Brown spots or age spots as we call them can appear on any part of the body that is over exposed to the sun. For very light skinned individuals, we see pigmented spots called freckles which come and go depending on the amount of sun exposure the skin receives. These age spots can appear commonly on the back of your hands, face and neck. Its important to check them frequently, and if they have changed in size, shape, and consistency, please have your health practitioner look at them to rule out skin cancer. However, prevention is key and in this case, protecting your skin against bot UVA and UVB rays is extremely important. Applying a sunscreen daily would be helpful, as well, wearing long loose clothing that would cover and protect the arms and hands, along with a hat would be ideal as well. Here are some ways to lighten existing spots:

1. Yogurt masks for age spots 

Yogurt has mild bleaching properties and can help lighten age spots and discoloration on the skin. Wash your face and skin with warm water and pat it dry. Then apply a thick layer of whole milk plain yoghurt, the fruity versions would make it too tempting:). You can add some honey to the yogurt to moisturize your skin as well.

Spread the layer on the affected areas and leave on for about 30 minutes and then rinse off with warm water. Try daily for a few months to notice a change.

2. Fading dark age spots 

Dab undiluted lemon juice on your age spots daily for three months for about 10 minutes. Lemon is  a powerful bleaching agent. Normally you should notice a difference in about three months. Lemon is a strong astringent as well, so it may be a little drying for the face, so moisturize with pure olive oil once you have washed your face off.

3. Strawberry Face Mask for Freckles and Age spots

A gentle, yummy smelling and effective way to lighten freckles and age spots. You can use frankincense essential oil to stimulate skin rejuvenation along with cosmetic clay.

Ingredients for the mask:

1  large ripe strawberry

2 tbsp. of plain yogurt 

2 drops of frankincense essential oil 

1/2 tsp of cosmetic clay 

Mash the strawberry and add the juice with the rest of the ingredients. Apply mixture to freshly washed skin and leave the mask in place for 20 minutes, then remove with a warm wet washcloth. Moisturize after.  Try the mask daily for oily skin, and every 2 – 3 days if you skin is dry.

These simple suggestions will help to naturally lighten age spots, however, it is important to make sure that the spots are in fact only age spots. Talk to you health care provider and get a thorough check for moles that may have changed in size or shape.

By: SUSHMA SHAH, Naturopathic Doctor, at the Nature’s Intentions Naturopathic Clinic.