Black spots on the skin are because of hyper-pigmentation and are common among the middle aged. There can be various reasons for black spots to appear. It could be due to trauma of the skin, after a skin condition like acne, or other skin diseases. At times, certain medications can cause the skin to become sensitive to the sun. Liver spots are yellowish-brown and similar to freckles. They are caused by aging – primarily by too much exposure to the sun as well as deficient nutrition.
What are some home remedies? There are home remedies available to lighten the spots and the skin to reduce the hyper pigmentation. Rubbing slices of potato on the affected areas can reduce the spots. Soak four almond seeds overnight and grind it with milk into a smooth paste in the morning. Apply this paste and leave it on overnight and then rinse it off with cool water. This lotion is effective in clearing the black spots. You can rub fresh aloe vera juice on the spots to lighten it. This will bring good results if used every day for a month or two. Mix one teaspoon of orange juice with apple cider vinegar and apply it on the spots and bind the area with a cotton or soft cloth.
Bilberry and fruits that have anthocyanin (a substance that slows the aging process), should be taken in plenty to reduce the spots. You can also apply butter milk on the skin as the lactic acid present helps to reduce the spots. Applying castor oil to the skin will often clear newly formed spots within a month’s time.
Lemon juice and honey can be applied to lighten the spots. You can add tomato, cucumber or mint leaves juice to enhance the effect. This will reduce the spots and smoothen the skin.
Try gram flour, turmeric powder and lime juice on the spots to clear it. You can grind oatmeal with lemon juice and yogurt and apply it on the affected area and wash it off with cool water after it dries.
Dip a slice of onion in vinegar and rub it on the affected area to cure the spots. It is best to do this before you go to bed.
Foods rich in antioxidants are helpful in curing from within as they help to delay the aging process and its effects. They include berries, broccoli, garlic, tea, tomatoes, red grapes, spinach, carrots, whole grains, nuts and seeds, salmon, and olive oil.
If the spots do not decrease within a month or so, consult a physician as there could be other causes for black spots such as cancer, Addison’s disease, or Cushing’s disease.