Apply fresh lemon juice, baking soda paste, or aloe vera gel to the spots 2-3 times a day. The natural bleaching properties can help lighten spots quickly. Stay consistent, and for safety, do the patch test first.
If you want to get rid of dark spots fast, a procedure that removes layers of discolored skin may work better than a lightening cream. These techniques include laser treatments, freezing (cryotherapy), dermabrasion, microdermabrasion, microneedling, and chemical peels.
You should also see a dermatologist to make sure the dark spot is only cosmetic. A dermatologist can diagnose age spots with a visual exam. Age spots are harmless. However, if you have spots that grow quickly, look different from your other spots, or seem unusual, you should see a health care provider.
FAQs about treating dark spots
A: Hydroquinone (available by prescription) is one of the most potent options, but retinol, vitamin C, and glycolic acid also deliver visible results with consistent use.
Best Overall: Skinceuticals Discoloration Defense
Glamour staffers have tested dozens of Skinceutical products and overwhelmingly give the brand's products rave reviews. Derms agree that if you're targeting dark spots from the sun, acne, or medical procedures, you can't go wrong with this one.
There's also evidence that it may help manage dry skin, acne, and age spots, among other conditions. ACV is generally safe to use, but it does come with a risk of irritation or worsening skin symptoms, especially for people with sensitive skin or skin conditions.
Vitamin C containing gels and face serums can help brighten skin and effectively fade the hyperpigmentation. The gels with high levels of magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, niacinamide, ellagic acid, arbutin, in addition to Vitamin C give even better results if applied regularly and under proper precautions.
For dark circles and dark spots: Use a peach color corrector if you have fair skin, or a deeper orange shade if you have medium to dark skin. For sallowness: Balance out unwanted warmth with a lavender color corrector.
It works by breaking down the excess melanin in the age spots and gradually reducing their appearance. So, when used properly and in appropriate concentrations, hydrogen peroxide can be an effective and affordable option to remove age spots on the face.
How long does it take to see results with ACV for dark spots? Results can vary, but many people start to see improvements in their dark spots within a few weeks of consistent use.
Dr. Zainab Laftah, Consultant Dermatologist, GetHarley Clinician concurs: “Toothpaste might sound like a simple solution to treat spots but it's likely to cause more harm than good. Toothpaste contains ingredients that can result in skin redness, itching, inflammation and burning," so approach with caution.
Yes, baking soda can help in the reduction of dark spots, because it has bleaching properties. Do you know that sodium bicarbonate is the main component of all the bleach creams you use? No wonder, making a paste with this kitchen ingredient makes a lot of sense!
How Long Does Turmeric Take To Lighten Skin? Turmeric can provide an instant natural glow to your skin. But to lighten your skin tone, it may take more than three to four weeks of consistent usage. Turmeric is an age-old remedy to address a plethora of skin issues.
Hydroquinone: As a widely recognized topical agent for hyperpigmentation, hydroquinone works by inhibiting melanin production, effectively lightening dark spots and improving overall skin tone, explains Reszko.
Applying prescription bleaching creams (hydroquinone) alone or with retinoids (tretinoin) and a mild steroid might gradually fade the spots over several months. The treatments might cause temporary itching, redness, burning or dryness. Laser and intense pulsed light.
Use a yellow color corrector if you have any purple discoloration, such as dark spots or violet-toned dark circles. Yellow can help counteract the purple tint, leaving you with a more even-looking skin tone.
Try to resist the temptation to pick or squeeze the spots, as this can lead to permanent scarring. Treatments can take several months to work, so do not expect results overnight. Once they do start to work, the results are usually good.
For this procedure, the dermatologist will apply the hydrogen peroxide solution to the age spot. The solution works to dissolve the pigment in the spot but may require several treatments for optimal results, particularly if the spot is large or very dark.
Using lemon juice to combat age spots is really a no-brainer. The citric acid and vitamin C in lemon make it the perfect natural bleaching agent. Test your skin first to see if you are sensitive to lemon juice at full strength. If the pure lemon juice is too harsh for your skin, you can dilute it with water.