Your summer go-to plans included on the beach or a trip the tanning salon, but if you’ve been exposed to UV rays too long you may have brown spots that won’t seem to disappear. Over exposure to these rays causes an overproduction of melanin-forming cells. These dark patches of skin commonly occur on areas such as the face, chest, back, hands, and neck that may have been exposed in the summer. Though the spots are harmless, they can make you look older.
Here are seven anti-aging, at-home remedies to get rid of your brown spots while making your skin look and feel years younger.
- CASTOR OIL
For centuries, castor oil has been known to heal the body both internally and externally. Castor oil has also helped get rid of acne, inflammation and hair loss. Gently massage castor oil to your brown spots, leave it on for a few hours and rinse twice a day to make them slowly fade away. After a few applications, castor oil can also help even out your skin tone making your face appear brighter and younger.
- ALOE VERA
Aloe vera is a well-known herbal remedy for skin care because healing properties in aloe vera works as a catalyst for skin regeneration. Rub fresh aloe vera gel or aloe vera juice on your brown spots and leave it on for 30 minutes before rinsing with cold water. Using aloe vera twice a day for a month, can rejuvenate the skin and make you look younger.
- PAPAYA
Papaya isn’t just a tasty treat– the enzymes and acids in this fruit can exfoliate your skin while reducing acne, blemishes and browning from sun exposure. Papaya is also rich in Vitamins A, C and E giving you a refreshingly, radiant look. Simply mix fresh papaya, honey and lemon juice in a bowl and apply as a mask. Leave the mask on for 15 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water.
- PLAIN YOGURT
Aside from being a daily snack for most women, plain yogurt can also be used to smooth and polish the skin. Yogurt has mild bleaching properties that lighten brown spots safely and naturally without damaging or aging your skin. Apply the yogurt to your brown spots, let it sit for 20 minutes and rinse with cold water. For faster results, apply the yogurt and let it sit overnight. Make sure you apply moisturizer directly after applying the yogurt.
- LEMON JUICE
Lemon juice has many health benefits such as burning fat and removing toxins from the body, but who knew lemon juice could help you achieve clear skin? Lemon juice contains Vitamin C along with an acid that can break down the melanin pigments and reduce the appearance of brown spots in a month. Cut a lemon and apply the slices directly to your brown spots. Leave the slices on for about 30 minutes and rinse off with warm water. Be sure to limit sun exposure after applying lemon to the skin to avoid irritation and peeling.
- VITAMIN E
Vitamin E is known for it’s anti-inflammatory, healing, and antioxidant properties. Internally, vitamin E boosts your immune system, prevents cancer, heart attacks and many more. However, the vitamin also help your dark spots fade away quickly. Apply a Vitamin E capsule to your spots and leave it on overnight. After several applications, you will begin to notice how quickly your dark spots will fade making you look younger.
- SPEAK WITH A DERMATOLOGIST
Although brown spots can be harmless, spots on the skin can be mistaken for skin cancer. Before following any of these tips, if you notice any unusual skin spots schedule a consultation with a dermatologist. Dr. Dale Isaacson and Dr. Marilyn Berzin are Washington, DC’s most dedicated and trusted dermatologists. DC Derm Docs specialize in both cosmetic and general medical dermatology. Call (202) 664-8342 today to schedule an appointment and keep your skin healthy and beautiful.