Home Remedies Web

Age Spots Home Remedy

Find age spot treatments and home remedies for age spots and sun spots, using natural cures and herbal products.

Shahzad Malik, Ph.D.
3–5 minutes
Age Spots Home Remedy

Signs and Symptoms of Age Spots

Age spots

Age spots (also known as sun spots, liver spots, and lentigines), are harmless, flat, yellow or brown discolorations of the skin which usually occur on the back of the hands, neck and face of people above the age of 40. These age spots are usually not serious, but instead are mainly an annoyance since they can reveal a person’s age. However, if you have irregular, dark spots that increase in size or change color/texture, have them checked by a doctor since they could be a sign of skin cancer.

Causes of Age Spots

Sun spots

Age spots are commonly a sign of sun damage by having the skin exposed to the sun over many years. In more serious situations, they can be due to impaired liver function or dietary and nutritional deficiencies.

For example, as we age, our metabolism changes and the liver can become overwhelmed with toxins. If the liver cannot rid the body of these toxins, age spots (liver spots) can begin to develop. Oxidation within the body and a lack of antioxidants in your diet can also play an important role in the development of age spots.

It is important to remember that age spots take years to form and eliminating them will take time, too. But don’t give up! Try one of the remedies below for a few months, and if they don’t improve simply try another one. Also, as a preventative measure, always use a sunscreen of at least SPF 15 if you plan to be outdoors in the sun for extended periods of time.

Home Remedies for Age Spots Treatment

Apple Cider Vinegar

When Apple Cider Vinegar is mixed with onion juice and applied directly to the skin, it can help you to get rid of age spots and sun spots.

  • Finely chop or blend an onion, and use a strainer or cheese cloth to squeeze and extract the juice.
  • Take one part of Apple Cider Vinegar and one part of onion juice and mix them together.
  • Dab a cotton pad into the solution and apply it directly onto the age spots.

Leave this on the skin for a minimum of 30 minutes, and as long as you are comfortable with it. Repeat this once a day for approximately 6 weeks and you should begin to notice a gradual improvement.

Always patch test first, as onion juice or ACV may irritate sensitive skin.

To speed up the process, you can mix 1 tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar and a pinch of salt into 12 oz. of water (hot or cold), and drink this once daily for a month. This will not only improve your age spots, but it will also give you a healthy young glow and make you feel energized and active. If you find the taste of the vinegar to be too strong, try adding a tablespoon of honey as a natural sweetener.

Always use a glass or steel straw when drinking apple cider vinegar to help protect your tooth enamel.

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera juice or gel has long been known as a general healing agent for skin problems, particularly burns. Many people have also found it to be helpful in reducing the visual appearance of age spots. Simply rub the juice or gel directly onto the affected areas twice a day, and leave it on the skin for at least 45 minutes each time. Within a month you should begin to notice improvements.

Lemon Juice

The acid in Lemon juice has been shown to help fade the appearance of age spots. Simply dab fresh lemon juice directly onto the spots twice daily and you should begin to notice improvements in about two months. Leave the juice on the skin for at least 30 minutes, or as long as you are comfortable with it. You can also leave the juice on the skin overnight.

NOTE: If you plan to go outdoors, wait for the juice to dry as it increases the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight.

Castor Oil Remedy for Age Spots

Castor Oil has been shown to improve the appearance of age spots. Simple rub the oil directly onto the affected skin areas once in the morning and once in the evening. This should help fade the spots within a month.

Another effective remedy is to mix equal parts organic cold-pressed castor oil and baking soda (e.g., 1 tbsp each) to form a paste. Gently use as a scrub on areas with age spots, dark spots, or sun spots once or twice a month. Always patch test first, as baking soda may irritate sensitive skin.

References

Rashmi Sarkar, Pooja Arora, & K Vijay Garg.
Cosmeceuticals for Hyperpigmentation: What is Available?
J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2013 Jan-Mar; 6(1): 411.

Medical disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and isn’t a substitute for professional medical advice. Talk to your doctor before trying a new remedy, especially if you’re pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a health condition.

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  1. Home Remedies Web

    Brenda, Sciatic pain occurs when certain nerves that are running along the sciatic nerve get pinched in the lower spine. Therefore, doing yoga and stretches for lower back, using anti-inflammatory medication or natural herbs such as Turmeric, Celery Seeds, or Horsetail, getting ample rest but avoiding sitting in one place for longer hours, using heat pads and getting appropriate massage therapy may help alleviate the pressure off the pinched nerve. To learn about some effective stretches poses for lower back, please follow the link below.
    http://www.homeremediesweb.com/tips-for-back-pain-relief.php
    Hope it helps!

    Reply
  2. Brenda

    Any suggestions for relieving sciatica? I’ve had it over two years now and have been going to physical therapy which has given me some pain relief. Would love to get rid of the sciatic pain totally. I have chronic pain everyday. Please help.

    Reply
  3. Jasmin

    Few years ago, I had a big brown sun spot between my temple and eye area. I used the apple cider vinegar mixed with onion juice method and that spot I have is almost invisible! I probably just did it 3 times daily and it really faded the sunspot. But, I am back here again to find the recipe because I have smaller sunspots around my cheek and they are bugging the heck out of me. I am going to save this recipe from now on but just wanna share with you all looking for a good sunspot remedy that onion & lemon juice combo has really worked for me.

    Reply
  4. Rita

    One person said that calcium helps for age spots. But how much to take?

    Reply
  5. Lucy

    It takes at least 6 to 8 weeks to see results.

    Reply
  6. Ronelle

    Excessive wrinkles can often be an indication of calcium deficiency. When I increased my calcium intake by adding a supplement, I noticed a considerable improvement in the appearance of wrinkles on my face.

    Reply
  7. Emily

    Carola Maglaya, The remedy mentioned right under your comment suggests that you should drink it.

    Reply
  8. Carola Maglaya

    Is it to drink or wipe the skin?

    Reply
  9. Fernandez Smith

    I have found that drinking the following mixture is so much better than apple cider vinegar and water. I take 1 gallon of apple juice and then I add 1 quarter cup of organic apple cider vinegar and 1 quarter cup of lemon juice. I drink this mix everyday for a healthy body and dark spots.

    Reply
  10. Christine Bingham

    Castor oil should be easily purchased from your pharmacy or chemist or from a herbal foods shop. And organic Apple Cider Vinegar can be found in a good grocery shop or supermarket in the pickles isle. Good luck!

    Reply
  11. Ngozi

    How do I get Apple Cider Vinegar and Castor Oil in the local market? Please reply.

    Reply
  12. Brita Donovan

    Castor oil helps with sagging skin on the neck. It takes a while to see results, but it does work on “turkey necks”. The oil has to be applied consistently to see the results.

    Reply
  13. Mike

    I developed a large dark patch on my right cheek which was embarrassing and sometimes itchy. Eventually, over the December holidays I took drastic action. I got a rough pumice stone, soaked the area in warm water and using soap, I actually pumiced the dark spot, literally, until it bled. I presume I removed the upper layers of pigmented skin. After a few days of healing, the scab flaked off and beautiful pink skin was revealed which has now blended to match the surrounding area. No more brown patch! Drastic action, I agree, but sometimes you simply reach desperation. I have since then removed even patches of eczema, and warts the same way. I guess it comes down to being able to actually take the pain to solve a troublesome problem. If you are not prepared to try this, then I suggest you see a skin specialist for deep peeling or microdermabrasion.

    Reply
  14. Robin

    Rodan and Fields Reverse Accelerator Pack seems to be working for me to rid dark spots without burning, scarring, and redness. After nightly cleansing, I use a Q-tip to apply the accelerator cream specifically on my facial liver spots and leave my face alone all night. The next morning the dark spots sort of slough off, kind of like a sun burn would flake off. And, gradually they are disappearing. I only have about 6 spots remaining. The accelerator pack alone works too. 🙂

    Reply
  15. Monysopheap

    I have a dark sport on my face, do these remedies help? Thanks!

    Reply
  16. Suze

    Hi Simon, If you don’t mind me asking, what kind of products are you using that are restoring the skin on your arms and neck? Thanks, Suze

    Reply
  17. Arshad

    I have been drinking two table spoons of organic apple cider vinegar in a glass of water for the last three months, I was actually drinking it to detox my liver. However, I pleasantly discovered that my age spots on my hands had started to fade away. Maybe in 6 months I can get rid of my age spots on my hands.

    Reply
  18. Dawn

    I noticed the during past 3 years my hands got brownish spots. But on my legs the spots are all over and kind of like a tan looking. So I decided to see a dermatologist, she used a very sharp thin razor to slice a few off to be tested (by the way she numb the area first). Then prescribed a tablet and cream to use in the mean time. They make my hands look old, so I am hoping for the best. It’s now two weeks and I don’t see any difference. Will share the result later. Right now I am planning to try home made remedy like the apple cider vinegar mixed in hot water drink.

    Reply
  19. Moni

    I have dark big spots on my face and they looks very bad. I tried many things to get rid of them to no vail. Please advice if you have any quick remedy for that.

    Reply
  20. David

    Thanks for your comments, I’m going to try this remedy and see if it really does work.
    Thank you!

    Reply
  21. Mary

    I have been using Rodan & Fields since December 2015. I didn’t see any change on my face right away but I do know that it takes time to get rid of age spots and you have to follow directions. It’s expensive but this is the first product that seems to be working for me.

    Reply
  22. Marie Flanagan

    I also have bad wrinkles on the lower part of my face and neck and forearms. I always wore a cap when I went outside. So I suppose the cap shaded the eyes and nose and kept them in better shape. I am 71 years old now. Wish I had done better in my younger days.

    Reply
  23. Sandra

    I contacted someone at Rodan & Fields and their 4 part system for age spots is over $200.00 – well above my budget! I have to try something else that will work!!!

    Reply
  24. Brenda

    I’ve got dark spots on my face. Having a hard time getting rid of them. Thanks

    Reply
  25. Kay

    I have white spots, vitilligo all over my body. I did some reading and found out I need some B vitamins, some folic acid, and tyrosine and sun exposure, all at the same time, to correct this condition. Our guts produce vitamin B and if our digestion is out of order we need some kefir, apple cider vinegar, and other foods to correct our flora and take supplements. This past year, I sunbathed two hours a day and it helped reset my hormones. Vitamin D is a hormone and affects many systems in our bodies. Our skin does not utilize sun exposure as easily as we age and wear more covering clothes to hide our bodies. Try to search for your specific condition and you will find that a lot of information is out there waiting for you to discover it and bring it back here to share with us. Your skin is your largest organ and if it is showing any symptoms, listen and research. Blessings, Kay

    Reply
  26. Simon

    I have spent a lot of time in the sun at work over several decades. I most often wore open necked short sleeved shirts from spring through fall. This left my lower arms always exposed to the sun at work, but my upper arms from just above the elbow were not exposed. Also the shirts left a v shape area at the base of my neck exposed.
    Now my lower arms have many wrinkles where they are tanned, but my upper arms do not and are not tanned. In the v shape area at the base of my neck it is the same story. So I believe that my constant exposure to the sun, in those areas is responsible for the wrinkles and dry skin, as well as the tan of course. However I retired and since then have regularly used moisturizer and other products which might be more likely used by females. And my skin is gradually being restored around my arms and neck, but with my facial skin I find I must wear makeup to protect the skin.

    Reply
  27. Tee

    I’m dark skinned and have age spots on my face. They are fat black spots but some are a little raised. I was about to start the lemon remedy but thought to confirm here if that really works. I don’t want to complicate matters.

    Reply
  28. shawn

    Try your regular doctor and see if they can start freezing them off.

    Reply
  29. Janet

    I never had any age spot on my skin until I turned forty. And to my disappointment now my legs are covered with age spots. When I went to the dermatologist he looked at my legs like he had never seen anything like this. He offered me nothing or any advice on what to do. Anyone with any advice on a treatment would be appreciated.

    Reply
  30. Amber Hungerford

    I hear Rodan and Fields has a dark spot remover that works wonders. I don’t sell it or have tried it, but I would like to try it.

    Reply
  31. Doc

    Staring directly at the sun will cause permanent damage to your eyes. Please don’t encourage anyone to do this. They may be as nutty as you.

    Reply
  32. PeggyG

    Do not stare at the Sun. My grandmother said I couldn’t so I thought I would prove her wrong. I was 10 years old, and I had a permanent tiny scar on my retina. The ophthalmologist asked if I’ve ever watched an eclipse because she found this scar which left a tiny blank space in my vision. I now believe Grandma but I just had to be a brat. Now I understand that these things can burn your retina, why risk it? You can’t undo the damage.

    Reply
  33. Suzan

    @Morgan, Saying that it’s not harmful to look directly at the sun, is crazy. The sun can blind you. Also, it does cause skin damage. Being exposed to some sun is OK and it does give you vitamin D, but more than 20 minutes of exposure to the sun can be dangerous. Guys don’t listen to Morgan. Talk to your doctor!

    Reply
  34. John

    Sorry Morgan,
    I am a dermatologist and the sun does damage in our youth with its ultraviolet rays. Most of the damage emerges in our 40’s, 50’s and 60’s. Your statement about looking directly into the sun is totally ridiculous.

    Reply
  35. Maureen

    I need help dealing with the dark spots. Seriously they are very prominent on my face. Please!

    Reply
  36. Hira khan

    Vitamin E is one of the best antioxidants and plays a key role in preventing skin aging. It effectively and naturally prevents age spots from occurring.

    Reply
  37. Deborah

    I have the same question as you. Maybe that is why they were also called liver spots. I have heard that they are also caused by a build up of toxins and rancid fats in our system that come out on the skin. We need a detox apparently. I hope somebody else has more info on this idea about the spots.

    Reply
  38. May

    Lemon and Apple Cider or Aloe Vera and Almond Oil will do the job. Good luck!!

    Reply
  39. Margaret Lee

    I can understand you don’t live in Australia where we have the highest incidence of Melanoma, we have to cover up as the suns rays do give you skin cancer. We also have the highest incidence of Vitamin D deficiency because we cover up. It’s part of life to use sun blocks up to 50%, I’ve had a basal cell carcinoma removed from my nose about 20 years ago in my 40’s because as a teenager I never used sunblock.

    Reply
  40. Mattie

    Hello, I’m so happy to know that there’s a remedy for dark spots for face. I’ve started right away on the Apple Cider Vinegar and onion juice remedy. I’m so excited. Thanks for a very good home remedy. I’m praying that it works. I have faith that it will.

    Reply
  41. Pauline sobers

    I am a 65years old diabetic with high blood pressure and have arthritis. Recently I noticed a lot of age spots on my legs. It looks awful. I have been using plenty of coconut oil on my skin. I don’t know what to do?

    Reply
  42. Morgan

    I don’t believe that age spots are caused by the sun because they often appear on places that have never had exposure. I’m guessing this is a great way to sell carcinogenic sun screens.
    The sun is NOT harmful, folks. It’s how you get Vitamin D, and it helps with all kinds of mood disorders. It’s not even harmful to stare at the sun — there are plenty of people who practice “sun gazing” and who can look directly at the sun for over 45 minutes. I’m one of them.

    Reply
  43. Linda Hughes

    I am a little dark skinned. I have always used sunscreen and the makeup I use has sunscreen in it. However, I am noticing dark spots on my face when I look closely in the mirror. I want an even complexion. What is best for my skin type

    Reply
  44. Lisa m.

    It is strange, I am fair skinned as well and just since last summer I see my legs are COVERED! So, if age spots are caused by the sun exposure then how did I get sun spots without exposing my legs to the sun? Have you found any answers?

    Reply
  45. Nancy

    Need help with age spots on my cheek bones. Only in the summer time they are really noticeable. I’ve been on pain meds since ’06 and was told that fast release of the toxins is causing age spots. I hate it! Please help.

    Reply
  46. Suzanne

    We could rub sliced onion on the affected areas. The vitamin C in the onion act as skin lightener. Applying garlic paste on the spots is also very effective. If none of these home remedies works, we could seek some medical help, I guess. I have a neighbour who had her spots removed in a facial veins treatment centre in Toronto. Drinking plenty of water and regular exercises can bring changes in our skin too.

    Reply
  47. Phillip

    I’m 67 and live with my wife on the Mediterranean coast. I had quite a few unsightly spots on the back of my hands, but about 6 months ago I started using latex gloves when I do the washing up, (it’s my job), as I was getting irritation on my hands from the soap. All my spots have virtually disappeared. I have never had spots on other parts of my body. I just wonder if soaps etc could be making spots worse on other people.

    Reply
  48. Gloria

    I have sun spots on my face – can I just use lemon juice. Also which remedy is the best to use and do they really work?

    Reply
  49. Layla

    Bernadette – pomegranate has antioxidant activity so applying its fresh juice and drinking it helps regenerate dead skin cells and reduce age spots. Drinking one glass of pomegranate juice and applying a few drops of it with a cotton ball on to the entire face daily works great! Also always remember to apply a good sunscreen during the day to prevent any more sun damage.

    Reply
  50. Bernadette

    Dumb question but do you drink the pomegranate juice or apply it topically? If so, is there a recommended dose?

    Reply