with cold water.
- Honey will moisturize the skin and protect it from drying out too much.
Method 2 of 4: Using Plant Enzymes
Step 1. Understand about the benefits of plant enzymes
Enzymes are catalysts in biochemical reactions. Enzymes are able to change a compound without being involved in the reaction itself, much like natural catalysts. Enzymes can also break down melanin into small, colorless molecules.
- The various foods mentioned in this section contain different enzymes, but they all belong to the class of protein-breaking enzymes known as proteases or proteolytic enzymes.
- These proteases include papain (in papaya), potato aspartic protease, and bromelain (in pineapple).
Step 2. Grate the potato and mix it with honey
Prepare one medium-sized potato (you can use any type of white potato) then grate and collect the results in a bowl. Add a little honey to form a paste.
- Apply the mixture to the brown spots.
- Let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes, then rinse with cold water.
Step 3. Make a papaya mask
Remove the papaya flesh using a spoon and puree in a bowl until soft. You may need to use a hand mixer to smooth the fruit evenly.
- Use an earplug or makeup brush to apply the mask to your face and any other brown spots.
- Let the mask dry and rinse with cold water.
Step 4. Use pineapple juice or pineapple mask
Pour the pineapple juice into a bowl (be sure to use real pineapple juice without added sugar or make your own pineapple juice). Apply pineapple juice to the brown spots with an ear plug and allow it to dry. Rinse with cold water.
Another option, puree a few pieces of pineapple and apply to the face and other parts of the brown spot as a mask. Allow to dry, then rinse with cold water
Step 5. Try chickpeas
Cook cup chickpeas (also known as garbanzo beans) by adding cup of chickpeas and boiling them in cup of water. Boil until chickpeas are soft (15 minutes for canned beans, or about an hour for dry beans), then remove from heat and let cool.
- Once cool, puree the boiled chickpeas to form a paste.
- Apply the paste to the brown spots and let it dry. Rinse with cold water.
Method 3 of 4: Trying Other Ways
Step 1. Apply unflavored yogurt directly to your face
As a dairy product, yogurt contains acids that can help fade brown spots. The "good" bacteria in yogurt can also provide benefits, as they are known to contain enzymes that break down proteins such as melanin.
- Apply unflavored yogurt to the brown spots you want to lighten.
- Allow the yogurt to dry, and then rinse it off with cold water.
Step 2. Mix the unflavored yogurt with the spices
Some spices can help yogurt get rid of freckles from your skin. Apply the yogurt and spice mixture directly to your face and other freckled areas. Allow to dry, then rinse with cold water. The following herbs contain antioxidants and bioflavonoids that can help lighten brown spots when used with yogurt:
- 1 tablespoon mustard powder
- 1 tablespoon turmeric powder/curcumin
- 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel
Step 3. Try castor oil
Castor oil contains antioxidants that can protect and brighten the skin. Wet a cotton ball with a few drops of castor oil, and dab the brown spots on the skin that you want to lighten. Let your skin absorb it and don't rinse!
Step 4. Use vitamin E
Vitamin E has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and healing properties and can help fade brown spots on your skin. Open or puncture a soft vitamin E capsule and apply it directly to the brown spots. Let it soak in and don't rinse!
Method 4 of 4: Checking for Cancer
Step 1. Visit a dermatologist
Brown spots are usually harmless, but can be mistaken for skin cancer. Getting your brown spots checked by a dermatologist is the right choice. Once your dermatologist has confirmed that the freckles are only cosmetic in nature, you can take steps to lighten their appearance.
Step 2. Recognize the ABCDE signs of skin cancer
Dermatologists often refer to "ABCDEs" in skin cancer--as a way to differentiate skin cancer from benign tumors. Skin cancer tends to:
- Shaped Asymmetrical.
- Has no limit (Borders) is clear.
- Has a variety of colors (Color), with different shades of brown, black, and tan.
- Dlarger diameter (> 6 mm).
- Changes in shape, color, size, and thickness on the surface of the skin (Evolving).
Step 3. Pay attention to your skin regularly
Most skin cancer spots are characterized by changes, so remembering the appearance of your skin can help detect them early. You may need to have your skin checked regularly by a professional dermatologist, depending on the time you spend in UV light and your family history.
Tips
- An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! Brown spots are a type of skin damage caused by overexposure to UV radiation, either from the sun or tanners/tanners, so avoiding overexposure to UV rays can reduce brown spots on your skin.
- Castor oil can leave tough stains on clothes.
- Remove any makeup you're wearing before trying the treatments in this article. Cleanse your skin well to get rid of oils and lotions that can interfere with treatment.
- Protect yourself from excessive sun exposure to prevent the development of brown spots.
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If the treatments here don't work after 2 months, see a dermatologist for other treatment options, which include:
- Drugs
- Laser therapy
- Cryotherapy (freezing)
- Dermabrasion
- Chemical peel
Warning
- Be sure to observe any unusual changes in your skin. Ask a friend or partner to look at areas of skin that you can't see on your own (such as your back).
- Be on the lookout for the ABCDE signs of skin cancer as described above, and be sure to see a dermatologist if you suspect any part of the skin.
