Even when wearing a lot of sunscreen, after sitting in the sun for increased periods, we often find a few new spots on our bodies. And while these little spots resulting in sun damage, may not bother us now, they only get worse with age. Therefore, we look for treatment options. Like peels and laser treatments that lighten brown spots, certain foods have been shown to lighten the appearance of sun damage on the skin. However, unlike fancy in-office treatments, DIY treatments aren't nearly as costly and tend to have lesser side effects. So before you go for an expensive in-office procedure, why not try lightening your dark spots with a natural remedy first?
What are age spots?
Removing age spots with Apple Cider Vinegar
Age spots are marks that appear on the skin after extended sun exposure. They are harmless, but some people prefer to remove them for cosmetic reasons. Age spots are also called solar lentigines or liver spots, though they have no connection to the liver. These marks are flat and darker than the surrounding skin. They can be brown or black, and they may look like freckles.
Prevention of age spots
Apply a water-resistant sunscreen that has both UVA and UVB protection. It is possible to prevent age spots from forming. It is recommended to use a sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30. Apply the sunscreen to skin 15 minutes before going outside. Other ways of protecting the skin and prevent age spots include:
- Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours or after sweating or being in the water.
- Wear wide-brimmed hats, long sleeved tops, long trousers, and sunglasses to shield against UV rays.
- Stay shaded during the hottest times of the day; this is usually between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
- Refrain from using tanning beds wearing gloves when cycling or gardening for an extended period in the sun
- Take extra precautions around water, snow, or sand, as these surfaces reflect the sun's rays
- Wear clothes with an ultraviolet protection factor, or UPF, of 40–50
- Avoid overexposure to the sun to reduce a person's risk of skin cancer.
Why use Apple Cider Vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar has been regarded as highly beneficial when it comes to health. But did you know that it can also do wonders for your skin when applied topically? Apple cider vinegar has glycol that helps in treating dark spots and pigmentation on the skin. Also, the acetic acid helps lighten the dark spots and blemishes.
Apple Cider vinegar has alpha-hydroxy acid, which helps in curing age spots. Alpha-hydroxy is a popular ingredient, used in skin care products. With the aid of alpha-hydroxy, the skin cells renew as well as regenerates themselves, making the affected spot better. The use of this solution is straightforward and simple. To get rid of the age spots, one requires first to dilute the Apple Cider vinegar with water. Then using a cotton pad, apply the diluted ACV to the affected parts. The solution shouldn't be rubbed into the skin in a hard way; rather you should let the skin soak it up.
In case one is allergic to ACV or prone to skin rashes, it is advised to perform a patch test. If the skin does not react to the solution, then it is safe to be used on the skin. This is a basic trick which is used with every skin solution, to check whether the solution is suitable for the skin or not. In case one is not sure, then it is always recommended to check with a specialist first. If all is well, one can apply some ACV on the skin. This can be done for about 20 to 30 minutes, and then rinsed off with warm water.
Can ACV be consumed?
The impact of the apple cider vinegar on the age spots could be doubled if it is consumed internally as well. Apple cider vinegar is completely safe for use as it is organic and known to have no side effects unless you are allergic to it. This is a cost-effective option, and 100% natural. Apple cider vinegar is a natural skin rejuvenator. It can refresh the skin while making the person look younger.
While treating the age spots, apple cider vinegar reduces the excess oil from the skin and balances its pH. As a result, the skin doesn’t get too oily or overly dry. It remains just perfectly balanced. Regular use of apple cider vinegar can not only cure age spots, but it will also treat blemishes, pimple, and acne. Furthermore, regular usage will also eradicate toxins from the face.
Various ways of using Apple Cider Vinegar to treat age spots
Here are some effective ACV remedies to treat dark spots.
Apple Cider Vinegar with Water
When apple cider vinegar is mixed with water will exhibit certain properties that help fade dark spots.
Steps to follow:
- Mix equal amounts of apple cider vinegar and water in a bowl.
- Stir well and apply this solution on the affected areas.
- Massage it gently into the skin for a few minutes and rinse with some water after a while.
- Dry the skin and continue using the solution once daily until you get rid of dark spots on the skin.
Note:
- You can also combine some raw honey to the diluted apple cider vinegar before applying the treatment.
- Also, apply the above mix to wash the affected areas and wait for about 3 to 6 minutes and then rinse it off with some lukewarm water.
- You can also directly apply apple cider vinegar on dark spots but this may sting, this is especially true for people with dry and sensitive skin.
- Alternatively, mix half a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar with 2 or 3 tablespoons of orange juice and apply it on brown spots using a cotton ball and rinse it off after it completely dries. Repeat it once or twice daily for about 4 to 5 weeks.
Apple Cider Vinegar Toner
ACV is considered as the best toner for the skin. Dilute 1 tsp apple cider vinegar in a teaspoon of water. Mix both ingredients well. Use a cotton pad to apply it onto your face. Apply it wherever you have dark spots. This works best if you leave it on overnight. Wash it off the next day and use this regularly for better results.
Apple Cider Vinegar And Baking Soda
A mixture of apple cider vinegar and baking soda helps unclog the pores and make your skin clearer. All you need is to mix in a clean bowl 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and 3 tablespoons of baking soda to get a smooth paste. Apply this on a clean face and allow it to air-dry for at least 15 minutes. You can wash off the mask in some cold water after about 15 minutes.
Apple Cider Vinegar And Sugar Scrub
Scrubs help in exfoliating the skin and thus removing the dead skin cells that make it look healthy and clear. For this scrub, you will need:
- 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon of honey
- 1 teaspoon of green tea
- 5 teaspoons of granulated sugar and a few drops of water.
Mix all the ingredients in a bowl. Combine all the ingredients well and add enough water to get a scrub-like consistency. Apply this on your face and gently scrub in a circular motion with your fingertips for about 2-3 minutes. After that, you can wash it off with some water.
Apple Cider Vinegar And Tea Tree Oil
This remedy is a steam bath. All you need to do is take about 2 cups of water add 4 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and a few drops of tea tree oil. Mix all the ingredients well and pour this mixture into a liquid steamer. Steam your face for about five to ten minutes. Make sure that you do not get too to the liquid steamer or else it will damage your skin. After steaming, rinse your face gently with water.
Apple Cider Vinegar And Potato Juice
Potato is prized for lightening dark spots and blemishes. Grate a potato to extract the juice from it. Now in a bowl add 2 teaspoons of fresh potato juice and mix it with a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar. Apply this on the affected areas and wait for 5-10 minutes before washing it off with water.
Apple Cider Vinegar with Horseradish
The horseradish herb slows the production of melanin to prevent , and it has excellent skin lightening qualities that effectively remove brown or dark spots, freckles and other blemishes on the skin. This method helps exfoliate the affected area and lighten dark spots.
Steps to follow:
- Finely grate a 4 to 5-inch long piece of horseradish.
- Then pour 1/2 a cup of organic apple cider vinegar into a bowl.
- Mix it thoroughly and set it aside for about 2 weeks, shaking it once daily.
- After 2 weeks, strain the mixture into a container that has a lid.
- Then apply a tiny amount of this herb-infused vinegar to the brown spots.
- Leave it on for about a few minutes and rinse it off with water.
- Store the remaining solution in a refrigerator and use it about thrice daily for a month to treat dark spots.
- This combination is not suitable for all skin types, so if you experience any irritation or discomfort discontinue use immediately.
Note:
- You can add some freshly squeezed lemon juice in this remedy.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Onion Juice
Onion juice helps to stop the excess production of collagen and prevent scarring on the skin. Both ACV and onion juice have acidic natures and anti-inflammatory attributes that helps fade brown spots without causing any irritation.
Steps to follow:
- Combine 1 tablespoon of onion juice and apple cider vinegar in a bowl.
- Stir the mixture well and apply this mix directly onto the dark spots and affected areas with a cotton ball.
- Let it sit for about thirty minutes or more until it is completely dry.
- Rinse it off with some water and repeat it daily for about 4 to 6 weeks to lighten spots.
Note:
- Or you can also add a bit of honey to this remedy.
