Dr. Jayesh Parmar

Go spotless: 6 home remedies to reduce dark spots naturally

Dark spots also known as hyperpigmentation is a common and usually harmless condition in which patches of skin become darker in color than the normal surrounding skin. It is caused due to excessive melanin production by the skin cells. It is the most common sign of skin damage and can affect anyone irrespective of race or age. Common causes include sun exposure without sunscreen, stress, hormonal changes due to pregnancy, menopause and birth control pills.

Can hyperpigmentation be reduced naturally?

Yes, there are some effective natural remedies that can help in reducing the appearance of dark spots over time. Some of these useful home remedies to reduce hyperpigmentation are:

1. Aloe vera

Gently apply aloe vera juice on the affected area. Leave it on for 15 minutes. Wash it off with warm water. Aloe vera contains mucilaginous polysaccharides that can effectively lighten dark spots.

2. Orange peel

Grate an orange peel and make a paste/gel with few teaspoons of raw milk. Leave it on for half an hour and then massage gently and wash it off with warm water. Exfoliate your face at least 3 to 4 times a week with this paste. Exfoliation encourages cell renewal removing the dark blotches.

3. Turmeric

Make a paste of 5 tablespoons of turmeric powder and 10 tablespoons of milk and apply it all over your face. Gently massage your face and wash it off with warm water after 20 minutes.

4. Potato

Potatoes are well known to remove skin pigmentation, dark spots and blemishes. Rub gently a freshly cut slice of potato on the affected areas of your skin every day. Alternatively, mix potato juice with fuller earth and apply this daily to remove pigmentation.

5. Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar helps a lot in reducing the appearance of dark patches on the skin due to hyperpigmentation. It has excellent skin lightening properties that can help in restoring the skin's natural color. Mix equal amounts of apple cider vinegar and water. Use this solution to rinse the affected area. Leave it on for two to three minutes, and then rinse it off with lukewarm water. Follow this remedy twice a day for a few weeks.

6. Tomato

Tomato acts as natural bleaching agent. Yogurt also works as natural bleach and has skin tightening properties. Oatmeal works as a natural scrubber. Make a mixture of tomato oatmeal and yogurt and apply it on your face. Leave it for 15-20 minutes and massage your skin gently in-between. Wash off with cold water you can do this treatment twice a week for best results.

How can hyperpigmentation be prevented?

You can prevent the appearance of dark spots by following these basic tips:

-use sunscreen with spf 30 and above, before going out in the sun. If you stay outdoors for more than 3-4 hours, reapply your sunscreen

-increase intake of food rich in vitamin a and antioxidants. Vegetables like spinach, carrots, lettuce, broccoli, red bell peppers, sweet potato to help reduce and prevent pigmentation.

-increase intake of citrus fruits, the vitamin c helps reduce damage caused by harmful uv rays, reduces dark spots and maintains skin health.

-increase consumption of dairy, eggs, liver and mutton for a boost of vitamin b12.

-vegans or vegetarians can get a vitamin supplement from a physician. Deficiency of vitamin b12 is a common cause for skin pigmentation, and meeting your daily requirement can prevent pigmentation.

-drink plenty of water to make your skin supple and to get rid of toxins. You should be drinking 2-3 liters of fluids in summer.