Age spots are flat brown spots which start appearing on the hands, neck, and face. These
Those flat brown spots known as age spots (also commonly referred to as liver spots) that start popping up on your hands, neck and face as you get older are actually not caused by age, but sun damage that accumulates over the years. They’re more common in those with a fair complexion and appear more frequently in people who visit tanning beds or spend a lot of time in the sun.
But whatever the reason for their occurrence, while age spots aren’t dangerous, they can make you look older, which is why so many people look for ways of removing them.
There are a number of medical procedures that can treat age spots, however, each one comes with a list of potential side effects and complications, not to mention a high cost. Those include laser therapy that destroys the cells that produce melanin; dermabrasion, which works by sanding off the skin’s outer layers, allowing new skin to grow in its place; chemical peels that work in much the same way, but burn the outer layer of the skin, and cryosurgery, which freezes age spots with liquid nitrogen.
Instead, why not try one of these 14 great home remedies known to reduce the appearance of age spots – they cost pennies to make and come without the side effects and complications too.
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
We’ve chronicled how effective apple cider vinegar in addressing many health issues. Now, guess what, it can also help you out with age spots
Yes, as apple cider vinegar naturally contains alpha hydroxy acids, it makes an excellent skin exfoliator. It works just like expensive anti-aging creams.
Here’s what to do:
- Dab a small amount of apple cider vinegar onto affected areas of the skin just before bed and leave it on overnight.
- To protect the skin from drying out too much, mix in a little olive oil which will leave it feeling soft and smooth.
- Repeat each day, and within three to four weeks, you should see a noticeable difference.
Apple Cider Vinegar Plus Horseradish (A More Potent Regimen)
You can make this remedy even more effective by adding horseradish, however, it will take a little more time to put together.
Here’s what to do:
- Finely grate a 4- to 5-inch piece of horseradish.
- Add it to your apple cider vinegar.
- Mix well.
- Allow it to sit undisturbed for two weeks.
- After the two-week period, shake well and then strain the vinegar into a storage container with a lid.
- Apply the mixture to your age spots once or twice each day until achieving the desired results.
REMINDER: It is normal to experience slight redness or stinging initially, as you would with any facial toner which you can buy in drug stores. However, if irritation is severe, discontinue use, or try diluting the mixture with water.
2. Buttermilk
Buttermilk has lactic acid in it, which not only helps to restore and rejuvenate the skin, it can diminish age spots and make it healthier in the process. All you need for this remedy is a small bowl of buttermilk and a cotton ball.
Here’s what to do:
- Dip your cotton ball into the bowl of buttermilk.
- Squeeze it to remove excess buttermilk.
- Apply the cotton ball onto your age spots and allow it to sit for about 15 minutes.
- Rinse with lukewarm water.
Additional note: If you have acne prone skin, add a few drops of lime juice to the buttermilk before use. Repeat on a daily basis until the spots fade. You can take this remedy up a notch by using buttermilk to wash your face or even enjoy a buttermilk bath.
