Best Ways to Reduce Dark Spots On The Face

Introduction

Looking good and having a great skin is a dream almost everyone has. We all want a clear face just like our favorite celebrities, but sometimes having dark spots on the face can negatively affect our appearance. 

These dark spots are patches of increased pigmentation on skin, which may become very stubborn and difficult to get rid of, leaving you wondering what to do for these. But before you head out for any treatment, you can try some home remedies to deal with these dark spots. And this is what our blog is about! Here, we’ve compiled a list of a few simple items that can help reduce the dark spots on your face and give you the glow you’ve always dreamt of. So, let’s go ahead. 

What are the Causes of Dark Spots on the Face?

Dark spots or hyperpigmentation occur when your skin overproduces melanin. This forms spots or patches on your skin that are darker than the surrounding areas.  

Multiple factors may contribute to hyperpigmentation or dark spot including¹:  

• Sun exposure: Exposure to direct sunlight may cause increased production of melanin. It may lead to dark pigmentation of the exposed skin. 
• Hormonal imbalance: A change in levels of female hormones estrogen and progesterone can cause dark patches on skin, for instance in pregnancy. 
• Allergies: Irritation due to certain products such as waxing or over-exfoliation can cause pigmentation. 
• Inflammation: Caused due to certain skin conditions or injuries, can lead to darkening of skin. 
• Side-effects of medication: Medicines like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), psychotropic drugs, or tetracyclines can lead to increased melanin production, which causes dark spots.  

These spots are usually harmless, but finding out the cause is essential as sometimes it may be due to an underlying medical condition, which needs to diagnosed and managed appropriately by a doctor. 

Home Remedies for Dark Spots on the Face

Although there are several treatments and procedures available these days to eliminate dark spots, but if you’re looking to deal with these naturally, there are some simple home remedies that can help. However, note that currently there’s a lack of major scientific support for the effectiveness of these remedies, yet research is underway, and initial results are promising. 

So, here are some famous remedies to try out at home to deal with your dark spots. 

1. Papaya

Papaya is said to be useful in various conditions. For the skin, papaya can be an excellent exfoliator. Papaya contains fruit acids known as alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), which are even used as chemical exfoliants. AHAs are useful for dry skin, hyperpigmentation, fine lines on the face, etc². So, papaya can help brighten and give the skin a youthful radiance. 

How to use

• Take a bowl and mash a ripened papaya in it. 
• Apply it on clean skin and wait till the pulp dries on the skin. 
• Then gently rub it on the skin in a circular motion. It helps to exfoliate the dead top layer of skin cells. 
• Rinse your face with water.  

2. Lemon Juice

Lemon is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which may help to lighten up the dark spots on your skin³. However, lemon juice, may cause an allergic reaction when you apply it to your skin as it is acidic. Hence you can use lemon juice with other mediators such as yoghurt and honey.   

How to use 

• Take a tablespoon of lemon juice with two tablespoons of yoghurt. 
• Mix it well and apply it to your face.   
• Leave it on for 20-30 minutes. Rinse with water. 
• After washing, apply your favorite moisturizer and sunscreen.   

3. Tomatoes  

Sometimes the cause of dark spots can be overexposure to the sun. Tomatoes are naturally rich in lycopene which may protect your skin from the damage caused by sun. They are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants too⁴. They can help your skin look glowing and clean. 

How to use 

• Apply tomato pulp on your skin. 
• Then gently massage your skin in a circular motion.   
• Leave it for 10 minutes. 
• Rinse with clean water. 

4. Turmeric  

For ages, Indians have been using turmeric for cooking as well as for its healing properties. Turmeric is an essential ingredient in a skincare regimen. Turmeric has curcumin, which is an antioxidant that helps deal with inflammation and also reduces the production of skin melanin. It may lighten the dark spots and make your skin look clear⁵.   

How to use 

• Mix a tablespoon of turmeric with adequate water. 
• Mix it well and apply it all over the face with the help of a cotton pad.  
• Leave it on for 20-30 minutes.  
• Then rinse with water. 

5. Cucumber  

Cucumber is a rich source of antioxidants, vitamins, and silica-rich compounds that may help reduce the hyperpigmented spots on your face⁶.  

How to use 

• Take some fresh cucumbers and blend them. 
• Apply the paste to the affected areas and leave it for 20 minutes.  
• Rinse with cold water.  

6. Aloe Vera 

Aloe Vera is a famous remedy for skin and hair complaints. It is a naturally derived ingredient known for its soothing and moisturizing properties. Aloe Vera contains 99.5 percent water that helps to hydrate your skin magically⁷.  

How to use 

• Apply pure aloe vera juice to the dark spots on the face. You can extract the gel from an aloe vera leaf.  
• Leave it on for 20-30 minutes of the affected area.  
• Wash it with lukewarm water.  

Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant drug that can be used topically in dermatology to treat and prevent changes associated with photoageing¹⁰. It can also be used for the treatment of hyperpigmentation. I routinely prescribe vitamin c containing gel for my patients for spots.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD(Pediatrics)

7. Yogurt  

Yoghurt is a natural skin-brightening agent that helps to fade dark spots by exfoliating the skin. It is rich in lactic acid which improves discolouration and dark spots. It also helps to improve skin tone, and texture and reduce inflammation⁸. You can use yoghurt alone or combine it with other healing products such as turmeric or oatmeal.   

How to use 

• Apply yoghurt on the dark spots with the cotton pads. 
• Leave it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing it off. 

8. Red Lentils  

Red lentil (Masoor dal) powder can be beneficial to treat hyperpigmentation on the face. They are rich in antioxidants that are known to be good for the skin. However, more scientific studies are required to prove the effect⁹. 

How to use 

• Soak some red lentils overnight in a bowl of water. 
• Blend it and make a fine paste from it.  
• Apply the paste on your face for 20 minutes. 
• Rinse it off with cold water. 

There are a variety of remedies available that are believed to help lighten stubborn dark spots. However, individual results may vary, and consistency in application is key for noticeable effects.   

Also, remember to check for allergic reactions before using any of the home remedies. You can do a patch test on your forearm before applying them on your face. If you feel any discomfort, stinging, or a burning sensation, rinse off the mixture immediately with plain water, and consult your healthcare provider if irritation continues. 

Dermatologists now have effective treatment procedures like different lasers and peels that may help lighten the dark spots. Do not get skin treatments from non-certified people. It’s best to visit a dermatologist’s clinic for such concerns.

Dr. Arpit Verma, MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

Conclusion

Dark spots or hyperpigmentation can affect your aesthetics as well as self-confidence, especially when they appear on the face. There are several reasons behind the occurrence these dark spots, and finding and treating the underlying cause is the cornerstone of eliminating them. Nonetheless, there are quite a few home remedies available, such as papaya, cucumber, aloe vera, turmeric, etc, that may help you get rid of these spots naturally and give you a clear and glowing skin. But while using these products, be mindful of any allergies and discontinue their use immediately if you feel any discomfort. For a more customised solution for your skin problems including dark spots, its best to consult your dermatologist.

Also Read: Simple Home Remedies For Skin Allergies and Rashes

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

1. Thawabteh AM, Jibreen A, Karaman D, Thawabteh A, Karaman R. Skin Pigmentation Types, Causes and Treatment-A Review. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland). 2023 Jun 15;28(12):4839. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10304091/ 
2. Aher P, Mokate R, Kokat J. Formulation and evaluation of papaya herbal face pack for glowing skin. J Pharmacogn Phytochem. 2024;13(4):434-9. Available from: https://www.phytojournal.com/archives/2024/vol13issue4/PartE/13-4-61-164.pdf 
3. Ee Jie L, Leong LF, Yap VL, Rajagopal M, Chandran R. Cosmetological applications of Citrus limon: A mini-review. Indian J Nat Prod Resour. 2024 Jun;15(2). Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Cosmetological-uses-of-C-limon_fig2_382741103 
4. Tarshish E, Hermoni K, Sharoni Y, Wertz PW, Dayan N. Effects of golden tomato extract on skin appearance-outlook into gene expression in cultured dermal fibroblasts and on trans-epidermal water loss and skin barrier in human subjects. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2022 Jul;21(7):3022-30. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9545714/ 
5. Sumiyoshi M, Kimura Y. Effects of a turmeric extract (Curcuma longa) on chronic ultraviolet B irradiation-induced skin damage in melanin-possessing hairless mice. Phytomedicine. 2009 Dec;16(12):1137–43. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2009.06.003. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0944711309001640
6. Mukherjee PK, Nema NK, Maity N, Sarkar BK. Phytochemical and therapeutic potential of cucumber. Fitoterapia. 2013 Jan;84:227-36. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0367326X12002791?via%3Dihub 
7. Zhu J, Zheng Y, Ge Y. Study on the application of Aloe vera in cosmetology and clinical treatment of skin diseases. J Holist Integr Pharm. 2024 Dec;5(4):299-304. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2707368824000633 
8. Yeom G, Yun DM, Kang YW, Kwon JS, Kang IO, Kim SY. Clinical efficacy of facial masks containing yoghurt and Opuntia humifusa Raf. (F-YOP). J Cosmet Sci. 2011 Sep-Oct;62(5):505-14. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/51862721_Clinical_efficacy_of_facial_masks_containing_yoghurt_and_Opuntia_humifusa_Raf_F-YOP 
9. Mishal S, Nilakhe S, Bhide M. A CLINICAL STUDY ON EFFECT OF RED LENTIL (PLEXION ENHANCEMENT COMPLEXION ENHANCEMENT. Volume 6. 357-363. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/362837896_A_CLINICAL_STUDY_ON_EFFECT_OF_RED_LENTIL_PLEXION_ENHANCEMENT_COMPLEXION_ENHANCEMENT 
10. Telang PS. Vitamin C in dermatology. Indian Dermatol Online J. 2013 Apr;4(2):143–6. doi:10.4103/2229-5178.110593. PMID: 23741676; PMCID: PMC3673383. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23741676/

 Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

499

41