10 Effective Tips to Get Rid of Sunspots

What Are Sunspots?

Sunspots are darkened areas or spots on your skin that are caused by exposure to UV rays (ultra violet radiation).

Sunspots can appear on your skin at any age, but they are more common for those with lighter skin tones.

While these spots are typically not harmful, you should still have your skin care doctor examine them to ensure that they are not dangerous or a prelude to a form of skin cancer.

Ways to Get Rid of Sunspots

Sunspots are a nuisance to the complexion and can be frustrating to have, but fortunately, there are many natural methods you can utilize to reduce their appearance.

1. Papaya

2. Lemon Juice and Other Natural Bleaching Agents

Lemon juice is known as a natural skin lightener.  This is because lemons have acids that are both anti-bacterial and anti-septic.  Applying the juice of a lemon on your skin for about fifteen minutes each day can lighten your skin tone and subsequently reduce the appearance of sunspots.

3. Aloe Vera

Derived from the aloe vera plant, aloe vera juice and its other forms like lotion, gel, and oil, can help with healing the skin, keeping it hydrated and smooth. There is a reason why many people with sunburns use aloe vera products to relieve their painful side effects and it is because aloe vera has a unique soothing and cooling effect that heals the skin from within. It’s also a healthy ingredient in some natural sunscreens.

4. Green Tea

Packed full of antioxidants, green tea is not only excellent to drink, but a great way to heal your skin when applied to your sunspots. These antioxidants build your body’s defense system, so when a bag of green tea is applied directly onto your sunspots, it quickens the growth of new skin cells to help fade them. Boil a bag of green tea to release its effects and use a cotton ball or cloth to dab the tea onto your sunspots.

5. Milk or Buttermilk

Buttermilk has been used for centuries as an ingredient to promote skin health because of its lactic acid.  Apply buttermilk directly onto your sunspots and let it sit for at least fifteen minutes.

6. Cod Liver Oil and Castor Oil

Both of these oils can either be ingested as a capsule form or applied directly onto the skin to lighten sunspots.  Cod liver oil and castor oil are immensely beneficial for skin health, containing vitamin A for reducing wrinkles and blemishes, vitamin D for the skin’s immune system, and omega-3 fatty acids for smoother, younger looking skin.

7. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar contains alpha hydroxy acids that are excellent for skin health and hydration.  Apple cider vinegar also works to reduce the appearance of scars and sunspots, and can be applied with a washcloth or cotton ball onto your skin’s problem areas.  Let the vinegar sit and soak into your skin for several minutes before rinsing off with lukewarm water.

8. Red Onion

Red onion has certain acids that are released when it is cut open.  When applied to your sunspots, these acids are soaked in through the surface of the skin and work to lighten them.  Apply the juices of a red onion onto your skin and let it soak into the skin for at least ten to twenty minutes before rinsing.

9. Fuller’s Earth

An all-purpose solution for your skin’s problems, Fuller’s Earth reduces the appearance of sunspots with its anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, oil absorption, and skin cleansing properties.  Fuller’s Earth contains magnesium chloride, which is known to lighten and even out blemishes, scars, sunspots, and acne.

10. Cucumber Pack

Cucumbers, when applied directly to the skin, can lighten sunspots because they contain vitamin C, a known nutrient that aids in evening the skin’s appearance.  Cucumbers are also extremely hydrating, another benefit for your skin, especially if you suffer from having dry skin.  To make a cucumber pack, mash a few cucumbers in a bowl and then carefully apply to your face.  Let the pack rest on your face for fifteen to twenty minutes before thoroughly washing with warm water.  You can repeat this every day with no risks, as it is an all-natural method.

If you are concerned about any spot, sunspot or otherwise, talk to your dermatologist right away.  Sunspots are usually harmless, and these methods are all natural remedies that are low-risk.  However, you should speak with your dermatologist to see which method will work best for you.