LIGHTEN YOUR AGE SPOTS WITH THESE SIMPLE HOME REMEDIES

Regardless of your ethnic background or skin color, eventually most of us will develop some kind of brown or age spots. *sigh* These age spots generally appear on exposed skin areas like the face, back, neck, chest, shoulders and hands. The MAIN culprit being sun exposure. When skin is exposed to the sun, it causes an increase in the production of cells known as melanocytes that increase melanin in the skin, which turns the skin darker.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar contains natural alpha hydroxy acids, which are known to help lighten sun and age spots.

• To combat the acidic nature of vinegar, you can mix it with olive oil which will protect the skin from dryness. Apply every day on the skin and remove it after 20 minutes. Your skin will be left soft and smooth.
• It is normal to experience a little redness or stinging at first (just like you would with a toner). If you have sensitive skin, or if it feels too strong, dilute with water.

  3. Onion Juice

  Onions contain sulfur compounds that act as an antiseptic. They also contain acids that facilitate exfoliation. Lemons smell better but some people may find them irritating to the skin. If your skin is intolerant to the lemon juice, try fresh onion juice.
• Simply slice up some onions and rub the slices over the affected area two or three times a day.
• Another option is to mix one tablespoon of onion juice with two tablespoons of honey and apply the mixture on the affected area. Leave it on for about 15 minutes before washing the area thoroughly so that the strong smell goes away. Do this once or twice a day.

4. Horseradish

The Vitamin C in horseradish slows production of melanin, the substance responsible for skin pigmentation. Another ingredient in horseradish is glucosinolates. Glucosinolates increase circulation, work as antioxidants, and flush waste from the body.

6. Papaya

Certain enzymes and alpha hydroxy acids present in papaya can help exfoliate your skin and reduce age spots, skin blemishes, acne and other skin problems. It will also give your skin a cleaner and brighter look.

• Cut a thin slice of the skin from a green papaya. Press the fleshy side of the skin to your age spots for 15 to 20 minutes.
• Alternatively, you can cut the papaya into small chunks and press them into a pulp with a fork or potato masher. Apply the pulp to your age spots with your fingers, allowing the mask to sit for 15 minutes before rinsing. Use daily.

Note: As some people can be allergic to papaya, it is advisable to do a 24-hour patch test before following this remedy.

7.Yogurt

The naturally occurring lactic acid also found in yogurt gently removes dead skin cells. As the discolored skin sloughs off, fresh healthy skin is revealed.

• Apply some plain yogurt directly on the spots. Let it dry on its own for about 20 minutes before rinsing it off with cold water. For faster results, apply yogurt on the affected area before going to bed and leave it on overnight.
• Alternatively, you can make a skin pack by combining one tablespoon of plain yogurt, two tablespoons of ground oatmeal and one teaspoon of fresh lemon juice. Apply this pack on the spots and allow it to sit for 30 minutes before rinsing it off with cold water. Then apply some moisturizer. Follow this remedy a few times a week.