Age spots are dark brown or gray spots that appear on the skin usually after the age of 40 years. Sometimes, several of these spots appear in the same area, making a patch of the skin look significantly darker than the surrounding area. The face, shoulders and hands are generally the most affected parts of the body. These spots appear due to the localized overproduction of the natural coloring pigment melanin by the skin cells, mostly when the skin is exposed to direct sunlight for a prolonged period of time. Problems relating to the normal functioning of the liver may also cause age spots to appear, as it results in a build-up of toxins and free radicals in the body. The problem becomes more pronounced as one advances in age. It has been observed that age spots are hereditary in nature. Though this is not a serious physical ailment, it may make the skin look blemished.
There are several natural remedies that you may follow to prevent and control the appearance of age spots. One of the most useful remedies is to apply the juice of a fresh lemon on the affected areas every day. The acidic juice of lemon acts as a natural bleaching agent on the skin and reduces the prominence of age spots. Another useful remedy from the kitchen is potato. Place a few thin slices of a raw potato on the skin and leave it on for 15-20 minutes. Regular observance of this remedy brings about a gradual reduction in the number and prominence of age spots. Topical application of apple cider vinegar on the age is also known to be effective in lightening them. You may also try rubbing the skin with a thin slice of onion for a few minutes twice every day. The strong chemicals present in the pungent juice of onion help give the skin an even tone. A few crushed cloves of garlic may also be rubbed on the skin to make age spots lighter. It is also useful to massage the affected area with a tablespoon of homemade yogurt every day. The juice of aloe vera leaves is another popular natural means of getting rid of age spots. Gently massaging the skin with a slice of raw papaya for a couple of minutes every day also helps even our skin pigmentation irregularities. Besides, always apply sunscreen lotion on your skin before stepping out into the sun.