Kitchen Remedies to Get Rid of Dark Spots (DIY)

Kitchen Remedies to Get Rid of Dark Spots (Do it yourself)

by: Arlene Gentallan

Dark spots are annoying, and at times embarrassing that we resort to concealers and creams to hide them. But you don't have to settle with artificial means because there's natural and healthy ways to rid these hyperpigmentations off your skin for good.

You can choose from a variety of natural skin lighteners below:

1. Lemon juice

Lemon's citric acid content lightens skin tone and exfoliates dead skin cells. It is also a rich source of Vitamin C.

• Squeeze fresh lemon juice and apply it directly onto the dark spot. (You can use your bare finger or a cotton ball/applicator.)
• Allow it to dry for at least 30 minutes before washing with water.
• Do this treatment twice daily (every morning and night.)
• You'll usually see positive result in 2 months.

Topical application of concentrated lemon juice can induce a stinging sensation. You can dilute lemon juice with water, rosewater or honey before application to reduce the burning sensation. Be sure to avoid direct sun exposure / use sunscreen.

2. Green Papaya

Papaya contains a natural exfoliants called "alpha-hydroxy acids" and "papain" which rids off dead skin cells. It is also a rich source of Vitamin A. The raw fruit (green colored) contains more papain than it's ripe counterpart (yellow colored.)

• Rub papaya peel / mashed papaya pulp onto your skin
• Allow it no more than 5 minutes to stay on your skin then rinse it with water
• Do this treatment twice daily (every morning and night.)

Watch out if you have an allergy to latex because there is a percentage of these population who are also allergic to papaya and other fruits such as avocado, banana, mango, and pineapple.

3. Virgin Coconut oil, Castor oil, Almond oil, and Olive oil
Virgin coconut oil, castor oil, almond oil, and Olive oil can be applied topically to lighten and even skin tone. These have healing properties (antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal) and prevents skin dryness and irritation.

• Massage the oil of your preference onto your skin.
• Do this treatment before going to bed.

4. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is an excellent moisturizer and skin regenerator. It also has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory action.

• Apply fresh aloe vera gel/juice directly into the dark spot.
• Do this treatment twice a day.
• You'll usually see positive result after about 2-3 weeks.

5. Potato

Potato is not all for french fries, it also has a bleaching property to even your skin color.

• Put a slice of potato / grated potato over your dark spot.
• Gently massage it onto your face and let it stay for 15 minutes before rinsing it with water.

6. Buttermilk

Buttermilk contains exfoliants in the form of "lactic acid" and "alpha-hydroxy acids." This allows you to rid off dead pigmented skin cells and replace them with new ones.

• Apply buttermilk directly into the dark spot

7. Sugar Cubes

Sugar cubes contains "glycolic acid" which acts as an exfoliant. Simply rub a sugar cube into your dark spot.

8. Yogurt

Yogurt isn't just delicious, it's also helps your remove old skin cells to allow young skin cells to surface out. It contains "lactic acid" as it's exfoliant component.

• Apply yogurt directly into the dark spot.
• Let it stay there for 30 minutes before rinsing.
• Use once a day.

You can also combine yogurt with other ingredients like honey for a more enjoyable experience.