Also called liver spots, age spots are normally flat against the skin, and look like brown or black circular markings. They are incredibly common in anyone aged over 50.
Fortunately, there are natural ways to remove age spots without resorting to heavy make-up, chemical peels or other extreme cosmetic procedures.
1. Vitamin E oil
Vitamin E oil is full of antioxidants and healing properties, not to mention it is an anti-inflammatory. Better yet, it can help fade dark spots on your skin. Open or pierce a liquid capsule of Vitamin E and apply directly to your age spots. Let it soak in and leave it on for a couple of hours.
2. Fresh lemon juice
Lemon juice is known for its bleaching abilities and it can do the same on skin. You can use fresh lemon juice by itself to bleach age spots by rubbing it on at night and then washing it off in the morning.
3. Castor oil
Age spots will be no match for beautiful, nourishing castor oil. Use a cotton ball to apply to your age spots and gently massage in, then leave on. Repeat every morning and night until the spots fade.
4. Onions
Like lemons, onions are natural skin lighteners. Rub onions on your age spots twice a day, and wash off the juice after about an hour
5. Aloe vera gel
Apply aloe vera gel on your age spots for at least 45 minutes two times a day and for better results – it aids skin regeneration and sun damage.
6. Orange and apple cider vinegar
The power of the citrus in the orange helps to light dark spots. Mix one teaspoon of orange juice with two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar and then use a clean cotton ball to put this mixture on your age spots before you go to bed.
7. Watermelon
Rub the rind of a watermelon on your age spots and then wash away with cold water. It is packed full of good nutrients.
8. Cucumber juice
Cucumbers have bleaching properties, so use crushed cucumbers on your face. Not only will it lighten your liver spots, but it will feel refreshing.
9. Dandelion
Dandelions are known as weeds but the sap has the ability to even skin tone. Rub the sap of a dandelion root on your age spots two to three times a day.
10. Olive oil
Olive oil has a plethora of uses with one being a great skin nourisher. It is also high in vitamin E, which also gets rid of age spots.
11. Sandalwood
Sandalwood is an anti-ageing agent and an antiseptic that can helps reduce hyperpigmentation and get rid of liver spots. Mix two tablespoons of sandalwood powder, two teaspoons of rose water, and one teaspoon each of glycerine and lemon juice. Apply this mixture on the spots and allow it to dry naturally, then use cold water to wash it off. Repeat a few times a week until your age spots disappear.
12. Potato and honey
Take one potato and grate it into a bowl, then add enough honey to make a paste. Apply this to your age spots and leave on for about 15 minutes, then rinse it off with cool water.
13. Chickpeas
Boiled chickpeas in a saucepan and mash once cooled. Rub this paste onto your age spots and let it dry. Rinse it off with cool water.
14. Yoghurt
Yoghurt has mild bleaching abilities and is safe to use on skin if you just apply directly.
This article originally appeared on Starts at 60.
If natural solutions aren't working for you, there are plenty of beauty products on the market that target this problem, we've rounded up five of our favourites.
Boost Lab AHA glow resurfacing serum, $29.95, Adore Beauty
This dermatologically tested serum is formulated with aloe vera and Manuka honey with a Lactic Acid-Arginine complex to remove dead surface skin cells and age spots.
Innisfree brightening pore spot treatment, $48, Adore Beauty
A spot treatment is perfect for targeting specific areas of concern. This treatment works by visibly reducing the appearance of dark spots and blemishes.
Biologi BF restore face and body serum, $34, Adore Beauty
Suitable for sensitive skin types prone to dark spots and pigmentation, this one is for you. A bonus is that you can use it on the face and body!
Clinique radical dark spot corrector + interrupter, $80, Adore Beauty
Free of sulphates, parabens and fragrance, this clinical-strength serum helps tackle dark spots, age spots and acne scars.
Dermalogica age smart multivitamin power serum, $98.10, Adore Beauty
This anti-ageing serum does it all by targeting fine lines, wrinkles, discolouration, age spots, and a lack of firmness and elasticity.
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