Once what's causing the dark spots or patches is found and stopped, fading can take time. A spot that is a few shades darker than your natural skin color will usually fade within 6 to 12 months. If the color lies deep in your skin, however, fading can take years.
Hydroquinone creams and serums
Perhaps the most popular solution for skin lightening on a spot-by-spot basis is topical solutions containing hydroquinone. A 2013 study found potential benefits for facial melasma, which causes patches of discoloration.
Share on Pinterest Laser treatment can remove dark spots on the skin. Dark spots on the skin do not require treatment, but some people may want to remove the spots for cosmetic reasons. A dermatologist can offer creams or procedures to lighten dark spots, or in some cases, remove them.
Have blemishes and spots on your skin? Baking soda can come to your rescue to lighten them. This is because baking soda has bleaching properties that help in fading away marks and spots on the skin.
If you're using apple cider vinegar as an acne treatment, you probably won't see results overnight. A full skin-cell turnover takes about four to six weeks; so give it at least that much time for the benefits to take place.
Vitamin C-based skin care products may lighten patches that are darker than the rest of your skin, called hyperpigmentation. In one study, vitamin C applied to the skin for 16 weeks significantly cut down on these spots.
Best Classic: Clinique Even Better Clinical Radical Dark Spot Corrector + Interrupter. The intense antioxidant properties in this formula noticeably reduce acne spots and scars in 12 weeks (according to the brand), and it's gentle enough for daily use.
Vaseline body lotion works as an effective moisturiser for the neck, chest, hands and body, offering both fast relief for your dry skin and reducing the appearance of dark spots. Suitable for daily use, the non-sticky formula of this lotion makes it quick to apply with no residue.
Lemon juice is a perfect natural bleaching agent that can effectively fade age spots. We all know what age spots look like — tiny brown dark spots that can develop on your hands and face.
Sea salt helps combat the overproduction of oil, leading to clogged pores. It also absorbs toxins, including acne-causing bacteria, and works to treat those pesky dark spots pimpled leave behind. For an easy blemish buster, mix 1 cup of warm water with 3 tablespoons of sea salt.
Aloe vera has been found to have many health benefits for the skin, from helping to heal wounds to moisturizing. There's a small amount of scientific evidence suggesting that applying aloe vera to your skin may help reduce the appearance of hyperpigmented areas, though it won't completely get rid of these darker spots.
Though vitamin E has been used in various over-the-counter skin lightening creams, there is insufficient evidence on whether vitamin E oil can remove dark spots. The only evidence is that it can protect from the damaging effects of the sun and reduce depigmentation in melasma.
When vitamin C is exposed to light it becomes unstable, the consequences include irritation, inflammation and acne. All of these can cause post inflammatory pigmentation, leaving you worse off than when you started.
What It Does: This potent antioxidant interferes with the production of pigment in the skin, fading dark spots. When You'll See Results: Once you add vitamin C to your skincare regimen, you may start seeing noticeable improvements in three weeks. It can help significantly fade hyperpigmentation in about two months.
Most serious potential: Long-term, undiluted ACV use could corrode your lovely face due to its highly acidic levels. Vinegar can be caustic if you leave it on your skin, and it shouldn't be used to treat wounds. Any acne sores are at risk for incurring a burn or major irritation.
How To Use: Dab a little apple cider vinegar on a cotton ball and apply it directly on the age spot and wrinkles. Leave it for 30 minutes and then wash it off with cool water. Follow this routine twice daily for 6 weeks and you will see the difference.
Apple cider vinegar can be used in skin care as a toner, face wash, and even a spot treatment. The use of an apple cider vinegar toner, specifically, may help to tighten the skin and protect it from harmful environmental elements.